AEIS Exam Format - Your Trusted Resource for Accurate Test Details
The Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) is the official assessment conducted by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) for international students seeking admission into Singapore government schools. Each level follows a specific English and Mathematics exam structure, and success depends not only on subject knowledge but also on exam familiarity, time management, and correct answering techniques.
Navigating the pathway into a Singapore government school can feel complex. That’s why AEIS.com.sg provides a clear overview of the AEIS Exam Format, helping international students and their parents understand every stage of the process, prepare effectively, and avoid unnecessary confusion.
AEIS Exam-Backed Guidance Based on Official Standards
For many parents, AEIS is their first exposure to Singapore’s education standards. The exam format may feel unfamiliar – especially the emphasis on English proficiency, problem-solving, and method marks.
Our AEIS exam format guide is developed by educators with over 10 years of direct AEIS teaching and preparation experience.
Built on Real AEIS Preparation Experience
The content on this page is informed by years of hands-on experience supporting international students preparing for AEIS and S-AEIS entry. Our guidance reflects real classroom observations, common student challenges, and practical exam-day expectations, not theoretical assumptions.
Educators Familiar with Singapore AEIS Exam Format
All AEIS exam format explanations are reviewed by educators who understand Singapore’s MOE assessment approach, including marking emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and method. This ensures the information aligns with how AEIS papers are structured and evaluated in practice.
Aligned with Official MOE & SEAB Guidelines
Every effort is made to ensure the AEIS exam formats, requirements, and assessment details reflect the latest publicly available information from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SEAB. Outdated structures and superseded requirements are intentionally excluded to keep this page current and relevant.
Clear, Transparent, and Parent-Friendly
We prioritise clarity over complexity. Information is presented in a structured, easy-to-understand manner so parents can make informed decisions without needing prior knowledge of Singapore’s education system. Where policies may change, we provide guidance rather than assumptions.
Independent and Unbiased Guidance
AEIS.com.sg is an independent educational resource. Our explanations are provided solely to help everyone understand the exam format and preparation expectations. Parents are always encouraged to verify final details through official MOE announcements.
AEIS Syllabus Aligned with MOE Standards and Exam Expectations
The AEIS syllabus reflects the academic expectations of Singapore government schools and is aligned with the Ministry of Education (MOE) curriculum benchmarks for each entry level. While MOE does not publish a fixed or downloadable AEIS syllabus document, the examination assesses students based on grade-appropriate competencies in English and Mathematics.
English
What Is Assessed
Language proficiency aligned with Singapore school standards.
Key Focus Areas
Writing skills, reading comprehension, grammar accuracy, and vocabulary usage.
Mathematics
What Is Assessed
Conceptual understanding and application of mathematical concepts.
Key Focus Areas
Problem-solving ability, logical reasoning, and clear presentation of solution methods, rather than rote memorisation.
At AEIS.com.sg, our syllabus guidance is informed by years of hands-on AEIS preparation experience and analysis of past exam trends, helping parents and students focus on what truly matters for exam readiness.
AEIS Subjects Tested
The AEIS examination tests two core subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
Both AEIS subjects are compulsory, and students must demonstrate sufficient competency to be considered for placement.
Important Note on AEIS & S-AEIS Registration
AEIS registration usually closes once school vacancies are filled. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the AEIS examination, please visit the official MOE website.
Parents who miss AEIS may consider the Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS), which typically opens after the release of AEIS results.
Available levels under S-AEIS usually include:
- Primary 2
- Primary 3
- Primary 4
- Secondary 1
- Secondary 2
Primary 5 and Secondary 3 are generally not available under S-AEIS. Unsure which pathway applies to your child?
Documents to Bring on Test Day
Students must bring:
- A copy of the passport bio-data page
- A copy of the Entry Proof issued by SEAB
Failure to produce these documents may result in the student being disallowed from sitting the examination.
Primary 2 or Primary 3 Test Details
AEIS Mathematics Exam Format (Primary 2 / 3)
Part 1
Question Type
Multiple-choice questions (29 items)
Duration: 25 minutes
Part 2
Question Type
Short-answer questions (17 items)
Duration: 40 minutes
Important Notes:
- Calculators are not allowed during the test.
- For short-answer questions, students must show their working clearly in the spaces provided.
- Marks are awarded for a clear method of solution, not just for the final answer.
