O-Level Combined Science (Physics) Paper 5 Practical Guide 2026

TL;DR
Combined Science (Physics) Paper 5 is 1 h 30 min, 30 marks, 15 % of the 5086 or 5087 grade.
Start with five skills: instrument reading, circuit setup, graph axes, gradient use, and ACE limitation statements. Paper 5 tests bench skills, MMO, PDO, ACE, and possible modification or extension prompts with a narrower apparatus scope than pure Physics Paper 3: mechanics, heat, electricity, and light.
The single biggest mark loss is sloppy instrument reading: read voltmeters and ammeters to the correct decimal place, and record thermometer readings to 0.5 °C or better.

Looking for pure-science scope instead? Use the O-Level Physics 6091 Paper 3 practical guide. Looking for structured subject support? See our O-Level Physics tuition programme.

This guide and the programme page

This article covers the physics practical content and technique for Paper 5. For session schedules, venue information, and enrolment, use the O-Level Science (Physics) practical programme page.

Not sure whether to take 5086 or 5087? See