Placement of GCE "O" Level Private Candidates in Junior Colleges

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education (a) whether Singaporeans who are private candidates for the GCE O-Level examinations are disadvantaged in their allocation to junior colleges if they do not participate in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE); and (b) whether the Ministry can assure candidates who secure sufficient points for junior college admission that they are able to enroll in one, even without participating in the JAE.

The Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) is open to all GCE O-level certificate holders, including private candidates, who meet the age requirements and eligibility criteria. Candidates are treated the same under the JAE, based on the prevailing posting framework whether they are school or private candidates. However, those who were previously admitted to a course in Junior College (JC), Millenia Institute, polytechnic or the Institute of Technical Education can only apply for courses in other institution types when they participate in subsequent JAE.

We encourage candidates seeking admission to a JC to participate in the JAE. Under the JAE, all candidates who are eligible for JC and select a JC course as their first choice will be posted to a JC with remaining vacancies if they are unsuccessful in all their course choices. Those who meet the JC eligibility criteria but do not participate in the JAE can apply directly to a JC but will be limited to any remaining places after the JAE.