Due to high student volumes, some schools operate in two shifts—a morning session ending around 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM, and an afternoon session ending near 6:45 PM.

The core is Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mathematics, Science, and Sejarah . History is mandatory to pass the SPM; failing it means failing the entire certificate. Islamic Studies is compulsory for Muslim students, while non-Muslims take Moral Education, a subject often criticized for its abstract, Confucian-leaning dilemmas.

Most days begin with a formal assembly where students sing the national anthem ("Negaraku"), recite the national pledge ("Rukun Negara"), and listen to teacher announcements.