The 2028 polytechnic ELR2B2 calculation uses four G3 subjects and one G2- or G3-level best subject counted on a G2-equivalent scale. The five positions are English (EL), two course-relevant subjects (R1 and R2), one other best G3 subject (B1), and a second best subject (B2) at G2 or G3. CCA bonus points may then be deducted under the applicable rules. The arithmetic is straightforward once the right subjects have been selected; the difficult part is ensuring R1 and R2 are eligible for the diploma.
A useful calculation must therefore happen in two stages: first select valid subjects under the course’s ELR2B2-A/B/C/D rules; then convert any G3 subject used in B2 to its G2-equivalent grade. A low net score does not override a compulsory Mathematics, English or Science minimum entry requirement.
- EL, R1, R2 and B1 must be G3 for the general 2028 diploma calculation.
- B2 may be G2 or G3 and is counted at G2-equivalent grade.
- G3 A1–B3 maps to G2 Grade 1; B4–C6 to Grade 2; D7 to Grade 3; E8 to Grade 4.
- G3 Grade 9 and G2 Grades 5 and 6 cannot be used for the aggregate.
- Each subject must be counted once only.
- Subtract only permitted CCA bonus points to obtain the net score.
- Check the course MER separately; aggregate points alone do not guarantee eligibility.
1. The five positions in the revised aggregate
| Position | What it means | Subject level |
|---|---|---|
| EL | English Language | G3 |
| R1 | First relevant subject under the diploma’s aggregate type | G3 |
| R2 | Second relevant subject under the diploma’s aggregate type | G3 |
| B1 | Best remaining eligible subject | G3 |
| B2 | Second best remaining subject | G2 or G3 at G2-equivalent grade |
The 2028 general net aggregate threshold is 22 or better for most diploma courses, with a separate Nursing threshold of 24. The student must also satisfy the relevant course’s minimum entry requirements. Use the current course information for the intake year.
2. Grade mapping for a G3 subject used as B2
| Original G3 grade | G2-equivalent grade used in B2 |
|---|---|
| A1, A2, B3 | 1 |
| B4, C5, C6 | 2 |
| D7 | 3 |
| E8 | 4 |
| 9 | Not usable in the ELR2B2 aggregate |
If an actual G2 subject is used for B2, the grade is counted on the G2 scale. G2 Grades 5 and 6 are not usable in the aggregate. A grade-mapped G3 subject remains G3 on the SEC certificate; the mapping applies only to this defined calculation.
3. Worked example A: the student uses a G2 B2 subject
A student has G3 English B4, G3 Mathematics B3, G3 Combined Humanities C5, G3 Science B4 and G2 Art Grade 2. Assume that Mathematics and Humanities are the valid R1/R2 subjects for the chosen course type, and Science is B1. The score values are English 4 + Mathematics 3 + Humanities 5 + Science 4 + G2 Art 2 = 18 gross points. If the student has two applicable CCA bonus points, the illustrative net score becomes 16.
This example is valid only if the chosen diploma permits those subjects in the stated positions and the student’s course MERs are satisfied. A student should never assume that Art is an eligible B2 subject merely because it is a school subject; check the subject eligibility and any course restrictions.
4. Worked example B: a G3 B2 grade is mapped down
A second student has G3 English B3, G3 Mathematics B4, G3 Chemistry C5, G3 Biology B3 and G3 Geography C6. Assume the course’s relevant-subject groups allow Mathematics and Chemistry as R1/R2, Biology as B1 and Geography as B2. The raw G3 values are 3 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 6. However, Geography C6 in B2 maps to G2 Grade 2, not six points. The correct gross ELR2B2 is therefore 3 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 2 = 17.
This is why the B2 mapping matters. Treating a G3 C6 as six points in B2 would overstate the aggregate and could lead to a wrong course shortlist.
5. Worked example C: a good aggregate but a failed MER
A third student calculates a net ELR2B2 of 19, but the desired engineering course requires G3 Mathematics at a specified minimum grade and the student did not meet it. The aggregate is within the general 22-point threshold, yet the student does not meet the course MER. The course is therefore not a realistic eligible choice under those requirements.
The family should look for other courses with requirements the student does meet, and should compare PFP or ITE routes where appropriate. Never treat the aggregate as the whole admission rule.
6. Worked example D: a G2 subject cannot be moved into R1 or R2
A student has G3 English B4, G3 Mathematics B3, G3 Science C5 and G3 Humanities B4, plus G2 Computing Grade 1. The learner wishes to use G2 Computing as a relevant subject because it is a strength. Under the general formula, G2 is allowed in B2, not in EL, R1, R2 or B1. The student would need to select two valid G3 relevant subjects for R1 and R2. G2 Computing may then be considered for B2 if it is an eligible subject.
A named course-level exception may affect a particular MER, such as the published G2 Mathematics allowance for six ELR2B2-A diplomas. Do not extend that special rule to unrelated courses or to the general formula.
7. Which common errors change the answer?
- Using the student’s five best numbers without checking the relevant-subject groups.
- Counting a subject twice in R1 and B1, or in R2 and B2.
- Using a G2 result in a G3 position under the general rule.
- Failing to map a G3 B2 grade to its G2-equivalent value.
- Including a G3 Grade 9 or G2 Grade 5/6 in the aggregate.
- Subtracting CCA bonus points that the student is not entitled to.
- Forgetting that course-specific MERs remain mandatory.
8. A repeatable calculation worksheet
- Write the exact diploma and its ELR2B2 type.
- List the student’s actual SEC subject, G-level and grade results.
- Select a valid G3 English result for EL.
- Select two distinct eligible G3 relevant subjects for R1 and R2.
- Choose a distinct G3 subject for B1.
- Choose a distinct G2 or G3 subject for B2; apply mapping if G3.
- Add the five values for the gross aggregate.
- Deduct only the applicable CCA bonus points.
- Compare the net score with the threshold and check every course MER.
9. Frequently asked questions
Does a G3 grade always keep its original value?
Not if it is placed in B2. It is converted to its G2-equivalent value for that position.
Can a G2 grade be used in B1?
No. Under the general 2028 structure, B1 is G3; B2 is the one position that may be G2 or G3.
Can G2 Grade 5 or 6 count as B2?
No. The published 2028 aggregate guidance excludes G2 Grades 5 and 6.
Is 22 points the cut-off for Nursing?
No. Nursing has a separate net ELR2B2-C threshold of 24; confirm the exact course MER too.
Does a net score of 22 guarantee a place?
No. Meeting the aggregate and MER makes the student eligible for consideration. Posting depends on merit and vacancies.
10. Official sources and related eduKateSG reading
- MOE: ELR2B2 aggregate type computation and relevant-subject groups
- Temasek Polytechnic: current course lists by ELR2B2-A, B, C and D
- Temasek Polytechnic: Full SBB 2028 admission changes and G2 Mathematics exceptions
- Republic Polytechnic: 2028 ELR2B2 computation and course MER guidance
- MOE: Polytechnic diploma admission requirements under PSE
- eduKateSG: overview of ELR2B2-A, B, C and D
Information checked: 13 November 2026. These are teaching examples, not official course cut-offs or admission predictions. Always check the final 2028 course MER, subject groups and current CCA bonus rules before submitting PSE choices.