If your child is an international student planning to enrol in a Singapore government or government-aided school, the AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students) is the gateway they must pass through. Among all the subjects assessed, Mathematics is often the most demanding — not because the concepts are entirely foreign, but because Singapore’s Math curriculum is structured differently from most countries’ and requires a unique combination of conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, and clear written working.

Understanding exactly which AEIS Math topics will be tested at each level is the first and most important step in preparing your child effectively. Whether your child is sitting for the Primary 2/3 test or the Secondary 2/3 test, the scope of content, the question types, and the depth of knowledge required all differ significantly. This guide breaks down the AEIS Mathematics syllabus at every level — primary and secondary — so you know precisely what to focus on and how to build a targeted study plan.

What Is the AEIS Mathematics Test?

The AEIS is a centralised entrance examination organised by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) for international students who wish to join local government schools. Mathematics is a core component of this exam at both the primary and secondary levels, and it is aligned directly with MOE’s mainstream curriculum. The exam is designed to assess whether students possess the mathematical ability needed to keep up with Singapore’s structured and academically rigorous school system.

One important thing to understand is how the two levels differ in scope. At the primary level, AEIS now tests Mathematics only — English proficiency is assessed separately through the Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ) test, which students must pass before registering for the AEIS Mathematics paper. At the secondary level, both English and Mathematics are tested together as part of the same AEIS assessment. This distinction matters for how families plan their preparation timeline.

Another key rule that applies across all levels is the “prior level” principle: students are tested on the Mathematics content from the level immediately below the one they are applying to enter. For example, a student seeking admission to Primary 4 will be assessed on Primary 3 content. This principle is consistent across both the main AEIS (held in September/October) and the supplementary S-AEIS (held in February/March), so it forms the foundation of any revision plan.

AEIS Primary Math: Test Structure at a Glance

The AEIS Primary Mathematics test is grouped into two papers based on the intended entry level. There is no single universal paper — the test your child sits depends on which primary level they are applying for. Both papers are non-calculator exams, and students must show their working clearly for all non-MCQ questions, as method marks are awarded alongside final answers.

Here is the breakdown of the two primary test papers:

• P2/P3 Test — For students seeking admission to Primary 2 or Primary 3. Part 1 (25 minutes): Multiple-choice questions. Part 2 (40 minutes): Short-answer questions requiring written workings.
• P4/P5 Test — For students seeking admission to Primary 4 or Primary 5. Part 1 (35 minutes): Multiple-choice questions. Part 2 (50 minutes): Short-answer and open-ended questions requiring full written solutions.

A 2B pencil is required to shade answers on the Optical Answer Sheet (OAS) for the multiple-choice section. For the written sections, students must present their solutions step by step in the spaces provided. Calculators are strictly not permitted at any primary level, making strong mental arithmetic and clear written methodology essential skills to develop.

AEIS Primary Math Topics: P2/P3 Test

The P2/P3 test is designed for younger students applying to enter Primary 2 or Primary 3. The content is drawn from Primary 1 and Primary 2 syllabi respectively, focusing on building a solid foundation in number sense, measurement awareness, and early problem-solving. While the questions may appear straightforward, the emphasis is on applying concepts clearly and correctly — even at this stage, showing method matters.

Key topics covered in the P2/P3 AEIS Mathematics test include:

• Whole Numbers: Counting, comparing, ordering numbers; addition and subtraction within hundreds; early multiplication and division facts
• Fractions: Understanding simple fractions (halves, quarters, thirds); comparing unit fractions
• Measurement: Length (cm, m); mass (g, kg); volume (ml, l); telling time on a clock
• Money: Recognising coins and notes; simple addition and subtraction involving money
• Geometry: Identifying basic 2D shapes (rectangle, square, triangle, circle) and 3D shapes (cube, cuboid, cone, cylinder)
• Data Handling: Reading simple picture graphs and tables
• Word Problems: One-step and two-step problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division

The P2/P3 test places particular emphasis on number operations and practical measurement. Students should be comfortable with basic arithmetic without a calculator and should be able to identify what operation to use when presented with a word problem. The ability to write a clear mathematical sentence and show working — even for simple questions — is a skill worth practising well before exam day.

AEIS Primary Math Topics: P4/P5 Test

The P4/P5 test covers more advanced primary content and is considerably more demanding than the P2/P3 paper. Students applying to Primary 4 or Primary 5 will face multi-step problems, a wider range of number concepts, and more complex geometry and data handling questions. This test is also where the revised 2026 MOE syllabus introduces notable changes — for instance, topics such as Pie Charts and Nets of 3D Solids have been moved to Primary 4, meaning these now appear at an earlier stage of the syllabus than before.

