SEAB’s 2026 A-Level candidate booklet says Chinese B, Malay B and Tamil B results are reported as Merit, Pass or Ungraded. The same booklet states that Mother Tongue B is not an A-Level subject.
Keep the full subject name with the result when sharing it. The B in the subject title is part of the name. It does not mean the candidate obtained a grade B.
- Check the exact language subject name.
- Read the outcome as Merit, Pass or Ungraded.
- Use the subject name and outcome together when reporting the result.
- Confirm any separate admissions requirement with the institution.
How to read the subject and result together
For example, “Chinese B, Merit” names the subject and then reports its outcome. It is different from a letter grade for an H1 or H2 subject. Keep the wording as it appears on your official document.
SEAB also reports other results using words such as Merit or Pass. If you are looking at an H3 entry, use the H3 grade guide for that separate scale.
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Check what the receiving institution requires
Ask the institution how it treats Mother Tongue B for the course and intake you are considering. The SEAB reporting rule identifies the type of result. An institution’s admissions instructions tell you how to use it for that application.
If a form asks for the subject and grade in separate fields, copy each from the record. Ask the admissions office if the form does not offer the subject or reporting label shown.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a Merit in Chinese B an H1 grade B?
No. Merit is the stated outcome for Chinese B. SEAB says Mother Tongue B is not an A-Level subject.
Does the same reporting scale apply to Malay B and Tamil B?
The 2026 A-Level booklet lists Merit, Pass and Ungraded for all three.
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Official information
Consult SEAB’s 2026 GCE A-Level Rules and Regulations, especially the grading-system notes on Mother Tongue B. Guidance checked on 8 November 2026.