JC Cut-Off Points 2026: Complete Singapore Junior College Guide
For Singapore students waiting to plan their next step after O-Level results, the JC cut-off points 2026 offer a useful starting point. These figures show the net L1R5 aggregate of the last student posted to each course through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE). Arts and Science courses have separate cut-off points, while some schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) instead of A-Levels. The figures below cover the 2026 JAE intake, based on students who sat their O-Levels in 2025.
TL;DR — JC Cut-Off Points 2026 at a Glance
- Raffles Institution and Hwa Chong Institution had the lowest Science COP at 3 and Arts COP at 5.
- Eunoia Junior College and Nanyang Junior College recorded Science COPs of 5.
- JC admission uses the net L1R5 aggregate, after applicable bonus-point deductions.
- IB schools have separate programme entry figures, while Millennia Institute uses L1R4.
- A previous COP is a reference, not a guaranteed admission score.
JC Cut-Off Points 2026 for All Junior Colleges in Singapore
The table below lists the 2026 JAE cut-off points for the main A-Level JC courses and IB programmes. A lower score indicates a more competitive entry point.
Complete JC COP 2026 Table
| Junior college | Arts COP | Science COP | IB COP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Serangoon JC | 10 | 9 | — |
| Anglo-Chinese JC | 9 | 7 | — |
| Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) | — | — | 5 |
| Catholic JC | 12 | 11 | — |
| Dunman High School | 8 | 6 | — |
| Eunoia JC | 6 | 5 | — |
| Hwa Chong Institution | 5 | 3 | — |
| Jurong Pioneer JC | 14 | 14 | — |
| Nanyang JC | 7 | 5 | — |
| National JC | 8 | 6 | — |
| Raffles Institution | 5 | 3 | — |
| River Valley High School | 9 | 8 | — |
| St Andrew’s JC | 10 | 8 | — |
| St Joseph’s Institution | — | — | 6 |
| Tampines Meridian JC | 12 | 12 | — |
| Temasek JC | 7 | 7 | — |
| Victoria JC | 8 | 6 | — |
| Yishun Innova JC | 20* | 18 | — |
Source: 2026 JAE cut-off point listings. “—” means the programme is not offered in that category. A COP of 20* indicates vacancies remained after posting. Millennia Institute is excluded from this table because its three-year A-Level programme uses L1R4 rather than L1R5.
How to Read the JC Cut-Off Points Table
COP refers to the net aggregate score of the last student posted to a course in that JAE exercise. For example, a Science COP of 3 at Raffles Institution means the last posted student had a net L1R5 of 3. It does not mean every applicant with 3 points will automatically get a place. The Arts and Science COPs can differ within the same college because applicants choose different courses and the number of places available varies. IB courses should be compared using their own entry figures, not treated as Arts or Science courses.
Which JCs Have the Lowest Cut-Off Points in 2026?
Raffles Institution and Hwa Chong Institution recorded the lowest Science COP, at 3, and Arts COP, at 5. Eunoia Junior College and Nanyang Junior College followed for Science, both at 5.
These figures show how competitive a course was during the 2026 JAE, but they are not an official ranking of teaching quality. Students should also check subject combinations, CCAs, school culture and travel time from home. A college with a slightly higher COP may still be a better fit for a student’s interests and daily routine.
JC Cut-Off Points for Arts, Science and IB
Arts and Science Streams
Most A-Level junior colleges publish separate Arts and Science COPs. Science courses generally require stronger net L1R5 scores at several colleges, although this is not true everywhere. Temasek JC, for example, recorded a COP of 7 for both streams in 2026. Check the exact course rather than assuming one stream is always harder to enter.
IB Programmes in Singapore
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) recorded an IB COP of 5, while St Joseph’s Institution recorded 6. These programmes lead to the International Baccalaureate Diploma rather than the Singapore-Cambridge A-Level qualification. Students should compare the curriculum, assessment style and university plans before choosing between them.
What Is L1R5? How to Calculate Your Net L1R5 Score
L1R5 is the aggregate of six O-Level subjects used for JC admission. L1 refers to English Language, or Higher Mother Tongue Language where it gives a better aggregate. R1 is a Humanities subject, R2 is Mathematics or Science, R3 is another eligible Humanities, Mathematics or Science subject, and R4 and R5 are the next two eligible subjects.
Your gross L1R5 aggregate is the total before bonus points. Your net L1R5 aggregate is calculated after applicable bonus-point deductions and is used for JAE posting. General JC eligibility normally requires a gross L1R5 of 20 points or better, along with the required grades in English, Mathematics and Mother Tongue Language. Check MOE’s current requirements for the full criteria.
L1R5 Score Guide
| Net L1R5 score | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| 6 | Competitive for several lower-COP courses |
| 8 | Compare courses with COPs around this score |
| 10 | Check each course’s COP and eligibility rules |
| 12 | Consider courses with suitable COPs and entry requirements |
These are planning examples, not admission predictions. A student’s eligibility also depends on subject requirements, available places and the choices of other applicants. A lower net score is better.
JC Cut-Off Points 2025 vs 2026
Comparing the two JAE intakes shows that some course COPs changed, while others stayed the same. For instance, Hwa Chong Institution’s Science COP moved from 4 in 2025 to 3 in 2026. Eunoia JC’s Science COP remained at 5, while Tampines Meridian JC’s Arts COP shifted from 13 to 12.
| Junior college/course | 2025 JAE COP | 2026 JAE COP | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hwa Chong Institution — Science | 4 | 3 | 1 point lower |
| Eunoia JC — Science | 5 | 5 | No change |
| Tampines Meridian JC — Arts | 13 | 12 | 1 point lower |
| Jurong Pioneer JC — Arts | 15 | 14 | 1 point lower |
| Victoria JC — Science | 6 | 6 | No change |
The previous year’s COP can help you gauge course competitiveness, but it cannot predict the next intake exactly. Results and course preferences change from cohort to cohort.
How to Choose Your JC and Submit JAE Choices
Start by comparing your net L1R5 score with the COP for each course you are considering. Then check subject prerequisites, the course structure, CCAs and your daily commute. Open houses can be useful, too — speaking with current students may give you a better feel for school life than a table alone. For JAE posting, applicants are considered by net aggregate score and then by their stated course-choice order, subject to the applicable rules and vacancies. List courses in your genuine order of preference, and include alternatives you would be happy to attend. Use the official MOE SchoolFinder and JAE information page to check current entry criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions About JC COP 2026
What are the JC cut-off points for 2026?
They are the net L1R5 scores of the last students posted to individual courses in the 2026 JAE. Each college and course can have a different COP.
Which JC has the lowest cut-off point in Singapore?
Raffles Institution and Hwa Chong Institution had the lowest 2026 Science COP at 3, and Arts COP at 5.
Can I enter a JC with L1R5 12?
Possibly. Check the specific course COP and entry requirements. A score of 12 may meet some courses’ cut-offs but not others, and posting is not guaranteed.
Does meeting the COP guarantee admission?
No. The COP is a reference from a completed JAE exercise. Future results, course preferences and vacancies may change.
What is the difference between gross and net L1R5?
Gross L1R5 is the total before bonus-point deductions; net L1R5 is the aggregate after applicable deductions.
Where can I check official JC cut-off points?
Use MOE SchoolFinder and the relevant school’s admissions page for published course information.
Conclusion
The JC cut-off points 2026 give Singapore students a useful starting point for comparing junior colleges after O-Level results. Check the correct course, understand your net L1R5 score and confirm entry requirements through MOE before submitting your JAE choices. A COP can guide your shortlist, but it cannot promise a place.
