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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.
SEAB says students will sit SEC subjects at G1, G2, or G3 levels from 2027, with a single certificate showing the subjects and levels taken. For 2026 Combined Science candidates, keep using the current 5086, 5087, and 5088 O-Level syllabus codes while watching SEAB's SEC syllabus pages for the 2027 subject-level mapping.
These 2026 pages keep O-Level and N-Level wording because families still search that way. They also include SEC wording so 2027 families can recognise the new system.
Official reference: SEAB Secondary Education Certificate (SEC).
Eclat guides: What SEC means from 2027 and O-Level and N-Level to SEC comparison.
Related hubs
Side-by-side comparison of all three combinations: subject pairings, H2 prerequisites, and how to choose.
Practical prep for Paper 5: choose your Physics, Chemistry, or Biology component.
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.
Official SEAB syllabus documents for 5086, 5087, and 5088.
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.