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Last Updated:  29 Sep 2026

Tamil Language Elective Programme at Secondary Level (TLEP-Sec)

This 2-year programme for secondary schools is for students with aptitude and keen interest in Tamil language and literature. Learn about the programme and how to join.

The Tamil Language Elective Programme at the Secondary Level (TLEP-Sec) is a 2-year programme. It aims to:

  • Nurture capable and enthusiastic students to attain a high level of language proficiency and competency in using the Tamil Language.
  • Enhance their knowledge and understanding of Tamil Literature and Culture.
  • Develop students to be effectively billingual to better serve the needs of our nation.

TLEP-Sec students will be awarded a certificate of recognition after they complete the programme. Singapore Citizens may be eligible for the Tamil Language Elective Scholarship (TLES).

Who can take it

Students who have obtained at least one of the following grades in their Secondary 2 examinations:

  • Grade B3 in Higher Tamil.
  • Grade A2 in Tamil Language.

Course content

All students enrolled in the TLEP-Sec must offer full or elective Literature in Tamil at O-Level.

Programme activities

TLEP-Sec students must participate in:

  • A one or two-day camp held locally during the June holidays in Secondary 3.
  • A one to two-week overseas immersion programme at the end of Secondary 3.
  • School-based activities and programmes such as literary lectures, meet-the-author sessions, enrichment workshops, project work and language competitions.

Where to take it

TLEP-Sec is offered at:

  • Commonwealth Secondary School
  • Riverside Secondary School
  • Yishun Town Secondary School
  • Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre (UPTLC)

Students from Commonwealth Secondary School, Riverside Secondary School and Yishun Town Secondary School can offer Literature in Tamil Language in their own schools if they choose to offer TLEP. Students from all other secondary schools, except those already offering Literature in Tamil Language within curriculum time, will need to offer Literature in Tamil Language at UPTLC if they want to offer TLEP.

Admission to TLEP-JC

The TLEP is also offered at the junior college (JC) level as a separate 2-year programme.

All TLEP-Sec students are encouraged to continue with the programme. Students can apply for schools offering TLEP-JC through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) or Direct School Admission for junior colleges (DSA-JC). Students who apply through JAE and are selected for TLEP-JC are eligible for 2 bonus points for admission to the respective schools.

For Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre, applications are not made through JAE or DSA-JC, and the 2 TLEP-JC bonus points do not apply. Interested applicants may apply for TLEP through their posted junior college or Millennia Institute after the release of JAE posting results.

Students who are admitted to TLEP-JC are required to remain in the programme while studying in the pre-university course. Students who do not fulfil this requirement may be asked to leave the institution.

Learn more about TLEP-JC.