AEIS.com.sg Expert Tips: Encourage your child to practise timed problem-solving and show complete working steps. This helps secure method marks even when answers are incomplete.
Not sure how to train for method marks, what the AEIS Primary exam standards are, what topics or syllabus to cover, or how to prepare your child to score well in the Math paper?
English Test Requirement (CEQ)
For AEIS Primary admission, students are required to take the Cambridge English Qualification (CEQ) test.
To qualify for the respective levels:
Primary 2
English Proficiency Requirement
A2 Key for Schools
Minimum Score: 100
Primary 3
English Proficiency Requirement
A2 Key for Schools
Minimum Score: 120
Important: The CEQ result is valid for one year. Parents are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and ensure their child’s results are available before AEIS registration opens, as vacancies may close once places are filled.
AEIS registration closes early when vacancies are filled! Avoid last-minute stress!
Not sure where to register for the Cambridge English Qualification (CEQ) test or how to plan your child’s test and AEIS timeline?
AEIS Primary 4 or Primary 5 Exam Format Details
English Test Requirement
For AEIS Primary 4 & 5 admission, students are required to take the Cambridge English Qualification (CEQ) test.
To qualify for the respective levels:
Primary 4
English Proficiency Requirement
A2 Key for Schools
Minimum Score: 130
Primary 5
English Proficiency Requirement
B1 Preliminary for Schools
Minimum Score: 140
Important: The CEQ result is valid for one year. Parents are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and ensure their child’s results are ready before AEIS registration opens, as vacancies may close once places are filled.
Not sure where to register for the Cambridge English Qualification (CEQ) test or how to plan your child’s test and AEIS timeline?
AEIS Mathematics Exam Format (Primary 4/5)
Part 1
Question Type
Multiple-choice questions (30 items)
Duration: 35 minutes
Primary 3
Question Type
Short-answer questions (8 items) and open-ended questions (6 items)
Duration: 50 minutes
Important Notes
- Calculators are not allowed during the test.
- For short-answer and open-ended questions, your child must show the method of solution clearly, writing each working step and the final answer in the spaces provided.
- Open-ended questions generally require longer and more complex solution methods compared to short-answer questions.
AEIS.com.sg Expert Tips: Encourage your child to practise timed problem-solving and show every working step clearly, this helps them earn method marks even if the final answer is incomplete.
Get advice on what to study, how to plan your timeline, and which study materials best match
Secondary 1 Exam Details
AEIS English Exam Format (2 hours 10 minutes)
The AEIS Secondary 1 English Test lasts 2 hours and 10 minutes and consists of two parts:
Part 1
Component
Writing
Details:
Students must choose one out of two given topics and write a composition based on it.
- Word count: 200 - 300 words
Part 2
Component
Comprehension & Language Use
Details:
50 compulsory multiple-choice questions (MCQs) assessing:
- Comprehension (2 passages – 15 items)
- Comprehension Cloze (2 passages – 15 items)
- Vocabulary (10 items)
- Grammar (10 items)
AEIS.com.sg Expert Tips: Regular practice in reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar helps students improve accuracy, build confidence, and perform well in the AEIS English Exam.
Need help with essay structure or comprehension skills?
AEIS Mathematics Exam Format (Secondary 1)
Part 1
Question Type
Multiple-Choice Questions (34 items)
Duration: 30 minutes
Primary 3
Question Type
Short-Answer Questions (20 items)
Open-Ended Questions (10–15 items)
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Important Notes
- Calculators are not allowed.
- For short-answer and open-ended questions, your child must clearly show the solution method by writing each working step in the provided spaces, along with the final answer.
- Open-ended questions generally require longer, more complex methods of solution than short-answer questions. Ensure each working step and the final answer are written clearly.
AEIS.com.sg Expert Tips: Encourage your child to practise timed problem-solving and show complete working steps. This helps them secure method marks even if the final answer is incomplete.
Not sure what the AEIS Secondary exam standards are, what topics or syllabus to cover, or how to prepare your child to score well in the Math paper?
AEIS Secondary 2 Exam Format Details
AEIS English Exam Format
The AEIS Secondary 2 English Test lasts 2 hours and 10 minutes and consists of two parts:
Part 1
Component
Writing
Details:
Students must choose one of four given topics and write a composition based on it.
