Direct School Admission (DSA)

DSA-Sec Exercise 2025

The DSA-Sec Exercise was first introduced in 2004 as part of MOE's move towards a more flexible and broad-based education system. Under the DSA-Sec Exercise, schools will be able to select a percentage of their students for admission outside of the centralized posting system, via their own selection criteria. Parents and students are encouraged to choose schools wisely based on the student’s aptitudes and strengths, bearing in mind the schools’ academic and non-academic requirements, and the programmes available to develop the area of talent.

Students who are successfully admitted to the school via DSA are expected to honour their commitment to the school and participate in the activities related to the talent which they are selected for Year 1 - 4.

Talent Areas
At Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School, we aim to nurture our students into young ladies and gentlemen with the courage to lead and serve through a wide range of school experiences.

In line with our school’s focus on the holistic development of our students and to nurture the diversified talent areas, we are looking for students who

have a keen interest in understanding societal issues and in harnessing the media to generate an awareness of these issues and advocate for change, to make a difference in the lives of others, or
have keen interest, disposition and ability in music (to take up the Enhanced Music Programme), or
have good level of sports skills in Shooting and Track & Field; or
possess positive attitude, good communication skills and have demonstrated leadership capabilities.

Primary 6 students who are interested in joining Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School are encouraged to apply through the following DSA talent areas.

DSA Talent Areas	DSA Main Category
Critical Social Inquiry and Media Literacy	Language & Humanities
Music	Performing Arts
Shooting	Sports and Games
Track & Field	Sports and Games
Community Youth Leadership	Leadership & Uniformed Groups

The selection criteria and process for the talent areas will be updated from early-May. For more information on DSA-Sec, please refer to the MOE website at https://www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec

Application Procedures

Step 1: Submission of application form through DSA - Sec Portal

Application for DSA-Sec can be submitted through online DSA-Sec Portal. The application is free-of-charge and will be open from 7 May 2025, 11 am to 3 June 2025, 3 pm. For more details, please refer to MOE website - www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec

For applicants studying in MOE mainstream primary schools: Only one parent's SingPass is needed to log in. If parent / guardian is unable to apply online, you can approach the child's primary school for assistance.

For applicants NOT studying in MOE mainstream primary schools, please obtain a Registration Number (RGxxxxxxx) online before applying through the DSA-Sec Portal.

For more information, you can refer to the MOE website at: https://go.gov.sg/nmsdsa-sec-application

Step 2: Attending Auditions/Trials/Tests and Interview Sessions

Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 4 July 2025 to attend the selection trial.

In the event that you are unable to attend the session on the given date, please call us at 6758 5384 in advance to make a new appointment. The dates available are:

Dates for Interview/Trials:	Between 23 July 2025 to 6 Aug 2025
Time:	Between 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Attire:	School Uniform PE Attire (For Shooting and Track & Field)
For Music	Please have your instrument and score ready.

Step 3: Outcome of Selection

You will be notified of the outcome between 25 August 2025 to 4 September 2025, informing you that your selection outcome is either Confirmed Offer, put on Wait List, or Rejected. The decision of the Selection Panel is final.

Students who are given Confirmed Offer or Wait List will receive notification on the School Preference Submission in October 2025.

Lastly, the DSA results will be released with the PSLE results.

Selection Criteria

DSA Talent Areas	Selection Criteria
Critical Social Inquiry and Media Literacy	Keen interest in: exploring issues in society that affect people in Singapore and the world; learning how to use the media purposefully, to generate an awareness of societal issues and advocate for change, to make a difference in the lives of others. Student’s aptitude in leading inquiry and advocacy projects related to the ALP.
Music	Minimum of Grade 4 ABRSM or equivalent in music (practical and theory) Keen interest in music (The music session includes playing two own-choice music pieces, a written test and an interview)
Shooting	Students should be physically fit and able to independently handle the air rifle and/or air pistol. Seeking highly motivated individuals who strive for excellence and those that are able to perform under extreme pressure. (Students to pass the trial segment will have to stay for an interview session on the same day.)
Track & Field	Students should be physically fit, possess a good level of sports skills, demonstrate leadership qualities, and display strong character traits. Those who meet the criteria during the selection trial will be informed by the teacher-in-charge on the same day. If they have cleared the trial, they will proceed for an interview session immediately after.
Community Youth Leadership	Students should possess a strong commitment to creating positive change that benefits others, along with a keen interest in serving the school and the community. They should demonstrate good communication skills, leadership capabilities, and the ability to inspire, motivate, and unite others toward achieving a shared and meaningful goal.

Applicants who do not have prior experience may also apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.

Contact Us

For further clarifications, you may contact any of the following teachers:

For ALP (Critical Social Inquiry and Media Literacy) matters:
Ms Andrea Lee Shu Qi
HOD / Humanities
Tel: 6594 9022

Or

Mr Mohamed Imran Bin Ishak
Assistant Year Head / Lower Sec
Tel: 6594 9036

For Music matters:
Ms Chow Pei Yan
Subject Head / Music
Tel: 6594 9038

For Sports & Games matters:
Mr Tommy Toh
Subject Head / CCA
Tel: 6594 9047

For Community Youth Leadership matters:
Ms Tsang Wing Han
Subject Head / Systems & Research
Tel: 6594 9047