A/L Subjects List in Sri Lanka: Streams and What They Lead To

TL;DR. The A/L subjects list in Sri Lanka is organised into six streams: Bio Science, Physical Science, Commerce, Arts, Engineering Technology and Bio Systems Technology. Your stream decides which degrees you can apply for, so choose it by the course you want, not by the subjects your friends take.

Choosing A/L subjects after the O/Ls feels like a decision about the next two years. In practice it also shapes the next four or five, because universities and institutes set subject requirements for each degree. This guide shows the streams, the kind of subjects each one holds and how to work backward from a degree.

What is on the A/L subjects list in Sri Lanka?

The Department of Examinations reports G.C.E. Advanced Level results under six stream labels: Bio Science, Physical Science, Commerce, Arts, Engineering Technology and Bio Systems Technology. Until 2014 the exam used four streams. The two technology streams were added from 2015.

Each stream is a group of subjects, and a candidate sits three main subjects. The full list of subjects and subject numbers is published by the Department of Examinations, so check that list for the current year before you submit your subject choices at school.

Which subjects belong to each stream?

Physical Science

This stream is built around Combined Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. It leads towards engineering, computing and physical science degrees.

Bio Science

This stream centres on Biology alongside other science subjects such as Chemistry. It is the usual base for medicine, allied health and life science degrees, and the UGC pre-requisites document lists the exact combinations.

Commerce

Commerce subjects include Accounting, Business Studies and Business Statistics, among others in the official list. They suit business, accounting, finance and management courses.

Arts

Arts subjects named in the University Grants Commission (UGC) subject pre-requisites include Geography, History, Logic and Elements of Political Science. The UGC handbook also limits how many technological subjects can count towards an Arts selection.

Engineering Technology and Bio Systems Technology

These two technology streams give a practical route to technology and applied science programs. Our guide on what to study after the A/L technology stream explains the options.

How do you choose subjects by the degree you want?

Work backward in three steps.

Pick two or three degrees that interest you.
Open the entry requirement of each and note which A/L subjects it asks for.
Choose the stream that satisfies the most of them.

The UGC publishes a subject pre-requisites document for state university courses, and institutes publish their own entry rules. For example, the Bachelor of Information Technology at Nawaloka College of Higher Studies lists completion of the Sri Lankan G.C.E. A/L or an equivalent qualification as its academic entry, and it asks for English proficiency where required. Read the entry section of every program you are considering, because rules differ between institutes.

Which stream leads to which study area?

Use these as a starting map, then confirm each course page.

Computing and information technology: browse the computing study area and its software engineering page. Our guide on what to study after the maths stream lists the routes.
Business, accounting and management: open the business study area and read what to study after the commerce stream.
Languages, social science and creative fields: read what to study after the arts stream.
Health and life science: read alternatives to medicine for biology stream students.

What if you are unsure or your results are low?

Many students start A/L with one plan and change it later. Foundation programs, diplomas and Higher National Diplomas give a second route into a degree. Our guides on study options after low A/L results and how to choose a local degree explain how those routes work.

Frequently asked questions

How many streams are there in the Sri Lankan A/L?

The Department of Examinations reports results in six streams: Bio Science, Physical Science, Commerce, Arts, Engineering Technology and Bio Systems Technology. The technology streams were added from 2015.

Can I mix subjects from different streams?

Rules differ by year, school and university, and some course pre-requisites accept only certain combinations. Check the current Department of Examinations regulations and the entry rule of your target course before you finalise your choice.

Which A/L stream suits IT?

Computing and engineering programs commonly ask for mathematics based subjects, and some institutes accept other backgrounds. Read the entry requirement of each program, because it varies.

Which A/L stream suits business and accounting?

Commerce subjects such as Accounting and Business Studies fit business and accounting courses, though many business degrees accept students from other streams. Confirm on the course page.

Do I need A/L to study at a private institute?

Many degrees ask for the G.C.E. A/L or an equivalent qualification, while diplomas, Higher National Diplomas and foundation programs may ask for the O/Ls. Each program page lists its own rule.

PS. Not sure which stream fits? Pick two degrees you like, open their entry requirements, and match your subjects to them. Our guide to degree courses in Sri Lanka is a good place to start.