GCE OL Sri Lanka

GCE Ordinary Level in Sri Lanka or GCE O/L (General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level) is an important educational qualification. It is conducted by the Department of Examinations under the Ministry of Education. The exam serves as the basic certificate that marks the completion of secondary education in Sri Lanka. The GCE O-Level is crucial for students as it determines eligibility for further studies at the GCE Advanced Level (A/L). It is also necessary for gaining admission to vocational training courses, career training, and many job opportunities.

Who Takes the GCE Ordinary Level in Sri Lanka?

Typically, students take the GCE O/L examination during their final year of Grade 11, at around the age of 15 or 16. However, it is also open to external candidates, or non-school students, who wish to take the exam. The exam is available in three mediums: Sinhala, Tamil, and English, allowing students to choose the language they are most comfortable with.

GCE OL Subject list and Exam

The GCE Ordinary Level in Sri Lanka exam covers six main subjects that are compulsory for all students, along with three optional subjects, giving students the chance to select areas that interest them. This makes a total of nine subjects for the exam.

Compulsory Subjects:

1. Mathematics
2. History
3. English Language
4. Science
5. Religion (choose one religion)
6. Language & Literature (choose either Sinhala or Tamil)

Optional Subjects (Basket Subjects):

1. Category I: Subjects like Geography, Business & Accounting Studies, etc.
2. Category II: Subjects such as Art, Music, etc.
3. Category III: Subjects like ICT, Home Economics, etc.

GCE Ordinary Level in Sri Lanka : How the Exam Is Conducted

The GCE O/L examination is typically held in December each year. The exam includes a mix of written papers, practical tests, and assessments. The written papers assess students’ theoretical knowledge. Practical tests are used for subjects that require hands-on skills, such as Aesthetic subjects (Art, Music). Some subjects also include coursework or project work, which contribute to the final grade.

Each subject is assessed through several papers. These may include multiple-choice questions (MCQs) or written papers, depending on the subject. The duration of the papers can vary. For example, MCQ papers usually last for 1 hour, while written papers can last for up to 3 hours.

GCE OL Sri Lanka Grading System

The GCE O/L exam is graded on a scale from A to F. Here is a breakdown of the grading system:

• A: Excellent (100 – 75 marks)
• B: Good (74 – 65 marks)
• C: Fair (64 – 50 marks)
• S: Simple Pass (49 – 35 marks)
• F: Fail (34 – 0 marks)

To pass the GCE O/L exam, a student must achieve at least an “S” grade in the six mandatory subjects. This ensures that students have a basic understanding of the core subjects required for further study or vocational training.