List of Advanced Level subjects

List of Advanced Level Subjects in Sri Lanka: A Guide for Students After O/L

Choosing the right Advanced Level (A/L) subjects after completing your Ordinary Level (O/L) exams is one of the most important decisions in your academic journey. Your A/L stream not only shapes your university options but also builds the foundation for your future career.

If you're wondering which A/L stream to choose and what subjects are available, this guide is for you. Below, we provide a complete list of A/L subjects available in Sri Lanka, explain each main stream, and offer helpful advice on how to choose the best stream based on your goals and interests.

Why A/L Subject Selection Matters

Advanced Level education is a gateway to university admission in Sri Lanka and abroad. Universities and higher education institutes evaluate your A/L subject results to determine whether you're eligible for specific degree programs such as Medicine, Engineering, Business, IT, Law, Arts, and more.

The subjects you choose at A/L directly influence:

Your university course eligibility
Your career path
Your academic strengths and future opportunities

That's why it's essential to select the right subjects based on your interests, capabilities, and career aspirations.

Main A/L Streams in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, students can choose from four primary A/L streams, each designed to suit specific academic and professional goals:

Science Stream
Commerce Stream
Arts (Humanities) Stream
Technology Stream

Each stream includes a variety of subject combinations to choose from.

List of A/L Subjects by Stream

1. Science Stream

Best suited for students who are interested in medicine, engineering, technology, or natural sciences.

Common Subjects:

Biology

Physics

Chemistry

Combined Mathematics

Agriculture

ICT (Information & Communication Technology)

Popular Career Paths:

Doctor

Engineer

Scientist

Pharmacist

Environmentalist

IT Professional

Ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, experiments, and analytical thinking.

2. Commerce Stream

A popular stream for students aiming to enter the fields of business, finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship.

Common Subjects:

Business Studies

Accounting

Economics

ICT

Logic

Popular Career Paths:

Accountant

Business Manager

Banker

Economist

Marketing Specialist

Ideal for students who are business-minded, good with numbers, and interested in economics and trade.

3. Arts Stream (Humanities)

This stream is suitable for students passionate about languages, history, politics, media, and social studies.

Common Subjects:

History

Political Science

Geography

Logic

Sinhala / Tamil / English Literature

Media Studies

Art

Religion (Buddhism / Christianity / Hinduism / Islam)

Popular Career Paths:

Lawyer

Journalist

Teacher

Civil Servant

Writer

Psychologist

Best for students who enjoy reading, writing, debating, and exploring cultures and societies.

4. Technology Stream

Introduced to provide a more practical approach to education, the technology stream is perfect for those interested in technical skills, applied sciences, and modern technologies.

Common Subjects:

Engineering Technology

Bio Systems Technology

Science for Technology

ICT

Popular Career Paths:

Technician

Agricultural Specialist

Engineer (Applied fields)

Industrial Technologist

A great option for hands-on learners and students who prefer technical knowledge over theory-based learning.

How to Choose the Right A/L Stream After O/L

If you're unsure about what stream to select, here are some helpful tips:

1. Know Your Strengths

What were your best-performing subjects in O/L?

What topics do you naturally enjoy and understand well?

2. Think About Your Future Goals

What career would you like to pursue?

What degree programs are you interested in?

For example:

Want to become a doctor? ➜ Choose Science (Biology)

Interested in business or accounting? ➜ Choose Commerce

Dreaming of being a lawyer or journalist? ➜ Choose Arts

Passionate about practical, hands-on learning? ➜ Choose Technology

3. Research University Requirements

Different university programs have specific A/L subject requirements. Be sure to check what subjects are needed for the degree you want to pursue.

4. Ask for Guidance

Talk to your teachers and career counselors.

Attend career guidance seminars and education fairs.

Use platforms like Studyway.lk for expert insights and resources.

Tips Before Finalizing Your Subject Choices

Don't choose a stream just because your friends are doing it.

Be honest about your capabilities. For example, if you struggle with maths, Science may not be the best fit.

Keep your options open. If you're unsure of your future path, choose subjects that offer versatility, like ICT or Logic.

Explore career paths. Understanding what jobs different streams can lead to helps with motivation and direction.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your A/L subjects is a critical decision that can define your academic and professional future. Take the time to explore your interests, evaluate your strengths, and set clear goals. Whether you choose Science, Commerce, Arts, or Technology, make sure your choice aligns with your passion and long-term vision.

Remember, the right A/L subject combination is your first step toward a successful and fulfilling career.

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

Click here to find List of Advanced Level subjects

Click here to find Advanced Level Subjects in Sri Lanka

Click here to find Best A-Levels For University Courses

Click here to find Advanced Level Subjects Combination

Click here to find A/L වලට හරිම සබ්ජෙක්ට් එක තෝරගමු. Best Decisions for GCE Advanced Level Exams

Click here to find What A-Levels Do You Need to Study Architecture?

Click here to find Best A-Levels for Studying Architecture

Click here to find Best A-Levels for Studying Medicine

Click here to find What are the best A-level subjects for a Law degree?

Click here to find Best A Level Subjects for Law Degree