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STPM
Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia
📝 Pre-University and Higher Secondary Education Written Examination and School-Based Assessment ⏱ Valid: Lifetime Since 1982 ⚡ Very High
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
📝 Register Now 🌐 Official Site
›
Score Range
0.00 to 4.00 CGPA
Exam Fee
$85
Duration
1.5 to 3 hours per paper
Questions
Varies by subject, typically 15-20 MCQ and 4-6 descriptive questions.
Score Valid
Lifetime
Frequency
Three semesters per year with repeat options
Accepted By
600
Pass Rate
98% (overall candidates achieving at least a partial pass).
Difficulty
Very High
📝 Register for STPM 🌐 Official Website ✍️ Need application help? →
Quick Summary

STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) is a pre-university and higher secondary education conducted by Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia (Malaysian Examinations Council). Scores range from 0.00 to 4.00 CGPA, valid for Lifetime, with a total duration of 1.5 to 3 hours per paper. Accepted by 600, the exam fee is $85, with very high difficulty level.

📋 Exam Overview
🎯
Score Range
0.00 to 4.00 CGPA
⏱
Duration
1.5 to 3 hours per paper
💳
Fee
$85
📅
Valid For
Lifetime
🖥
Mode
Written Examination and School-Based Assessment
🌍
Accepted By
600
🗓
Frequency
Three semesters per year with repeat options
🏛
Conducted By
Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia (Malaysian Examinations Council)
❓
Total Qs
Varies by subject, typically 15-20 MCQ and 4-6 descriptive questions.
📑
Sections
Semester 1, Semester 2, Semester 3, School-Based Assessment
⚡
Difficulty
Very High
📊
Pass Rate
98% (overall candidates achieving at least a partial pass).
Globally Recognized, Rigorous, and Affordable Pre-University Qualification.
👤 Who Should Take This Exam?
Malaysian students aiming for admission into public universities or international higher education institutions after high school.
🎓 Education Level
Advanced Level (Equivalent to GCE A-Level)
🌍 Accepted In
Malaysia Singapore United Kingdom Australia New Zealand USA Canada
📝 Exam Structure & Format
Question Types
Multiple choice, short answer questions, long essays, and research-based coursework.
Language / Medium
Malay and English
Total Duration
1.5 to 3 hours per paper
Retake Policy
Candidates can retake Semester 1 and Semester 2 exams at the end of the third semester to improve their scores.
Total Questions
Varies by subject, typically 15-20 MCQ and 4-6 descriptive questions.
Sections
Semester 1, Semester 2, Semester 3, School-Based Assessment
⚙️ More format details (timing, marking, equipment)See all ▾
Time Per Section
90 to 180 minutes depending on the subject and paper type.
Negative Marking
No
Calculator Allowed
Yes
Scratch Paper
Yes
Breaks Allowed
Yes
Home Edition
No
Digital vs Paper
Registration and result checking are fully digital, but the actual examinations remain predominantly paper-based to ensure security and standardized conditions.
📑 Section Details
Each semester covers distinct modules of the syllabus, while the School-Based Assessment involves research papers or practical work conducted throughout the year.
🎯 Scoring System
Score Range
0.00 to 4.00 CGPA
Good / Passing Score
2.00 CGPA (Grade C in at least one subject)
How Scoring Works
Results are reported using a Grade Point Average (GPA) for each subject and a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for the overall certificate.
🏆 Minimum Scores for Top Universities
A Grade C (2.00) is the minimum required to pass a subject, while high-tier programs often require a 3.50+ CGPA.
📊 Section / sub-scoresSee all ▾
Writing
Yes
Speaking
No
Listening
No
Reading
Yes
Grammar
No
Vocabulary
No
Analytical
Yes
Quantitative
Yes
Verbal
Yes
Subject
Yes
All Sub-Scores
Yes
📈 Avg First Attempt
2.85 CGPA
🔼 Score Improvement
20% improvement is common through the modular retake system.
💳 Registration & Fees
Fee (USD)
$85
See all ▾
85
Fee (INR)
₹7100
See all ▾
7100
Other
RM 120 basic registration fee plus RM 50 per subject for Malaysian citizens.
📝 Register Now →
📋 Policies (rescheduling, cancellation, verification, waivers)See all ▾
⏰ Register in Advance
3 to 4 months before the start of the first semester.
🔄 Rescheduling Policy
Generally not allowed except for extraordinary circumstances approved by the Malaysian Examinations Council.
❌ Cancellation Policy
Candidates may withdraw from the exam, but registration fees are generally non-refundable except for certified medical emergencies.
🔍 Score Verification
Yes
📋 Score Audit
Yes
↩ Reinstatement Policy
Varies
🎁 Fee Waiver Criteria
Not specified
📅 Exam Dates & Schedule
📆 Available Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
🔁 Frequency
Three semesters per year with repeat options
📊 Results Declared
Approximately 2 to 3 months after the final semester examination ends.
🔄 Retake Policy
Candidates can retake Semester 1 and Semester 2 exams at the end of the third semester to improve their scores.
⏰ Register By
3 to 4 months before the start of the first semester.
✅ Eligibility & Access
🎂 Age Limit
No upper age limit for private candidates.
🎓 Education Required
SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) or equivalent with a minimum of credits in specific subjects.
