Quick answer: SEAB publishes grade mapping for specified post-secondary aggregate calculations. A G3 result may be mapped to G2, and a G2 result may be mapped to G1. When a G3 result needs to be expressed at G1 for a permitted progression calculation, it is mapped in two stages: G3 to G2, then G2 to G1. This is not a new grade on the SEC certificate and should not be used unless the destination’s rules require it.
Full SBB students can have different subject levels in one SEC certificate. Grade mapping helps calculate certain admissions aggregates across these levels, but the mapping is an administrative calculation—not a claim that the syllabuses are identical.
Independent eduKate Singapore guide · Checked 11 November 2026 against SEAB’s published mapping table.
Find the answer you need
- Why grade mapping exists
- The G3-to-G2 mapping
- The G2-to-G1 mapping
- How a G3 result reaches G1: two-stage example
- Another example: a G3 grade at the lower end of the scale
- What grade mapping does not do
- Do all post-secondary pathways use the same mapping?
- A parent worksheet for checking mapped values
- Frequently asked questions
Why grade mapping exists
Students under Full SBB may take different subjects at G1, G2 and G3. Some post-secondary progression routes need to calculate an aggregate using results that may have been earned at different subject levels. SEAB therefore publishes specified mappings for those calculations.
The mapping does not alter what the student studied or the grade printed on the SEC. A candidate who earns G3 B4 still has G3 B4. If an eligible admissions calculation requires a G2-equivalent grade, the value is mapped for that calculation only.
This distinction prevents a common misunderstanding: a mapping is not a second examination result, a school-level upgrade, or an automatic entitlement to a course. It is a conversion rule used where the admissions framework specifies it.
The G3-to-G2 mapping
| Actual G3 grade | Mapped G2 grade |
|---|---|
| A1, A2 or B3 | 1 |
| B4, C5 or C6 | 2 |
| D7 | 3 |
| E8 | 4 |
| 9 | 5 |
These are SEAB’s published mappings for specified post-secondary aggregates. They are not a general statement that G3 and G2 subjects have identical learning content or that every institution must accept the mapped result.
Notice that G3 grade 9 maps to G2 grade 5. The table does not produce G2 grade 6 from a G3 result. Use the actual table rather than inventing a conversion from percentages or a private tuition worksheet.
The G2-to-G1 mapping
| Actual G2 grade | Mapped G1 grade |
|---|---|
| 1, 2 or 3 | A |
| 4 | B |
| 5 | C |
| 6 | D |
This table applies when an admission calculation needs to express a G2 result at G1. It does not change the student’s original G2 subject result. Again, it should only be used where the destination’s published framework permits it.
The G1 grade E is not assigned by the listed G2-to-G1 mapping. Do not invent an E equivalent. A candidate’s original result and the permitted aggregate rules remain the reference points.
How a G3 result reaches G1: two-stage example
Suppose a student earns G3 Mathematics B4. The first stage maps B4 to G2 grade 2. The second stage maps G2 grade 2 to G1 grade A. Thus, for a calculation that explicitly requires a G1-equivalent value and permits the mapping, the result is represented as G1 A.
The student’s SEC certificate still shows G3 Mathematics B4. It does not show a new G1 Mathematics A, and the student has not sat a G1 Mathematics examination in addition to G3 Mathematics.
Keep the three facts separate: actual SEC result, mapped value for the specified admission calculation, and the final course eligibility outcome. The third depends on the course’s rules and available places.
Another example: a G3 grade at the lower end of the scale
Consider a candidate with G3 English E8. The first mapping gives G2 grade 4. The second mapping gives G1 grade B. If a destination uses the two-stage conversion and accepts the subject for that calculation, G1 B is the calculated equivalent.
That does not mean the candidate automatically satisfies an English requirement. The destination may require a particular subject taken at a particular level or impose a minimum actual grade. The mapping table must be read together with those instructions.
Never convert a result twice when the admissions system already applies the official mapping automatically. Follow the actual PSE or institution application form to avoid double-counting the conversion.
What grade mapping does not do
- It does not change the subject level printed on the SEC certificate.
- It does not make a G1, G2 and G3 syllabus identical.
- It does not mean a candidate can register for the same subject at two levels.
- It does not automatically satisfy every subject prerequisite.
- It does not guarantee an offer from JC, MI, polytechnic, PFP or ITE.
- It does not authorise parents to convert every school mark using the SEAB table.
Use grade mapping only for the aggregate and progression purpose identified by the current admission rules. If a form or school counsellor gives an official calculation, check which subjects and mapping stage have been used.
Do all post-secondary pathways use the same mapping?
No. Different pathways may use different aggregates and different rules for which subjects can count. SEAB gives examples such as ELMAB3 for PFP and certain Higher Nitec routes, and ELR2B2 for polytechnic admissions. The relevant admission policy determines whether a mapped grade is accepted.
Do not assume a mapping used for PFP automatically applies to direct Polytechnic Year 1, JC, MI or every ITE course. Read the destination’s named aggregate, subject group and minimum grades.
For the 2028 PSE, MOE will provide the relevant application and course criteria. Families should use the current intake information when applying rather than relying on an old admission calculator built for a previous qualification system.
A parent worksheet for checking mapped values
| Actual subject result | Actual level | Mapping needed? | Official mapped value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy exact grade | G1 / G2 / G3 | Check route rule | Use SEAB table only if permitted |
| Copy exact grade | G1 / G2 / G3 | Check route rule | Record conversion stage |
Then check the subject group and course minimums. A correct conversion may still be irrelevant if the subject is not allowed to count in that aggregate. Write down the source and year of the admission rule used.
Frequently asked questions
Can G3 grades be mapped directly to G1?
SEAB says the mapping is done through G2 first when a G1 equivalent is needed for progression purposes.
Does mapped G1 A replace G3 B4 on the certificate?
No. The SEC result remains G3 B4.
Does G3 grade 9 map to G2 grade 6?
No. The published table maps G3 grade 9 to G2 grade 5.
Does G2 grade 6 map to G1 E?
No. SEAB’s published G2-to-G1 table maps grade 6 to G1 D.
Can parents use mapping to compare classmates?
No. It is intended for specified progression calculations, not a universal ranking tool.
Does a mapped aggregate guarantee admission?
No. All course prerequisites, eligibility rules and places still apply.
Official sources and related eduKate reading
Sources checked 11 November 2026.
- SEAB — official G3-to-G2 and G2-to-G1 mapping tables
- MOE — 2028 post-secondary admissions changes
- MOE — Post-Secondary Admissions Exercise
Related eduKate guides: national grading and moderation, PFP 2028 ELMAB3 calculations, and SEC results and 2028 pathways.