ELR2B2 explained: relevant subjects, raw scores and net scores

Five results, each used once

Under the O-Level JAE framework used for 2026/2027 planning, the calculation uses five subject results: EL (English Language), R2 (two relevant subjects) and B2 (two other best subjects). Lower aggregate scores are better.

A subject already used for English or a relevant slot cannot be counted again as a best subject. Combined Science supplies one result, even though its name contains two sciences. The official subject lists also specify which subjects qualify for each slot.

What do A, B, C and D mean?

Each diploma specifies its aggregate type. You cannot select whichever type happens to produce your lowest score and apply it to every course.

Check the complete lists in MOE’s 2026 aggregate subject table (PDF). A broad description such as “science” is not a substitute for checking a specific subject.

A worked ELR2B2-C example

Using the O-Level subject grades in SP’s published example:

The example also has Food & Nutrition at B3. It is not used in this five-subject selection. Science and Food & Nutrition have the same grade here; the two A2 results are better choices for the other-best-subject slots.

Now add an explicit assumption: if this applicant is eligible for two CCA bonus points, the net score is 14 − 2 = 12. This is a worked illustration, not an admission offer or a predicted cut-off.

Raw and net scores answer different questions

The raw (or gross) aggregate is the total before applicable bonus deductions. The net score is after those deductions. Under the current JAE CCA rules, an Excellent result (A1–A2) gives two bonus points and a Good result (B3–C6) gives one. Check MOE’s rules and eligibility conditions.

A CCA deduction changes the aggregate. It does not change an individual Mathematics, English or science grade, and cannot repair a failed minimum subject requirement.

Check three things before calling a course an option

1. The aggregate: use the course’s required type and the correct admission-year rules.
2. The minimum requirements: check required subjects, grades and any additional selection or suitability conditions.
3. The historical reference: past score ranges describe a past intake. They do not guarantee a place in the next one.

The current O-Level framework generally requires net ELR2B2 of 26 or better, with 28 for Nursing. Those ceilings are not the same as the score needed for a competitive course in a particular year.

From 2028: do not reuse the old calculation unchanged

The announced framework retains ELR2B2, but uses English, two relevant subjects and one best subject at G3, plus one best subject at G2-equivalent. The general net ceiling becomes 22, or 24 for Nursing.

If both best subjects are at G3, the better native grade stays in the G3 best-subject slot; the other is mapped to G2. MOE’s published mapping groups G3 A1–B3 as G2 grade 1, B4–C6 as grade 2, D7 as grade 3 and E8 as grade 4. G3 grade 9 and G2 grades 5–6 are not eligible for the aggregate. See MOE’s full framework and SEAB’s mapping explanation.

Do not directly compare a mapped future score with a historical O-Level cut-off. For 2028/2029 planning, keep announced framework rules separate from course-specific details. MOE says 2028 course information is expected in mid-2027; the 2026 examples on this site are not verified future entry requirements.