Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Importance of Early AEIS Preparation
- Why a 12-Month Roadmap Makes a Difference
- Months 1–3: Building Strong Foundations
- Months 4–6: Strengthening Core Skills
- Months 7–9: Exam-Focused Training and Practice
- Months 10–11: Intensive Revision and Mock Exams
- Month 12: Final Preparation and Mental Readiness
- Common Mistakes in Long-Term Preparation
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
For many international families, the AEIS exam represents a crucial gateway into Singapore’s government school system. One common question parents ask is whether starting early truly offers an advantage. Experience and data suggest that it does. Students who begin preparation well in advance tend to adapt more smoothly to Singapore’s academic expectations, especially in language and problem-solving. Families planning for the AEIS exam 2026 in Singapore can benefit greatly from a structured 12-month preparation roadmap that balances academic development with confidence building.

2. Understanding the Importance of Early AEIS Preparation
The AEIS exam is not just a test of knowledge; it is an assessment of readiness for Singapore’s rigorous curriculum. Students are expected to demonstrate strong English proficiency, logical thinking, and familiarity with Singapore-style Mathematics questions. Early preparation allows students to gradually internalise these expectations rather than rushing through unfamiliar concepts close to the exam date.
3. Why a 12-Month Roadmap Makes a Difference
A 12-month preparation plan offers several advantages:
- Reduces stress by spreading learning over time
- Allows gradual improvement in English language fluency
- Provides flexibility to address weaknesses early
- Builds exam confidence through repeated exposure
Instead of last-minute cramming, students develop sustainable study habits that align with long-term academic success in Singapore.
4. Months 1–3: Building Strong Foundations
The first three months should focus on diagnosing the student’s current academic level.
English
- Assess reading comprehension and vocabulary range
- Identify grammar gaps
- Encourage daily reading of age-appropriate English texts
Mathematics
- Review fundamental concepts such as fractions, ratios, and basic algebra
- Identify gaps in problem-solving logic
- Introduce Singapore Math model methods where appropriate
At this stage, the goal is not speed but accuracy and understanding.
5. Months 4–6: Strengthening Core Skills
Once foundations are identified, the next phase focuses on skill development.
English Development
- Practice structured writing with clear introductions and conclusions
- Improve sentence construction and grammar accuracy
- Expand vocabulary through thematic learning
Mathematics Progression
- Introduce more complex word problems
- Emphasise logical reasoning and step-by-step solutions
- Practice explaining answers clearly
This phase builds confidence and prepares students for more exam-oriented tasks.
6. Months 7–9: Exam-Focused Training and Practice
At this stage, preparation becomes more targeted.
- Introduce past-year style questions
- Practice under timed conditions
- Analyse mistakes to identify recurring weaknesses
Students should now be familiar with question formats and expectations. Regular feedback is crucial to ensure steady improvement and prevent bad habits from forming.
7. Months 10–11: Intensive Revision and Mock Exams
The final stretch before the exam focuses on consolidation.
- Conduct full mock exams under exam conditions
- Review incorrect answers in detail
- Strengthen weaker topics without neglecting strong areas
This period helps students refine time management skills and reduce exam anxiety through repeated practice.
8. Month 12: Final Preparation and Mental Readiness
The last month should prioritise mental readiness and confidence.
- Light revision instead of heavy new content
- Reinforce exam strategies and pacing
- Ensure sufficient rest and balanced routines
Parents should support their children emotionally, reinforcing positive effort rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
9. Common Mistakes in Long-Term Preparation
Even with early planning, some mistakes can reduce effectiveness:
- Starting early but studying inconsistently
- Overloading students with excessive practice
- Ignoring English development while focusing only on Mathematics
- Delaying exam-style practice for too long
A balanced and adaptive approach yields the best results.
10. Conclusion
Early preparation is not just worth it—it is often the deciding factor in AEIS success. A structured 12-month roadmap allows students to grow academically, adapt to Singapore’s learning style, and approach the exam with confidence. By starting early, families can transform preparation from a stressful sprint into a manageable and rewarding journey, setting students up for success both in the exam and in their future studies in Singapore.