Key topics covered in the P4/P5 AEIS Mathematics test include:

• Whole Numbers and Operations: Multiplication and division with larger numbers; factors and multiples; order of operations
• Fractions: Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions; mixed numbers and improper fractions
• Decimals: Place values in decimals; operations with decimals; converting between fractions and decimals
• Percentages: Expressing parts as percentages; finding percentage of a quantity; percentage increase and decrease
• Ratio: Understanding and simplifying ratios; solving ratio word problems
• Measurement: Area and perimeter of rectangles, triangles, and composite figures; volume of cubes and cuboids; converting units
• Geometry: Properties of triangles and quadrilaterals; angles (acute, obtuse, reflex); parallel and perpendicular lines; nets of 3D solids (now at P4 level)
• Data Handling: Interpreting bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts (now at P4 level)
• Word Problems: Multi-step problems applying fractions, percentages, ratios, and measurement concepts

It is also worth noting that Speed has been removed from the Primary level under the updated 2026 MOE syllabus and moved to Secondary 1. Students applying to Primary 3 through 6 no longer need to cover this topic for the AEIS Primary Math paper, which simplifies preparation for that particular content area. However, the depth and complexity of the remaining topics, especially multi-step word problems, still make this a challenging paper requiring structured preparation.

If your child is preparing for the P4/P5 test, enrolling in a structured primary tuition programme aligned to the MOE syllabus can make a significant difference in building both conceptual understanding and exam-ready problem-solving skills.

AEIS Secondary Math: Test Structure at a Glance

The Secondary AEIS Mathematics test is more complex in structure and broader in scope than the primary papers. Secondary students sit for both English and Mathematics within the same AEIS exercise, and the Mathematics test follows a two-part format across all secondary levels (S1, S2, and S3). The paper structure is the same across levels, but the difficulty and depth of content scale with the intended entry level.

The structure for the AEIS Secondary Mathematics test is as follows:

• Part 1 (30 minutes): 34 multiple-choice questions — tests speed and accuracy across core topics
• Part 2 (1 hour 45 minutes): Approximately 20 short-answer questions and 10 to 15 open-ended questions requiring structured solutions, method workings, and justification

As with the primary papers, calculators are not permitted. Full workings must be shown for all non-MCQ questions, and marks are awarded for method as much as for correct final answers. Open-ended questions in particular require well-structured, step-by-step solutions — not just the final number. This means students must not only know the mathematics, but must also be able to communicate their reasoning clearly on paper.

AEIS Secondary Math Topics: Secondary 1 Test

Students applying for Secondary 1 entry are tested on Primary 6 content — the highest primary level. This is where the Singapore Math curriculum transitions from primary arithmetic into early algebraic thinking, and it marks a meaningful shift in the type of reasoning required. The S1 test is often a student’s first encounter with formal algebra and geometric proofs in an exam context, which can be challenging for those coming from different educational backgrounds.

Key topics covered in the Secondary 1 AEIS Mathematics test include:

• Numbers and Operations: Integers, rational numbers, prime factorisation, highest common factor (HCF), lowest common multiple (LCM)
• Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages: Operations across all three forms; conversions; percentage problems
• Ratio and Proportion: Direct and inverse proportion; map scales; rate problems
• Speed: Distance-time-speed relationships and word problems (now part of the S1 syllabus under the 2026 revision)
• Basic Algebra: Introduction to algebraic expressions; simplification; substitution
• Geometry: Angles on a straight line and at a point; triangles; quadrilaterals; polygons; perimeter and area
• Mensuration: Area of composite figures; volume and surface area of cubes and cuboids
• Data Handling: Mean, median, mode; reading and interpreting tables, charts, and graphs
• Word Problems: Multi-step problems applying number, ratio, rate, and geometry concepts

The Secondary 1 test is arguably the most transitional of all AEIS papers. It draws on the full breadth of upper primary Mathematics while also requiring the kind of logical organisation and written clarity that will become increasingly important at higher secondary levels. Students who struggle with presenting their working clearly or with multi-step problem structures often benefit greatly from guided tuition before sitting this paper.

AEIS Secondary Math Topics: Secondary 2/3 Test

The S2/S3 AEIS test is the most demanding of all AEIS Mathematics papers. It covers content from Secondary 1 (for S2 entry) or Secondary 2 (for S3 entry) and reflects the early stages of the Singapore O-Level Mathematics syllabus. At this level, students are expected to move fluidly between algebraic, geometric, and statistical thinking — and to construct complete, logical solutions for complex, multi-step problems.

Key topics covered in the Secondary 2/3 AEIS Mathematics test include:

• Numbers and Algebra: Indices and standard form; algebraic manipulation (expansion, factorisation); solving linear equations and inequalities; simultaneous equations; quadratic expressions
• Geometry and Measurement: Properties of angles in polygons; congruence and similarity; Pythagoras’ theorem; trigonometry (for S3 entry); coordinate geometry; construction
• Mensuration: Area and perimeter of circles and composite shapes; volume and surface area of cylinders, prisms, and pyramids
• Statistics and Probability: Mean, median, mode from frequency tables; bar charts, histograms, stem-and-leaf diagrams, dot diagrams; basic probability
• Problem-Solving: Multi-concept questions requiring algebra, geometry, and data handling to be applied within a single problem

For students targeting Secondary 3 entry in particular, the scope also extends to topics such as trigonometry, similarity proofs, and more advanced data interpretation. The cognitive load is considerably higher at this level — students are expected to analyse, explain, and justify their working rather than simply recall procedures. This makes structured, consistent preparation over several months especially valuable for S2/S3 AEIS candidates.

