Application for 2025 DSA-Sec is from 11am on Wednesday, 7 May 2025 to 3pm on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted once the DSA-Sec application closes at 3pm on Tuesday, 3 June 2025.
Note:
- Students will be posted through Posting Groups 1, 2 and 3 under the Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB). This allows them greater flexibility to offer subjects at appropriate subject levels. Learn about Full SBB.
What is DSA-Sec?
DSA-Sec provides a pathway for students to gain admission to secondary schools based on their interests, aptitude, and potential, beyond their performance at Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).
If your child is admitted to a secondary school through DSA-Sec, they are not allowed to:
- Submit school choices during the Secondary 1 (S1) posting process.
- Transfer to another school. They must commit to their chosen school for the duration of the programme.
However, the DSA-Sec is not a pathway that suits every student.
To determine if DSA-Sec is an appropriate pathway for your child, you should carefully consider your child's strengths and interests, and the school's programmes and their ability to develop specific talent.
Explore the list of schools and programmes for DSA-Sec using SchoolFinder.
View DSA-SEC schools
Who can apply
P6 students can apply for DSA-Sec based on a wide range of talents, including:
- Sports and games
- Visual, literary and performing arts
- Debate and public speaking
- Science, mathematics and engineering
- Languages and humanities
- Uniformed groups
- Leadership
How to apply
Students can apply through the DSA-Sec Portal. There are no application fees.
If you are unable to apply online, approach your child's primary school for assistance.
If both parents are unable to submit the application form personally at school during DSA-Sec application period, you have to nominate another adult to do so using this proxy form. You can also use the same form to appoint a proxy to submit your child's school preference form in October.
KEY DATES
Jan to May
Explore school choices
Schools offer different talent areas and each has its own selection process and schedule. Visit the schools' websites for more information. They generally update the information by late April.
Wed, 7 May to Tue, 3 Jun 2025
Apply
Once you have explored and shortlisted the schools, submit your child's application online through the DSA-Sec Portal by 3pm on Tuesday, 3 Jun 2025.
By Thu, 4 Sep 2025
Attend interviews, auditions or trials
Different schools have different selection processes. Check the DSA-Sec schools' websites for details. If shortlisted, your child will have to attend interviews, auditions or trials conducted by DSA-Sec schools.
Students will receive DSA-Sec outcomes directly from schools by Thursday, 4 September 2025.
Mon, 27 Oct to Fri, 31 Oct 2025
Select preferred schools
Choose up to 3 school choices in order of preference using the DSA-Sec Portal by 3pm on Friday, 31 October 2025.
Late Nov
Receive school allocation results
Receive school allocation along with PSLE results.
