Currently Singapore has job openings, however all the jobs require either Citizens of Singapore, or PRs. Sometimes companies asking for Mandarin speaking people. Companies including job consultants are not interested to sponsor employment pass now a days here. The exceptional case is if you have specialized skill set, the chances are more for job. But with normal
J2EE skill its almost close to impossible to get a job in Singapore from India.
I will try to answer your questions
1. How is the job market there?
A. Jobs are only for Singaporeans and PRs. EP sponsorship is difficult unless you have specialized skill set.
Take a look at JobsDB, almost all jobs require Singaporeans or PRs.
2. What is the normal working hours? (I have heard ppl saying that in Singapore one is expected to work for atleast 12 hrs/day).Is it true?
A. Dependes on company. However be prepare mentally and physically
to work more than 12 hrs a day with no additional pay.
3. What salary can i expect(given my exp)?
A. You can expect 4k. Also depends on how desperate you are willing to come here. I recommend you accept the offer if you get any even with less salary since you are single. Things are getting better.
4. Is the background verification(both work-related and studies related) similar to that of India?
A. If you have genuine education and experience no need to worry. Otherwise, no comments
5. Finally, what are the living costs there? like how much i will need as a bachelor like for eg. SG$2000 pm etc.
A. For bachelor living approximate monthly expenses here,
You can share a room with aircon approax. $500
Food $100
Travel $100
Phone $70-$100
Others depends on your lifestyle.
These are the basics.
Hope this information helps.