Thousands of young Filipinos hoping to earn a place at the country’s foremost military institution will have the chance to sit the Philippine Military Academy’s 2026 Entrance Examination across seven testing venues in Eastern Mindanao on July 11 and 12, 2026. The PMA made the announcement from its headquarters at Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar in Baguio City, covering applicants from the Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and Davao regions.
Passing the PMA entrance examination is the singular requirement for entry into an institution that offers free college education and, upon graduation, a commission as an officer in the Philippine Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard. The degree conferred is a Bachelor of Science in Management with a major in Security Studies, according to the PMA.
Testing Venues Spread Across Three Regions
The PMA confirmed that applicants from the Eastern Mindanao Cluster may report to any of seven official testing centers. These venues are distributed to ensure geographic accessibility across the wide cluster:
- Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur — Lope A. Asis Memorial Gymnasium
- Cagayan de Oro City — 4th Infantry Division Gymnasium / Montalban Hall, Camp Evangelista
- Surigao City, Surigao del Norte — Barangay Gymnasium, Barangay Washington
- Davao City — F. Bagoy National High School, Sasa
- Mati City, Davao Oriental — Mati City National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS), Mangga Street
- Tagum City, Davao del Norte — University of Southeastern Philippines Tagum-Mabini Campus
- Digos City, Davao del Sur — University of Mindanao–Digos College Roxas Extension
General Santos City Schedule Temporarily Disrupted
Not all applicants in the cluster will follow the July 11–12 timeline. The PMA advised that those who originally registered under the General Santos City testing center and have already received their examination permits should proceed instead to either the Digos City or Davao City venue on the original dates.
The Academy announced that the General Santos City examination leg has been tentatively moved to July 25 to 26, 2026, contingent on an official declaration that the area has returned to normal conditions following recent calamities. The PMA urged all affected applicants to make the necessary travel and lodging preparations and to stay updated through official PMA channels as that rescheduled date approaches.
What to Bring: Requirements for Online and Mail Applicants
According to the PMA, candidates who applied via the online or mail process must present the following items upon arriving at their chosen testing center:
- A valid examination permit
- One 2″x2″ ID photo with a white background, taken within the past six months
- Two number 2 pencils
- A valid government-issued identification card
Walk-in Applicants Face Additional Document Requirements
Walk-in applicants must prepare a more comprehensive set of documents, the PMA stated. In addition to the items required of online and mail applicants, walk-ins must submit a duly accomplished application form downloadable from the official PMA website, a photocopy of their Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificate, and a photocopy of their academic records — specifically Form 137 for senior high school graduates or Form 138 for Grade 12 students currently enrolled, reflecting their latest general point average.
Walk-in applicants must also bring two 2″x2″ ID photos — one more than their online counterparts — in addition to the standard two number 2 pencils and a valid ID.
Dress Code and Examination Day Schedule
The PMA prescribed a strict dress code that all applicants must observe: a white t-shirt, pants, and rubber shoes. The Academy warned that applicants who arrive at the testing venue out of compliance with this dress code risk being denied entry entirely.
On examination day, applicant processing will begin at 7:00 a.m., giving candidates ample time to register before the examination officially commences at 12:00 noon. The PMA reminded all examinees that only number 2 pencils are permitted during the test. Applicants are also advised to bring their own food and water, as no meals or refreshments will be provided at any of the testing venues.
Staying Informed Through Official Channels
The PMA called on all applicants — particularly those affected by the General Santos City postponement — to actively monitor official communications. The Academy directed the public to follow the Philippine Military Academy’s official Facebook page, referred to in its announcement as “Face-bok,” as well as the official PMA website, for the latest updates on venue assignments, schedule changes, and any further announcements related to the 2026 entrance examination cycle.
Given the scale of the examination and the number of regions involved, the PMA emphasized that timely access to correct information is essential for every applicant hoping to secure their seat at the nation’s premier military academy.
By the Numbers
- 7 — Official testing centers designated for the Eastern Mindanao Cluster
- 3 — Regions covered by the cluster: Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and Davao
- July 11–12, 2026 — Primary examination dates for Eastern Mindanao applicants
- July 25–26, 2026 — Tentative rescheduled dates for General Santos City applicants
- 7:00 a.m. — Opening of applicant processing at all venues
- 12:00 noon — Official start time of the entrance examination
Why This Matters
The PMA entrance examination is the only route into the Philippines’ top institution for training and commissioning military officers, meaning that accurate scheduling information directly affects the career prospects of aspiring cadets across Mindanao. The displacement of General Santos City applicants to alternate venues illustrates how regional emergencies and calamities can disrupt nationally administered examinations, requiring candidates to be both flexible and well-informed. Applicants who fail to monitor official PMA announcements risk missing their examination window entirely, effectively foreclosing their opportunity to enter the Academy for the 2026 academic year.
Source: Philippine Military Academy official announcement
