What percentage do I need in CBSE or ISC to get into a top public university in Singapore?
CBSE and ISC students typically need an indicative 90 to 95 percent overall for top public universities in Singapore, while competitive programmes such as Computer Science may ask for 95 to 98 percent or more. NUS asks for a good pass in five subjects, NTU about 90 percent minimum.
CBSE and ISC students typically need about 90% to 95% overall to be considered by top public universities in Singapore. Competitive courses such as Computer Science and Engineering may need 95% to 98% or more. These figures are indicative: NUS asks for a good pass in five subjects, and NTU about 90% minimum.
Undergraduate Academic Requirements
| Board or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| CBSE or ISC (top public universities) | Indicatively about 90% to 95% overall (NUS: a good pass in five subjects; NTU: about 90% minimum) |
| CBSE or ISC (competitive courses like Computer Science) | About 95% to 98%+ |
| State boards | Usually 95% to 98%+ or a top percentile rank |
| IB Diploma | Generally 36 to 39 points out of 45 |
| Private universities | May accept 60% to 70% in Class 12 |
Tests, English and Age
- Applicants should be at least 18 when the programme begins.
- SAT or ACT scores may be required, especially for state board students, and can strengthen CBSE or ISC applications.
- Strong JEE Advanced or AP scores can help for Engineering and Computer Science.
- English: IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 to 93, and some public universities may waive the test for 90% or above in Class 12 English.
My Advice
If your marks sit below the top-course range, consider alternative courses or private universities as part of your shortlist. Add a strong SAT, ACT or AP score to offset a tight percentage where the university allows it.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which Singapore universities you still qualify for.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
More Singapore questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Which country do you think is better for my management course abroad?
- What are the career prospects in Singapore after completing an MPH at NUS as an Indian student?
- Is it possible to pursue a master's in artificial intelligence and machine learning abroad in Ireland/Singapore?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Have you discussed your abroad education plan with your parents in UK/Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?
- How much is the yearly tuition for an international undergraduate in computing or engineering at NUS?