Over the years, Singapore’s Junior College (JC) cut-off points (COPs) have exhibited both stability and subtle shifts, reflecting changes in educational policies, student preferences, and institutional developments. 

Here are the cut off points for 2025 and an overview of the JCs that are most commonly applied to! 

JC Cut-Off Points 2025 

Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/-/media/files/post-secondary/2025-jae/2025-jae-courses.pdf

📊JC Cut-Off Points: Trends Over the Years

Historically, top-tier JCs like Raffles Institution (RI) and Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) have maintained low COPs, indicative of their consistent academic excellence. 

For instance, in 2010, both RI and HCI had COPs of 3 for both Arts and Science streams. 

Fast forward to 2025, RI’s COP stands at 3 for Science and 5 for Arts (2~5), while HCI’s is 4 for both streams (2~5). This slight increase may be attributed to the introduction of the Integrated Programme (IP), where a significant portion of students bypass the O-Levels, reducing the number of spots available through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

Mid-tier JCs have experienced more noticeable changes. For example, Temasek Junior College (TJC) had a COP of 8 for both streams in 2010. By 2025, TJC’s COP has improved to 7 for Science and 8 for Arts (6~8), reflecting its rising popularity and academic performance.

Top JCs: Then and Now

In recent years, several Junior Colleges (JCs) in Singapore have undergone mergers as part of the Ministry of Education’s efforts to optimize resources in response to declining student cohorts. 

In 2019, four key JC mergers took place. 

1. Anderson JC merged with Serangoon JC to form Anderson Serangoon JC (ASRJC), located at the former Anderson JC campus.
   
   
2. Tampines JC merged with Meridian JC to form Tampines Meridian JC (TMJC), operating from the Meridian JC site.
   
   
3. Yishun JC and Innova JC combined to become Yishun Innova JC (YIJC), situated at the former Yishun JC campus.
   
   
4. Likewise, Jurong JC merged with Pioneer JC to form Jurong Pioneer JC (JPJC), housed in the former Pioneer JC premises. 

Additionally, Catholic Junior College ceased operations after 2016 and was not merged but rather phased out, with students redirected to other institutions. 

However, newer JCs like Eunoia Junior College (EJC) have emerged as formidable contenders. Established in 2017, EJC’s 2025 COP is 5 for both streams, showcasing its rapid ascent in the JC landscape. 

Emerging Trends and Influences

Several factors have influenced the shifts in JC COPs:

1. Integrated Programme (IP): JCs with IPs, such as RI and HCI, reserve a significant number of slots for IP students, leading to higher COPs for JAE applicants due to limited vacancies.
   
   
2. Geographical Preferences: Students increasingly prioritize proximity to home, benefiting JCs like TJC and Tampines Meridian JC (TMJC), which have seen improved COPs.
   
   
3. Specialized Programs: JCs offering niche programs, such as the Chinese Language Elective Programme (CLEP) or strong arts curricula, attract students with specific interests, influencing their COPs.
   
   
4. Holistic Development: Mid-tier JCs emphasizing student well-being, leadership, and CCAs are becoming more appealing, leading to more competitive COPs.