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Everything you need for O-Level Combined Science in 2026: compare 5086, 5087, and 5088 combinations, understand Paper 1-5 structure, and track how O-Level and N-Level routes move into SEC subject levels from 2027.
Last updated: 2026-05-30
Which combination is right for you?
Most students in Singapore take Combined Science rather than Pure Science. The three SEAB combinations are:
Read our 5086 vs 5087 vs 5088 comparison guide for a detailed breakdown of subject pairings, H2 prerequisites, and exam structure.
O-Level and N-Level science routes move under SEC from 2027. From 2027, students take SEC subjects at G1, G2, or G3. The 2026 Combined Science codes remain 5086, 5087, and 5088. This page keeps the 2026 exam name for current candidates.
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Combined Science is an O-Level subject that pairs two science disciplines into one syllabus. SEAB offers three combinations: 5086 (Physics + Chemistry), 5087 (Physics + Biology), and 5088 (Chemistry + Biology). Each combination includes Paper 1, the two theory papers for its science components, and one shared Paper 5 practical.
Pure Science students take each science as a separate subject (6091 Physics, 6092 Chemistry, 6093 Biology), each with its own Papers 1 to 3. Combined Science students take one subject made up of two sciences, with Paper 1, the two theory papers for those sciences, and one shared Paper 5 practical.
It depends on your JC/poly plans: 5086 (Physics + Chemistry) covers the most common H2 prerequisite mix; 5088 (Chemistry + Biology) suits life-science pathways; 5087 (Physics + Biology) is less common but can still fit students aiming for biology plus a quantitative science. See our detailed comparison guide.
For practical, lab, and experiment courses, Eclat Institute keeps centre-held attendance records and may also issue an internal attendance or completion document based on participation and internal assessment.
Official references: MOE private-school certificate guidance · SEAB practical requirement for private candidates · SEAB registration declaration note.
Most JCs require a pass in the relevant pure science OR the corresponding Combined Science component to take H2. Check the specific JC's admission criteria - some JCs accept Combined Science while others prefer pure science grades.
The official SEAB syllabus PDFs are linked in our topic outline above: 5086 (Physics + Chemistry), 5087 (Physics + Biology), and 5088 (Chemistry + Biology). Each PDF includes the full topic list, assessment objectives, and Paper 5 practical format.