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 5086 vs 5087 vs 5088: Which Combined Science Combination to Choose.
1 | Paper 5 format for Combined Science (Physics)
| Item | Detail |
| Paper | Paper 5 (Practical) |
| Duration | 1 h 30 min |
| Marks | 30 marks |
| Weighting | 15 % of combined-science grade |
Practical course completion-record note
For practical, lab, and experiment courses, Eclat Institute maintains centre-held attendance records and may also issue an internal attendance or completion document based on participation and internal assessment.
- For SEAB private-candidate declarations, the key evidence is the centre's attendance or completion record, not a government-issued certificate.
- 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 attend a practical course and complete it before the practical paper date.
View our sample completion document (Current sample layout (design may be refined over time))