- Word count: 250 – 350 words
Part 2
Component
Comprehension & Language Use
Details:
50 compulsory multiple-choice questions (MCQs) assessing:
- Comprehension: 2 passages - 15 items
- Comprehension Cloze: 2 passages - 15 items
- Vocabulary: 10 items
- Grammar: 10 items
AEIS.com.sg Expert Tips: Regular practice in reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar helps students improve accuracy, build confidence, and perform well in the AEIS English Test.
Not sure what the AEIS Secondary exam standards are, what topics or syllabus to cover, or how to prepare your child to score well in the English paper?
AEIS Mathematics Exam Format (Secondary 2)
Part 1
Question Type
Multiple-Choice Questions (34 items)
Duration: 30 minutes
Calculator: Not allowed
Primary 3
Question Type
Short-Answer Questions (20 items)
Open-Ended Questions (10–15 items)
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calculator: Not allowed
Structure is similar to Secondary 1, with greater complexity and deeper concept application.
Unsure how Secondary-level Math differs from Primary?
AEIS Secondary 3 Exam Format Details
AEIS English Exam Format
The AEIS Secondary 3 English Test lasts 2 hours and 10 minutes and consists of two parts:
Part 1
Component
Writing
Details:
Students must choose one of four given topics and write a composition based on it.
- Word count: 300 - 400 words
Part 2
Component
Comprehension & Language Use
Details:
50 compulsory multiple-choice questions (MCQs) assessing:
- Comprehension: 2 passages - 15 items
- Comprehension Cloze: 2 passages - 15 items
- Vocabulary: 10 items
- Grammar: 10 items
AEIS.com.sg Expert Tips: Regular practice in reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar helps students improve accuracy, build confidence, and perform well in the AEIS English Test.
Not sure what the AEIS Secondary 3 English exam standards are, what topics or syllabus to cover, or how to prepare your child to score well in the English paper?
AEIS Mathematics Exam Format (Secondary 3)
Part 1
Question Type
Multiple-Choice Questions (34 items)
Duration: 30 minutes
Primary 3
Question Type
Short-Answer Questions (20 items) and
Open-Ended Questions (10–15 items)
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
AEIS.com.sg Expert Tips: Encourage your child to practise timed problem-solving and to show complete working steps. This helps secure method marks even when answers are incomplete.
- Calculators are not allowed.
- For short-answer and open-ended questions, students must show the solution method clearly, writing each working step in the spaces provided, together with the final answer.
- Open-ended questions generally require longer and more complex solution methods than short-answer questions; ensure working steps are written clearly and legibly.
Get advice on what to study, how to plan your timeline, and which study material to use for the secondary 3 math exam preparation.
Optical Answer Sheet (OAS) for Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) - Important for All Levels
For the multiple-choice questions (MCQ), your child will need a 2B pencil to shade their answers on the Optical Answer Sheet (OAS) provided.
AEIS.com.sg Expert Tips: Bring at least two sharpened 2B pencils, an eraser, and a ruler to avoid any delays during the test.
Still Unsure Where Your Child Stands?
AEIS admission depends on correct timing, readiness, and exam-focused preparation. Speaking to an expert at AEIS.com.sg early can help parents avoid costly mistakes and last-minute stress. Our guidance is obligation-free, exam-format focused, and designed to support parents at every stage of the AEIS journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the AEIS Exam Format include?
The AEIS exam includes English and Mathematics papers assessing writing, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and problem-solving skills.
Is the AEIS Exam Format the same every year?
The structure remains largely consistent, though question difficulty and emphasis may vary slightly each year.
Is there a fixed passing mark for AEIS?
No. Admission depends on performance relative to other candidates and available school vacancies.
How long are the AEIS exams?
English papers last about 2 hours, while Mathematics papers range from 1 to nearly 2 hours, depending on level.
How should students prepare for the AEIS format?
Preparation should include AEIS-style mock exams, topic-based practice, and guided lessons aligned with MOE standards.
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Disclaimer:
AEIS.com.sg does not represent AEIS or S-AEIS. AEIS and S-AEIS are centralised admissions exercises conducted by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore. This page is for general guidance only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, AEIS.com.sg is not affiliated with or endorsed by MOE. Parents should always refer to the official MOE AEIS website for the latest updates and announcements.