How to select A/L Subjects - What are the A/L Streams

How to Select A/L Subjects – What Are the A/L Streams?

Choosing your A/L (Advanced Level) subjects is one of the biggest academic decisions you'll make in your school life. It shapes your university path, influences your career options, and even helps define your long-term goals. But don’t worry—whether you’re just finishing your O/L exams or you’re helping someone else choose, this guide will help you understand everything about A/L subject selection in Sri Lanka.

What Are the A/L Streams in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka, students can select from four main A/L streams after completing their Ordinary Level (O/L) exams. Each stream is designed to prepare students for higher education or direct employment based on specific fields of interest:

Science Stream
Commerce Stream
Arts (Arts & Humanities) Stream
Technology Stream

Let’s explore each stream in detail.

1. Science Stream

The Science stream is best for students interested in medicine, engineering, IT, environmental science, and other technical or health-related fields.

Popular Subject Combinations:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics – for medicine, dental, veterinary, and health science paths
Physics, Chemistry, Combined Mathematics – for engineering and physical sciences
Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture Science – for agriculture or environmental careers

Ideal for:

Students aiming to become doctors, engineers, scientists, or IT professionals
Those who perform well in O/L Mathematics and Science

Career & University Options:

MBBS / Medical Degree
BSc Engineering (Local and foreign universities)
Pharmacy, Nursing, Environmental Science
Computer Science and Software Engineering

Tip: The Science stream is highly competitive but offers wide global opportunities.

2. Commerce Stream

Commerce is ideal for students interested in business, accounting, finance, marketing, and management fields.

Popular Subject Combinations:

Accounting, Business Studies, Economics
Accounting, Business Studies, ICT
Business Studies, Economics, Logic/ICT

Ideal for:

Students with strong mathematical and analytical skills
Those interested in business and entrepreneurship

Career & University Options:

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
Accounting & Finance degrees
Banking and Insurance careers
Chartered Accounting (CA), CIMA, ACCA qualifications

Tip: Commerce provides direct access to local and international business schools.

3. Arts Stream

Arts or Arts & Humanities is a flexible stream that offers a wide range of subjects related to languages, social studies, and creative disciplines.

Popular Subject Combinations:

Sinhala, Political Science, History
Logic, Economics, English Literature
Buddhism, Geography, Sociology

Ideal for:

Students with strong reading, writing, or creative skills
Those passionate about social sciences, history, philosophy, or teaching

Career & University Options:

Law, Journalism, Teaching, Counseling
Bachelor of Arts degrees
Psychology, Languages, International Relations

Tip: Arts is perfect for students looking to pursue academic, legal, or social careers.

4. Technology Stream

Introduced to cater to the modern job market, the Technology stream focuses on practical skills for technical and vocational careers.

Core Subjects:

Engineering Technology
Science for Technology
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Students also study General English and Sinhala/Tamil as compulsory subjects.

Ideal for:

Students with interest in engineering, mechanics, ICT, or applied sciences
Those who want a hands-on education and quicker employment opportunities

Career & University Options:

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
Technology faculties in state universities (e.g., Uva Wellassa, SLIATE)
Technical officer, mechanical engineer assistant, IT technician roles

Tip: Technology stream is future-proof with rising demand in both local and foreign job markets.

How to Choose the Right A/L Stream for You?

1. Know Your Strengths

Here are 7 practical steps to help you choose your A/L subjects smartly:

Review your O/L results. Which subjects did you enjoy and score well in? For example:

If you scored well in Science and Math, consider the Science or Technology stream.
If you love reading, debating, or social sciences, Arts might be ideal.

2. Think About Your Future Career

What do you want to become?

Doctor → Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Lawyer → Political Science, Sinhala, Logic
Accountant → Accounting, Business Studies, Economics

3. Talk to Teachers and Counselors

Teachers can give honest feedback about your academic strengths and weaknesses. Career counselors can also help match subjects to future university courses.

4. Explore University Requirements

Some degree programs require specific A/L subjects. For example, to enter the Medical Faculty, you must have Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. So choose wisely.

5. Research Employment Trends

Look at the job market in Sri Lanka and abroad. Industries like ICT, logistics, and renewable energy are growing fast—Technology and Commerce streams can be very useful here.

6. Balance Interest and Practicality

It’s important to love what you study—but make sure it leads somewhere. Ask:

Will these subjects help me get into a good university?
Are there job opportunities after graduation?

7. Don’t Just Follow Friends

What’s best for your friend may not be best for you. Your A/L choices should match your personal goals and strengths.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing subjects just because they’re “easy”
Selecting based on peer pressure
Not checking university prerequisites
Ignoring your O/L performance
Selecting all subjects from different streams (not allowed)

What to Do If You’re Still Unsure?

If you're still confused, consider the following support options:

Attend education exhibitions and open days
Take personality or career quizzes (offered by some education websites)
Talk to senior students who have studied the same subjects

Final Thoughts: Your A/L Subjects Define Your Path

Your A/L subject selection is not just about the next two years of school. It’s a gateway to university education, career success, and personal development. So take your time, do your research, and choose wisely.

Remember, no stream is “better” than the other—it’s about what fits you. Whether you want to be a doctor, designer, engineer, accountant, or teacher, the right A/L subjects will get you there.