Exam Papers
SPM Mathematics Exam Format (1449)
SPM Mathematics (1449) has two papers and no Paper 3. Paper 1 is objective; Paper 2 is subjective and gives marks for your working.
Here is the full official format.
Paper 1
Mathematics Paper 1 (Objective) is 40 questions (answer all) worth 40 marks, to be done in 1 hour 30 minutes. Every question is answered, and marks are awarded per correct answer.
Paper 2
Mathematics Paper 2 (Subjective) is worth 100 marks over 2 hours 30 minutes, in three sections, Section A: 10 questions (40 marks), answer all; Section B: 5 questions (45 marks), answer all; Section C: 2 questions (15 marks), answer one. Marks are given for the steps, not only the answer.
Difficulty and calculators
The paper mixes difficulty at Low : Medium : High = 5 : 3 : 2. A non-programmable scientific calculator is allowed; geometry tools are also allowed in Paper 2.
The syllabus assessed is content standards and learning standards from the DSKP KSSM (Form 1 to Form 5).
Source:SPM: Format Pentaksiran mulai 2021, Matematik (1449)
Frequently asked questions
Does SPM Mathematics have a Paper 3?
No. SPM Mathematics (1449) has only two papers: Paper 1 (1449/1) and Paper 2 (1449/2), there is no Paper 3.
Paper 1 is 40 objective multiple-choice questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 40 marks. Paper 2 is subjective, worth 100 marks over 2 hours 30 minutes.
Together they total 140 marks.
What's the difference between Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Paper 1 uses dichotomous scoring, each answer is simply right or wrong, so there's no partial credit. Paper 2 uses analytic scoring, awarding marks for each correct step even if the final answer is wrong.
This means Paper 1 rewards speed and accuracy, while Paper 2 rewards clear, complete working shown line by line.
How are the marks split between Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Paper 1 is worth 40 marks and Paper 2 is worth 100 marks, for 140 marks in total. Paper 2 itself splits into three sections: Section A (10 questions, 40 marks), Section B (5 questions, 45 marks), and Section C (2 questions, 15 marks, choose one).
Time and effort should follow this weighting.