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AEIS pass rate is typically 20–30%, based on long-term trends and educator observations; MOE does not publish official figures.
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English is the biggest hurdle, responsible for roughly 60–70% of failures, mainly due to comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar demands.
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Younger entry levels (Primary 2–3) generally have better chances because of simpler content and more available seats.
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Secondary levels are harder, especially Secondary 2–3, where vacancies are very limited and competition is intense.
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AEIS (September) is easier than S-AEIS (February) because more school places are available in the main intake.
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Early, consistent preparation (3–6 months)—with daily reading, Singapore-style math practice, and timed mock exams—significantly improves success.
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Structured guidance and exam strategy matter; students who understand the exam format and manage time well outperform those who rely on memorization.
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Despite the low pass rate, AEIS is achievable with the right approach, and many students pass each year through disciplined preparation and clear expectations.
What Is the Pass Rate for AEIS Singapore?
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TL;DR: What Is the Pass Rate for AEIS Singapore? A Complete 2026 Hurdle-breaking journey
What Is the Pass Rate for AEIS Singapore? A Complete 2026 Hurdle-breaking journey
If you’re a parent thinking of placing your child in a Singapore government school through the AEIS exam, you’ve probably asked the same question almost every parent asks first:
What is the pass rate for AEIS Singapore? Honestly, it’s a valid question. Who wouldn’t want to know the odds before diving into something this competitive? AEIS preparation isn’t an ordinary assessment. It feels like preparing your child for a race where you’re not quite sure how long the track is or how steep the climb will be. But thousands of parents attempt it every year because Singapore’s education system is worth it. So let’s break everything down clearly with an overly perfect structure. Just real talk, real guidance, and a little bit of storytelling, because information lands better when it feels like a personal journey narrative.
What Exactly Is AEIS?
The Admission Exercise for International Students (AEIS) is Singapore’s official pathway for foreign students who want to enter local government schools. Children can apply for entry to:
- Primary 2 to Primary 5, and
- Secondary 1 to Secondary 3
The exam tests students in two core subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
AEIS isn’t a content-heavy memorization test. Instead, it focuses on whether a child can keep up with the fast-paced Singapore curriculum, which demands strong reading comprehension, problem-solving, and analytical ability And that’s exactly why the pass rate sits where it does.
What Is the Pass Rate for AEIS Singapore?
Here’s the straightforward truth: The AEIS pass rate typically ranges between 20% to 30%. That’s the realistic and widely acknowledged estimate shared across the education community in Singapore. Some years might be slightly higher, some lower, but it rarely moves outside this range. Before you panic, let’s unpack why.
Why the Pass Rate Is Not Higher
- Seats are limited in government schools
- Competition is intense
- English standards in Singapore are high
- Many students struggle with comprehension and vocabulary
- The exam focuses more on critical thinking than textbook recall
MOE never publishes official pass rates because vacancies vary every year. So, educators, parents, and preparation centers (including reputable ones like United Ceres College) rely on patterns seen across many exam cycles.
Is AEIS Hard? Yes, but Not Impossible
Is AEIS tough? Absolutely. Is it unachievable? Not at all. I remember a parent telling me last year:
It felt like a stressful mystery exam at first, but when my son passed, everything suddenly felt worth the effort.
AEIS is challenging but fair. It rewards real understanding, not memorization, and children who start early, especially with reading, often do surprisingly well.
Here’s what makes AEIS tricky:
- English passages are long and vocabulary-heavy
- Math requires logic, not steps learned by heart
- Time pressure catches many students off guard
- The exam uses Singapore-style questioning, which many foreign students are unfamiliar with
But, with the right preparation, thousands pass every year.
Which Level Has the Highest Chance of Passing?
Parents often hope there’s a sweet spot where entry is easier. If I’m being honest… yes and no.
When it comes to which AEIS level is easier to pass, there’s a noticeable pattern. Students applying for Primary 2 or Primary 3 generally have an easier time because the curriculum is simpler and the number of available seats tends to be higher. As you move up to Primary 4 and Primary 5, the difficulty increases mainly due to tougher English and Math requirements.
For Secondary 1, the competition becomes even stronger. Many students aim for this level, and the expectations for analytical skills and comprehension rise significantly. By the time you reach Secondary 2 and 3, the challenge becomes very steep. These levels are considered the hardest to enter because vacancies are extremely limited, making the pass rate much lower.