🛂 Citizenship
No
📍 Test Centers
1000
More on accommodations, ID, and special versionsSee all ▾
🪪 ID Required
Yes
♿ Accessibility
Special arrangements including Braille papers, extended time, and physical assistance for students with disabilities.
🔀 Special Versions
Braille and large-print versions are available for visually impaired candidates.
📐 Subject Variants
23 subjects including Science, Social Sciences, and Languages.
🤝 Disability Accommodations
Provisions for extra time, specialized seating, and large-print or Braille examination papers are available.
🗓 Exam Day Guide
✅ What to Bring
Identification card, exam entry slip, pens, pencils, and an approved non-programmable calculator.
🚫 Prohibited Items
Mobile phones, smartwatches, any electronic communication devices, and unauthorized printed materials.
📋 Exam Day Rules
Candidates must wear formal school attire, present a valid MyKad or passport, and arrive at the center 30 minutes before the paper starts.
After the exam: score reporting and deliverySee all ▾
⏱ Score Reporting
2 to 3 months
📤 Score Sending
Online portal access, physical certificates, and direct verification for universities.
🎓 Score Recipients
Public universities in Malaysia, foreign universities, and scholarship agencies.
📚 Preparation Guide
📅 Recommended Prep Time
18 months
🗓 Avg Prep Months
18 months
Preparation typically occurs over 1.5 years in Form 6 within government or private schools. It involves a mix of classroom learning, independent research projects, and regular modular testing.
💡 Top Tips & Tricks
Focus heavily on the School-Based Assessment (SBA) as it contributes significantly to the final grade. Practice past-year papers to understand the specific marking keywords required by examiners.
Full study plan, resources, and common mistakesSee all ▾
📅 Study Plan
Create a consistent study schedule that allocates time for both the current semester's syllabus and revision for potential retakes. Engage deeply with research projects early in the semester to avoid last-minute stress.
📖 Recommended Books
Pelangi STPM Series, Oxford Fajar Ace Ahead, and Sasbadi Super Skills STPM guides.
🏫 Popular Prep Courses
Government Form 6 programs and various private tuition centers focusing on STPM subjects.
📱 Popular Prep Apps
Quizlet, Khan Academy (for Science), and Malaysian government educational portals.
✅ Official Practice Tests
MPM publishes official past-year question booklets annually through authorized publishers. — 15
🆓 Free Online Resources
MPM official syllabus documents, Guru STPM blog, and educational YouTube channels like Cikgu Shahrul.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to adhere to the strict essay formatting and ignoring the weightage of the coursework component. Many students also struggle with time management during the long essay sections.
💡 EduAtlasHub Exclusive Insights
🔍 Insider Tips
Examiners look for specific technical terms and structured logical flow in the General Studies (Pengajian Am) paper. Ensure that your research project citations are meticulously formatted according to current standards.
⭐ Unique Features
It utilizes a unique modular system that combines centralized terminal examinations with localized school-based assessments and project work.
🎓 How This Score Impacts Your Application
STPM scores are the primary determinant for entry into competitive Malaysian public university programs and are highly valued by international scholarship boards.
More insights: country notes, comparisons, myths, examiner tipsSee all ▾
🌍 Country-Specific Notes
In Malaysia, STPM is known for its academic difficulty, often considered more challenging than the A-Levels. It provides a level playing field for students from all socio-economic backgrounds due to its low cost.
⚖️ Comparison with Alternatives
STPM is more rigorous and less expensive than Malaysian Matriculation or the IB program. It offers a deeper specialization in four subjects compared to the broader focus of other pre-u options.
🆕 Recent Changes
Recent updates have included more emphasis on ICT in General Studies and revised coursework requirements for science subjects.
🔜 Upcoming Changes
Potential transition toward more digital assessment platforms and updated syllabi for vocational-related subjects.
🧐 Myths vs Facts
Myth: Only students who fail to get into Matriculation take STPM. Fact: Many top-tier students choose STPM for its international recognition and academic depth.
👨‍🏫 Examiner Tips
Use the official marking scheme as a guide for how to structure your responses. For the essay section, ensure you provide balanced arguments and a clear conclusion.
🏆 Success Stories
Multiple STPM top scorers annually receive full scholarships to Ivy League universities and the University of Cambridge.
📋 Post-Exam Steps
Wait for the official CGPA results and then apply for university placements via the UPU portal or international direct applications.
🎯 Score Uses Beyond Admission
Used for government job eligibility in Malaysia and as a benchmark for English and academic aptitude by various employers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the STPM score valid?+
The STPM score is valid for Lifetime.
How much does the STPM cost?+
The exam fee is $85 (approximately ₹7100 in India).
How often can I retake the STPM?+
Candidates can retake Semester 1 and Semester 2 exams at the end of the third semester to improve their scores.
When are STPM results declared?+
Approximately 2 to 3 months after the final semester examination ends.
Which universities accept the STPM?+
STPM is accepted by 600.
Is a calculator allowed in the STPM?+
Yes
How should I prepare for the STPM?+
Preparation typically occurs over 1.5 years in Form 6 within government or private schools. It involves a mix of classroom learning, independent research projects, and regular modular testing.
📝
Register for STPM
Globally Recognized, Rigorous, and Affordable Pre-University Qualification.
Register Now →
📊 Quick Facts
Official Site →
Conducted ByMajlis Peperiksaan Malaysia (Malaysian Examinations Council)
Year Started1982
CategoryPre-University and Higher Secondary Education
Last UpdatedJune 18, 2026
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