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PSLE 2026 Timetable

*This page was last updated on March 2026.

PSLE Timetable: Exam Dates, Oral Exams and Marking Days

Understanding PSLE

If you are reading this, that means you have already started your research to prepare your child for the Primary School Leaving Examination, popularly known as PSLE. Admittedly, it is an examination that makes the entire Singaporean household sit up and take notice as the PSLE is the first significant landmark in a Primary 6 student’s education journey. It’s a compulsory national examination that marks the end of the Singapore Primary School program and the beginning of Secondary School.

Under the new PSLE scoring system, each subject will be scored using scoring bands known as Achievement Levels (ALs), which range from AL 1 to AL 8. The total score is then derived from the sum of the four PSLE subjects, which range from 4 to 32. The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board and the Ministry of Education Singapore are the joint examining authorities for the PSLE.

Throughout Primary School, which lasts for 6 years from primary 1 (age 7) to primary 6 (age 12), teachers and parents work towards preparing the child for the PSLE. So, it is natural that you should know everything there is to know about the PSLE schedule and examination, starting with the subjects, syllabus, new scoring system, and exam dates.

★ For your expected PSLE score, simply key in the expected score for each of the four subjects into our PSLE Score Calculator

The PSLE timetable is the official schedule for oral, listening comprehension, written papers and the marking exercise that follows. For 2026, oral exams start on 12 & 13 August, listening comprehension is 15 September and written papers run 24 to 30 September. You can access the official PSLE Timetable here.

In Singapore, dates feel “high-stakes” because PSLE affects Secondary 1 posting and family routines. This guide helps you plan without turning every week into a countdown clock.

What is the PSLE timetable?

What parents usually need is the “shape” of PSLE so you can plan CCA, tuition and family commitments with fewer last-minute surprises.

The PSLE examination period typically includes:

  • Oral examinations (English and Mother Tongue Languages)
  • Listening comprehension (English and Mother Tongue Languages)
  • Written examinations (English, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue papers)
  • Marking exercise period (often linked to school closure days for Primary 1 to 5)
  • PSLE results release date (usually 1 week after primary school closure)

SEAB publishes the PSLE timetable and key candidate dates as part of the national examinations calendar.

When is the PSLE examination held?

In most years, PSLE sits in Term 4, with results typically released in late November (the exact date is announced nearer to the period which is 1 week after closure of primary school academic year). For example, 2025 results were released on 25 November. 

For planning purposes, use this practical seasonal pattern to strategise your PSLE revision:

  • Mid-August: Oral
  • Mid-September: Listening comprehension
  • Late September: Written papers
  • Mid-October: Marking exercise
  • Late November: Results release window

PSLE exam timetable 2026

Below is the official PSLE exam timetable (2026), converted into parent-friendly 12-hour time format (SEAB’s PDF uses 24-hour time). 

Download SEAB’s official PSLE timetable PDF and keep it on your phone, then paste the key dates into a shared family calendar.

Key PSLE dates 2026 at a glance

Component

Date

Time (12-hour)

Notes

Oral exams (Day 1)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

8 AM - 1:30 PM

English

Foundation English

Chinese

Oral exams (Day 2)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026

8 AM - 1:30 PM

English

Chinese

Foundation Chinese

Listening comprehension

Tue, 15 Sep 2026

9 AM onwards, English at 11:15 AM

All Languages

English Paper 1 and 2

Thu, 24 Sep 2026

8:15 AM - 12:20 PM

English

Foundation English

Mathematics Paper 1 and 2

Fri, 25 Sep 2026

8:15 AM - 11:50 AM

Mathematics

Foundation Mathematics

Mother Tongue Paper 1 and 2

Mon, 28 Sep 2026

8:15 AM - 11:55 AM

Chinese

Foundation Chinese 

Science Paper 1

Tue, 29 Sep 2026

8:15 AM - 10 AM

Science 

Foundation Science (ends earlier) 

Higher Chinese Paper 1 and 2

Wed, 30 Sep 2026

8:15 AM - 11:35 AM

 
 

The PSLE schedule spans across two weeks. Students tackle the first two subjects before a weekend break offers a vital pause. This downtime is crucial for preparing for the final two papers. It allows your child to release tension and recharge before they step back into the exam hall. Use this cooling-off period to help them stay calm and focused.

Unique planning tool: “PSLE runway” checklist (8 weeks that actually matter)

This is the part I rarely see written clearly. Families over-plan months in advance but under-plan the final 8 weeks where stamina, sleep and routines decide performance.

8 weeks before oral

  • Lock in sleep and wake times
  • Practise oral in short daily bursts (10 to 12 minutes)
  • Reduce new enrichment commitments

2 weeks before listening comprehension

  • Do 3 timed listening practices across different days
  • Train “one-listen only” focus habits (no pausing, no replay)

2 weeks before written papers

  • Switch from “more practice” to “smarter practice”: error log, topical fixes, timed papers
  • Prepare exam logistics: entry proof, stationery, water bottle, travel plan (Leave early to avoid unexpected traffics)

PSLE marking days and marking period

Parents search “PSLE marking day” because it affects work leave, childcare etc. What are marking days? They refer to the period when scripts are marked as part of the national marking exercise coordinated after the written papers. SEAB lists this under key candidate dates.

