What is O-Level Combined Science?

Combined Science is an O-Level subject that pairs two science disciplines into one exam. SEAB offers three combinations: 5086 (Physics + Biology), 5087 (Chemistry + Biology), and 5088 (Physics + Chemistry). Each combination has Papers 1, 2, 3, and 5.

What is the difference between Combined Science and Pure Science at O-Level?

Pure Science students take each science as a separate subject (6091 Physics, 6092 Chemistry, 6093 Biology) with its own Papers 1-3. Combined Science students take two sciences as one subject with shared Paper 1 (MCQ) and Paper 2 (structured), plus separate practical papers for each component.

Which Combined Science combination should I choose — 5086, 5087, or 5088?

It depends on your JC/poly plans: 5088 (Physics + Chemistry) covers the most common H2 prerequisites; 5087 (Chemistry + Biology) suits life-science pathways; 5086 (Physics + Biology) is less common but works for environmental or biomedical interests. See our detailed comparison guide.

Can I take H2 Chemistry or H2 Physics with Combined Science?

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.

Where can I download the Combined Science syllabus for 2026?

The official SEAB syllabus PDFs are linked in our topic outline above: 5086 (Physics + Biology), 5087 (Chemistry + Biology), and 5088 (Physics + Chemistry). Each PDF includes the full topic list, assessment objectives, and Paper 5 practical format.

O-Level Combined Science 2026 | 5086, 5087, 5088 Syllabus & Free Guide

Everything you need for O-Level Combined Science: compare 5086, 5087, and 5088 combinations, understand Paper 1-5 structure, and access practicals and study resources.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Ask about Combined Science Explore Guides In This Hub

Which combination is right for you?

Most students in Singapore take Combined Science rather than Pure Science. The three SEAB combinations are:

5086 — Physics + Biology
5087 — Chemistry + Biology
5088 — Physics + Chemistry (most common for JC H2 prerequisites)

Read our 5086 vs 5087 vs 5088 comparison guide for a detailed breakdown of subject pairings, H2 prerequisites, and exam structure.

Paper structure overview for all three combinations with marks and duration.

Links to official SEAB syllabus PDFs for 5086, 5087, and 5088.

Paper 5 practical prep with component-specific guides.

Combination comparison to help choose the right path for JC or poly.

Related hubs

Combined Science Paper 5 practicals hub — practical prep with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology component pages.
Pure O-Level Physics practicals (6091)
Pure O-Level Chemistry practicals (6092)
Pure O-Level Biology practicals (6093)

Practical course certificate note

For practical, lab, and experiment courses, Eclat Institute may issue an internal Certificate of Completion/Attendance based on participation and internal assessment.

This is an internal centre-issued certificate, not an MOE/SEAB qualification or accreditation.
Recognition (if any) is determined by the receiving school, institution, or employer.
For SEAB private candidates taking science practical papers, SEAB states you should either have taken the subject before or complete a practical course before the practical exam date.

View our sample certificate template (Current sample layout (design may be refined over time))

Sample of Eclat Institute's laboratory completion certificate. — Current sample layout (design may be refined over time). Open for full-size view.

Official references: MOE private-school certificate guidance · SEAB practical requirement for private candidates · SEAB registration declaration note.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is O-Level Combined Science?
Combined Science is an O-Level subject that pairs two science disciplines into one exam. SEAB offers three combinations: 5086 (Physics + Biology), 5087 (Chemistry + Biology), and 5088 (Physics + Chemistry). Each combination has Papers 1, 2, 3, and 5.
What is the difference between Combined Science and Pure Science at O-Level?
Pure Science students take each science as a separate subject (6091 Physics, 6092 Chemistry, 6093 Biology) with its own Papers 1-3. Combined Science students take two sciences as one subject with shared Paper 1 (MCQ) and Paper 2 (structured), plus separate practical papers for each component.
Which Combined Science combination should I choose — 5086, 5087, or 5088?
It depends on your JC/poly plans: 5088 (Physics + Chemistry) covers the most common H2 prerequisites; 5087 (Chemistry + Biology) suits life-science pathways; 5086 (Physics + Biology) is less common but works for environmental or biomedical interests. See our detailed comparison guide.

Topic Outline

Which combination? 5086 vs 5087 vs 5088
Side-by-side comparison of all three combinations: subject pairings, H2 prerequisites, and how to choose.
Paper 5 Practicals Hub
Practical prep for Paper 5: choose your Physics, Chemistry, or Biology component.
SEAB Syllabus PDFs (2026)
Official SEAB syllabus documents for 5086, 5087, and 5088.

Syllabus Breakdown

Year	Key Topics Covered
5086 — Physics + Biology	Paper 1: MCQ (1 h, 40 marks, 20%) Paper 2: Structured + free response (1 h 45 min, 65 marks, 40%) Paper 3: Physics practical (1 h 30 min, 40 marks, 20%) Paper 5: Biology practical (1 h 30 min, 30 marks, 20%)
5087 — Chemistry + Biology	Paper 1: MCQ (1 h, 40 marks, 20%) Paper 2: Structured + free response (1 h 45 min, 65 marks, 40%) Paper 3: Chemistry practical (1 h 30 min, 40 marks, 20%) Paper 5: Biology practical (1 h 30 min, 30 marks, 20%)
5088 — Physics + Chemistry	Paper 1: MCQ (1 h, 40 marks, 20%) Paper 2: Structured + free response (1 h 45 min, 65 marks, 40%) Paper 3: Physics practical (1 h 30 min, 40 marks, 20%)