The PSLE Maths Paper will likely be one of the hardest parts of a student’s Primary School learning journey. This final exam will be the ultimate culmination of everything they’ve learnt over the last 6 years, as they prepare for the transition to Secondary School, so it is important for parents to make sure their children are well-equipped with the skills needed to ace it. The use of strategic exam techniques, regular practice and revision, and guidance from experienced tutors can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and readiness for the exam.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything a parent and child needs to know about PSLE Maths, including key topics, the structure, and tips for effective preparation. Understanding the difficult concepts and familiarising oneself with the exam format can significantly boost confidence and performance, and with your support, your child can make the most of their logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Preparing for PSLE Math Exams
| Paper: | Section: | Questions: | Mark Weightage | Total Marks: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MCQs | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| 5 | 2 | 10 | ||
| Short-Answer Questions | 5 | 1 | 5 | |
| 10 | 2 | 20 | ||
| 2 | Short-Answer Questions | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Long-Answer Questions | 12 | 3-5 | 45 |
There are three main types of PSLE Math Questions to deal with, separated into different sections.
Paper 1: Multiple Choice Questions
The main point of this section is to test:
- Fundamental concepts
- Quick-thinking skills
- Problem solving speed and accuracy
Students don’t need to show their working for this section, and all that matters is identifying the correct answer among the four options. This is where mental sums and instinctive understanding of the syllabus come into play. There are 10 questions worth 1 mark each, and 5 questions worth 2 marks. Calculator usage is not allowed for paper 1, so students need to rely on their own fundamentals.
Paper 1: Short Answer Questions
The second half of paper 1 consists of short answer questions. Students will need to solve open-ended problems, and show their working in simple steps. Calculators are not allowed for this section either, so students will need to apply:
- Foundational knowledge of mathematical facts and rules
- Mental sums and problem-solving skills
- Careful checking of work
This section consists of 15 questions total: 5 questions worth 1 mark, and 10 questions worth 2 marks.
In total, Paper 1 is worth 45/100 marks, making it important to score well in this relatively easier segment.
Tips for PSLE Math Paper 1 Preparation:
Practicing with past papers and timed quizzes can help students develop quick decision-making skills. These questions are more straightforward than others and often aren’t wordy enough to trick students, so they should focus on answering techniques such as eliminating incorrect choices immediately and performing quick calculations.
Paper 2: Long Answer Questions
Paper 2 is a longer booklet, and students have an hour and a half to solve 17 questions with the help of their calculator. They are tested on their ability to:
- Reason mathematically
- Analyse information and infer from it
- Choose appropriate approaches for each problem
There are 5 shorter ones, worth 2 marks each, and 12 structured questions each worth 3 to 5 marks. These questions are often multi-part as well. Students get points for showing their working clearly, making it an important step in this paper.
The questions usually involve multi-step problems that require students to integrate various mathematical concepts. Thought processes must all be explained clearly, and students need to make use of comprehensive problem-solving abilities.
The Maths problems in paper 2 are worth 55/100 marks, making up the rest of the exam score.
Exam Schedule
The Maths PSLE Exam takes place on:
Fri, 26 September 2025
| Paper: | Time: | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics Paper 1 | 0815 – 0915 | 1h |
| Mathematics Paper 2 | 1030 – 1200 | 1h 30m |
| Foundation Mathematics Paper 1 | 0815 – 0915 | 1h |
| Foundation Mathematics Paper 2 | 1030 – 1130 | 1h |
Complete details of the schedule, including specific dates and times for all subjects, are updated on the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board website.
Calculator Usage
During the Mathematics Paper 2, students are allowed to use specific types of calculators. Students should be well-trained in their usage ahead of time, and make sure they use models that have been approved. One popular model is the Casio fx-97SG X, which comes with the right functionality for solving specific formula.
Students should check the approved calculator list ahead of time, to ensure that there are no complications during the exam.
Get Your Child Ready For Their PSLE Maths Exams With Daniel Math Tuition
The road leading up to the PSLE Maths Exams is a crucial final step in a child’s Primary School journey. Daniel Maths Tuition is here to offer effective support and help tailor a child’s learning experience, in order to cultivate self-directed and independent learners.
How can I help my child score well in PSLE Maths?
Your child can do well in their PSLE exams with the help of:
- Experienced Tutors: Students are guided by experienced tutors who understand the unique challenges of Primary Maths, and teach within a structured MOE-approved curriculum.
- Individualised Attention: Through small class sizes, we ensure that students are able to receive individual attention.
- Resources & 24/7 Whatsapp Support: We maintain an archive of worksheets, past-year papers, and other resources that are designed to develop a student’s interest and keep them engaged. We also have a 24/7 Whatsapp support service, so students can ask questions at any time.
Book a Trial Session Today!
Spaces for Daniel Math Tuition’s PSLE Maths tuition programme fill up quickly! Parents are encouraged to contact us or secure a trial session today, to ensure that our PSLE Math Tuition programme in Singapore is the right fit for your child. With the help of our experienced teachers, your child can ace their PSLE Math Exams with ease!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1: How can my child improve in PSLE Maths?
Consistent practice, understanding key concepts, and working on past-year papers are essential. Small group tuition can also help improve problem-solving skills.
2: What are the hardest topics in PSLE Maths?
Common challenging topics include Ratio & Proportion, Algebra, Speed, Volume, and Geometry word problems. These require multi-step reasoning and careful calculations.
3: How important is Paper 1 in PSLE Maths?
Paper 1 contributes to 45% of the final score. Since calculators are not allowed, students must be strong in mental calculations and basic problem-solving techniques. As this paper tends to be easier than the Paper 2, it is important to brush up on the fundamentals and score as many points as possible in this section.