Do students attend school on PSLE marking days?
Often, Primary 1 to 5 students may have school closure days during the marking exercise because educators are involved in marking and operational duties. Schools will communicate directly, so treat it as “likely” but always verify via your child’s school notices.

2026 marking exercise dates (official): Mon, 12 Oct to Wed, 14 Oct 2026. This is usually held in Term 4 Week 5 of the school calendar year. 

Families who plan childcare for marking days early often feel a sense of relief. We understand the pressure when both parents cannot take leave easily. Yet these days offer a strategic advantage. Use this time to prepare your child for the End-of-Year exams that run from late October to mid-November. A little focused revision now can help tackle specific learning gaps and build the confidence they need for the papers ahead.

When does the PSLE end?

It depends what you mean by “end”.

  • If you mean last paper, the final written paper for most students in 2026 is Science on 29 September or Higher Mother Tongue on 30 September for eligible students. 
  • If you mean the overall PSLE process, it stretches through the marking exercise in mid-October and ends operationally only after results are released.

Treat the last two months prior to PSLE dates as your final sprint. It is the perfect moment to give these papers your best effort. You will earn a well-deserved break to recharge before your secondary school journey begins.

PSLE results release date

SEAB and MOE announce the exact release date closer to the time. Results typically arrive in late November. For example, the 2025 results were released on 25 November at 11 AM. This falls within the first week of the primary school year-end holidays.

Parent Tip: Plan a routine that prioritises your child’s well-being. Results day is just one morning but the conversations about school choices stretch for days. Prepare for different outcomes now. You will be ready to support your child and help them navigate the next step with confidence.

Who sets the PSLE timetable?

SEAB publishes the official PSLE timetable and important candidate dates as part of Singapore’s national examinations administration. MOE provides the national exams dates overview and jointly communicates key operational announcements such as results release. Here's the overview of the overall PSLE timetable. 

  Date
Registration 14 April (Tuesday) to 27 April (Monday)
Oral 12 August (Wednesday) to 13 August (Thursday)
Listening Comprehension 15 September (Tuesday)
Written Examination 24 September (Thursday) to 25 September (Friday)
28 September (Monday) to 30 September (Wednesday)
Marking Exercise 12 October (Monday) to 14 October (Wednesday)

FAQ

1) What is the PSLE timetable?

The PSLE timetable is the official schedule that sets out when your child will sit for oral exams, listening comprehension and written papers, plus the marking exercise period that follows. It helps parents plan routines, transport, childcare and revision pacing. SEAB publishes the timetable and key candidate dates, so treat it as the source of truth rather than WhatsApp forwards or unofficial blogs. 

2) Who decides the PSLE examination schedule?

SEAB publishes the PSLE examination timetable and important dates as part of its role in administering national examinations in Singapore. MOE also provides national examinations date overviews and issues joint announcements with SEAB for major updates like results release. In practice, schools then operationalise the details for students, such as reporting time and venue instructions, based on SEAB’s published schedule. 

3) When does the PSLE examination usually start?

For most cohorts, PSLE starts with the oral examinations in mid-August, followed by listening comprehension in September and written papers in late September. In 2026 specifically, oral exams are on 12 and 13 August. Listening comprehension is on 15 September. Written papers begin on 24 September. Planning backwards from oral is helpful because it sets the tone for confidence early. 

4) When does the PSLE examination period end?

If you mean the last test paper, it ends in late September for most students, with some students sitting Higher Mother Tongue on the final day. If you mean the whole PSLE process, it extends beyond papers into the marking exercise in mid-October and only “concludes” after results are released in late November. This is why families often keep September to November relatively clear, especially on weekdays.

5) What subjects are included in the PSLE timetable?

The PSLE timetable typically includes English, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue Language papers, plus oral and listening components where applicable. Some students also take Higher Mother Tongue. SEAB’s official 2026 timetable lists the exam dates and times for each subject component, including Foundation level papers for eligible students. Always check your child’s subject combination through school to match it accurately to the timetable. 

6) When are PSLE oral examinations conducted?

PSLE oral examinations are usually held in mid-August. In 2026, SEAB schedules them on Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 13 August. Oral includes English and Mother Tongue Languages, depending on the day and language. Practically, oral is a confidence test as much as a language test, so short, consistent practice in the weeks before matters more than one long “cram” session. 

7) What are PSLE marking days?

“PSLE marking days” refer to the marking exercise period when scripts are marked under national exam processes. SEAB publishes the marking exercise dates under important candidate dates. In 2026, the marking exercise is from Monday 12 October to Wednesday 14 October. Many primary schools may have closure days for primary 1 to 5 during this period, so parents often plan childcare and leave in advance. 

8) When are PSLE results usually released?

PSLE results are usually released in late November, with the exact date announced nearer to the period by MOE and SEAB. For example, MOE’s press release stated the 2025 PSLE results were released on 25 November at 11 AM. Use “late November” or the start of year-end primary school holiday as your planning anchor, then adjust once the official announcement is out so you can plan family schedules and secondary 1 posting steps calmly.

Final advice

Use the PSLE timetable to protect your child’s routine, not to amplify stress. Anchor your planning around oral (mid-August), listening (mid-September), written papers (late September) and marking days (mid-October), then keep late November flexible for results and posting decisions.

 

 

 


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