ELR2B2 Calculator: Polytechnic Net Aggregate from O-Level Grades
English Language grade
Your other O-Level subjects
Tick R for the subjects that are relevant to your course's aggregate type (ELR2B2-A, B, C or D, listed on MOE CourseFinder). We pick the best 2 relevant and the best 2 of the rest.
ELR2B2 net aggregate
11
- English
- 3
- R1: Mathematics
- 2
- R2: Science (Physics, Chemistry)
- 3
- B1: Geography
- 3
- B2: Chinese
- 2
- Gross aggregate
- 13
- CCA bonus
- −2
Where your score sits
5 is the best possible net aggregate (before bonus points); 26 is the limit for most polytechnic courses.
Meeting 26 makes you eligible to apply, not admitted: each course also has minimum grades in specific subjects (its MER), and its intake is ranked on net aggregate, so popular courses close far lower. Higher Mother Tongue and Mother Tongue of the same language cannot both be counted, and Mother Tongue B syllabus Merit or Pass grades cannot be used.
How this works
ELR2B2 is the O-Level aggregate used for polytechnic courses in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE): English Language + 2 relevant subjects (R1, R2) + 2 best other subjects (B1, B2). Each grade counts as its number, from A1 = 1 to F9 = 9, so the lowest possible gross aggregate is 5.
Which subjects are relevant depends on the course's aggregate type, ELR2B2-A, B, C or D, shown for every course on MOE CourseFinder. Tick those subjects and the calculator picks the combination with the lowest total. Higher Mother Tongue and Mother Tongue of the same language cannot both be counted.
CCA bonus points are taken off the gross aggregate to give the net aggregate: 2 points for an Excellent CCA grade (or A1, A2) and 1 point for Good (or B3 to C6). Your ELR2B2 net aggregate must not exceed 26 to apply, except the Diploma in Nursing, where the ELR2B2-C net aggregate limit is 28.
Rules are from MOE's JAE polytechnic admission page, checked in October 2026. Each course also sets minimum grades in particular subjects, and places go to applicants in order of net aggregate, so a course's actual intake range is usually well below 26.
FAQs
How do I calculate ELR2B2?
Add your English grade, your 2 best relevant subjects and your 2 best remaining subjects, then subtract CCA bonus points. For example English B3 (3) + Maths A2 (2) + Science B3 (3) + Chinese A2 (2) + Geography B3 (3) = 13, minus 2 for an Excellent CCA grade = a net aggregate of 11.
What is the maximum ELR2B2 score for poly?
26. Your ELR2B2 net aggregate must not exceed 26 to be eligible for polytechnic courses through the JAE. The Diploma in Nursing is the exception, with a limit of 28 on its ELR2B2-C aggregate.
How many bonus points can I get for poly?
Up to 2, from your CCA: 2 points for an Excellent grade (or A1, A2) and 1 point for Good (or B3 to C6). Private candidates and former JC, MI or ITE students can still use their CCA bonus.
What is the difference between ELR2B2, L1R5 and L1R4?
ELR2B2 (English plus 4 subjects) is for polytechnic courses. L1R5 (a first language plus 5 subjects) is used for junior colleges, and L1R4 for Millennia Institute. Lower is better for all of them.