Students preparing for secondary-level entry can benefit enormously from a well-paced secondary tuition programme that systematically covers O-Level Mathematics content aligned to what AEIS will assess.

Key Differences Between Primary and Secondary AEIS Math

Understanding how the primary and secondary AEIS Math assessments differ helps families calibrate their expectations and preparation strategies appropriately. The table below summarises the most important distinctions:

• Subject scope: Primary AEIS tests Mathematics only (English covered via CEQ); Secondary AEIS tests both English and Mathematics together.
• Content depth: Primary tests cover number operations, measurement, geometry, and data handling at a foundational level; secondary tests extend into algebra, trigonometry, probability, and multi-concept reasoning.
• Test duration: Primary P2/P3 test totals 65 minutes; Primary P4/P5 test totals 85 minutes; Secondary test runs approximately 2 hours 15 minutes across both parts.
• Question types: Primary tests include MCQ and short-answer questions; secondary tests add open-ended questions that demand structured, justified solutions.
• Prior-level content: Both levels test content from the level immediately below the intended entry grade, so targeted revision should focus on that specific prior level’s syllabus.
• Calculator policy: No calculators are permitted at any level — mental arithmetic and written methods are essential throughout.

How to Prepare for AEIS Math Effectively

Effective AEIS Math preparation is not about cramming the most content in the shortest time — it is about building genuine understanding of the right content for your child’s level, practising under timed conditions, and developing the habit of showing clear, structured working. Most education experts recommend beginning preparation at least 6 to 12 months before the exam, as this allows enough time to master foundational topics, work through past-style papers, and address weaknesses systematically.

Here are practical preparation strategies that work well for AEIS Math at both levels:

• Anchor your revision to the prior-level syllabus. Identify the MOE syllabus for the level below your child’s target entry grade, and use that as your topic checklist. For example, if aiming for P5, master all P4 content first.
• Practise without a calculator. Since calculators are banned at all levels, daily mental arithmetic and written computation drills are essential habits to build early.
• Show all workings, every time. Even in practice, train your child to write out every step. In the actual exam, method marks are awarded — a correct answer with no working may lose marks if the method cannot be verified.
• Work on Singapore-style word problems. Singapore Math word problems use specific phrasing and structures (such as the bar model method for primary levels) that are unfamiliar to many international students. Regular exposure to these question types builds familiarity and confidence.
• Simulate exam conditions. Time your child on full practice papers under exam conditions. Both the primary and secondary Math papers are time-pressured, and building pacing discipline during practice is crucial.
• Review errors systematically. After each practice paper, identify which topic areas produced the most errors and dedicate extra revision time to those concepts before moving on.

For students who are new to Singapore’s style of Mathematics, the gap between what they have learned in their home country and what is expected in the AEIS exam can feel significant. This is normal, and it does not mean the material is beyond reach — it simply means structured, syllabus-aligned guidance is especially valuable for building the right skills in a focused way.

How EduFirst Learning Centre Can Help

At EduFirst Learning Centre, we have been supporting students across Singapore since 2010, and we understand exactly what it takes to succeed in the Singapore school system — including the AEIS. Our programmes are designed around small class sizes of just 4 to 8 students, ensuring that every child receives personalised attention and that no learning gap goes unnoticed. This is particularly important for international students who are adapting to the MOE curriculum for the first time.

Whether your child is preparing for a primary-level or secondary-level AEIS Math paper, our experienced tutors will map the relevant syllabus content, work through the specific topics your child needs to master, and build the problem-solving and presentation skills that the exam rewards. We cover all AEIS Math levels — from foundational number work for younger primary students to algebraic reasoning and geometry for secondary-level candidates.

Explore our dedicated tuition programmes to find the right fit for your child:

• Primary Tuition at EduFirst — Aligned to the MOE primary syllabus across all levels, with a focus on building strong numeracy foundations and Singapore-style problem-solving skills.
• Secondary Tuition at EduFirst — Covering the full scope of O-Level Mathematics topics tested in the AEIS Secondary paper, with structured lessons, mock assessments, and individualised feedback.
• E-Lessons — Flexible online learning options for international students who are still based abroad and need to begin their AEIS preparation before arriving in Singapore.

With 25 centre locations islandwide and a proven track record of helping students integrate successfully into Singapore schools, EduFirst is well-positioned to guide your child through every step of their AEIS Mathematics preparation journey.

Final Thoughts

The AEIS Mathematics exam is a well-structured, curriculum-aligned test that rewards students who prepare strategically and understand what is expected at their specific level. Whether your child is tackling the P2/P3 paper or the Secondary 2/3 paper, the core requirements remain consistent: master the relevant prior-level topics, practise without a calculator, show all working clearly, and develop fluency with Singapore-style word problems.

The key to success is not working harder in the final weeks before the exam — it is starting early, covering the right content methodically, and building genuine mathematical confidence over time. With the right preparation and the right support, your child can approach AEIS Mathematics with clarity and purpose.