Overall, younger levels naturally have better chances due to simpler content and fewer competitors. But it’s important to remember that no level is truly easy; each requires consistent preparation and familiarity with Singapore’s academic style.
Factors That Influence the AEIS Pass Rate
Several things affect whether the pass rate rises or dips each year:
1. Available Seats
MOE only offers seats that remain after Singapore residents are placed.
2. Student Preparation Level
Those familiar with Singapore-style math and English have an advantage.
3. English Ability
This is the biggest deciding factor. Weak English = weak overall performance.
4. Exam Strategy
Skipping tough questions first, managing time, and understanding instructions play a huge role.
5. Quality of Training
Many students prepare through programs at United Ceres College, which offers structured AEIS-focused classes that reflect the real exam format.
Which Subject Causes More Students to Fail?
If AEIS has a villain, it’s English.
English Failure Rate
Approximately 60–70% of failures are because of English.
Why? Because it tests:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Cloze passages
- Synthesis and transformation
Even strong Math students fail simply because they misunderstand question instructions.
Math Failure Rate
Math is more predictable. Students who practice Singapore Math techniques generally score well.
Practical Ways to Increase Your Child’s Chances
Let’s be real. AEIS is not the kind of exam you pass by luck. You need smart strategies:
1. Begin at least 3–6 months early
The earlier the better. Consistency beats cramming.
2. Strengthen English daily
Even reading 15 minutes a day changes everything.
3. Use real AEIS-style papers
Students who practice mock exams walk into the test room confidently.
4. Consider joining a preparation program
Centers like United Ceres College specialize in AEIS prep, which can significantly boost readiness.
5. Teach time management
Skipping tough questions first is a huge advantage.
6. Track progress with weekly evaluations
Small, steady improvements lead to big results.
AEIS vs S-AEIS: Which Is Easier?
S-AEIS happens in February and offers fewer seats.
AEIS (September)
- More seats
- Better chance
S-AEIS (February)
- Fewer seats
- Slightly harder
Most first-time applicants choose AEIS for this reason.
Does School Choice Affect the Pass Rate?
Absolutely. Some schools have many vacancies, while others barely have any. You cannot choose your school; MOE places students based on available seats after the exam.
Easier to get into:
- Neighborhood schools
- Schools outside central Singapore
Harder:
- Top schools
- Central area schools (Bishan, Bukit Timah)
Final Thoughts:
Should You Still Consider AEIS Despite the Low Pass Rate? The truth? Yes, if your goal is to give your child access to a world-class education. AEIS is tough, and the pass rate may feel intimidating. But thousands of students pass every year, especially those who start early, practice consistently, and get proper guidance. If you need structured support, United Ceres College is one of the institutions known for solid AEIS preparation. Many parents find their programs reliable because they follow the Singapore exam style closely. Remember, AEIS isn’t about being the smartest kid in the room. It’s about preparation, strategy, and understanding. And with the right approach, your child can absolutely pass it.
1. What is the AEIS pass rate in Singapore?
The AEIS pass rate usually ranges between 20–30%, depending on vacancy numbers and student performance trends. It’s competitive, but students who prepare early, especially in English have a much higher chance of passing. MOE doesn’t release official pass rates, so figures come from repeated exam trends and educator observations.
2. Is AEIS harder than S-AEIS?
Generally, yes. S-AEIS offers fewer seats because it’s held early in the year, after most placements are confirmed. AEIS (September) usually sees higher pass rates because more vacancies are available. Most parents prefer attempting AEIS first and keeping S-AEIS as a backup.
3. Which level is easiest to pass?
Primary 2–3 typically shows better success rates because the syllabus is lighter and the competition is less intense. Higher levels, especially Secondary 2 and 3 have very limited seats, making them the hardest to enter. However, individual preparation matters more than the level itself.
4. How should my child prepare for AEIS?
Three things improve performance the most: consistent reading, regular math practice, and timed AEIS-style mock papers. Many parents choose preparation centers like United Ceres College for structured lessons, feedback, and exam strategies that closely match Singapore’s education standards.
5. How long does AEIS preparation usually take?
Most students need 3–6 months to build strong English and Math foundations. Children with weaker English may need longer. Starting early helps them adapt to Singapore-style questioning, improve comprehension, and boost confidence, making the overall experience far smoother and less stressful.