The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will conduct the Eastern Mindanao Cluster leg of its 2026 Entrance Examination on July 11 to 12, 2026, across seven testing centers covering the Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and Davao regions, the Academy announced from its headquarters in Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar, Baguio City.
The entrance examination serves as the primary gateway for aspiring cadets seeking admission to the Philippines' premier military school, which provides free college education leading to a Bachelor of Science in Management major in Security Studies, and upon graduation, a commission as an officer in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard.
Seven Testing Centers Across Eastern Mindanao
According to the PMA, applicants from across the Eastern Mindanao Cluster may sit for the examination at any of the following designated venues:
- 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 Applicants Redirected Due to Calamities
The PMA advised applicants residing in General Santos City who have already secured their examination permits to take the exam instead at either Digos City or Davao City. The Academy said the conduct of the examination in General Santos City has been tentatively rescheduled to July 25 to 26, 2026, pending the official declaration that normal conditions have been restored following calamities that affected the region.
Affected applicants are urged to make travel and accommodation arrangements accordingly and to monitor official PMA channels for any updates regarding the General Santos City schedule.
What Online and Mail Applicants Must Bring
According to the PMA, online and mail applicants are required to present the following on examination day:
- Their examination permit
- One 2"x2" ID photo with a white background, taken within the last six months
- Two number 2 pencils
- A valid identification card
Walk-in Applicants Must Secure Additional Documents
Walk-in applicants face a longer list of requirements, as stated by the PMA. These include a duly accomplished application form available on the official PMA website, a photocopy of the applicant's PSA birth certificate, and a photocopy of Form 137 for senior high school graduates or Form 138 for currently enrolled Grade 12 students reflecting the latest general point average.
Walk-in applicants must also bring two 2"x2" ID photos with a white background taken within the last six months, two number 2 pencils, and a valid identification card.
Dress Code, Exam Schedule, and Day-of Reminders
The PMA prescribed a specific dress code for all applicants: a white t-shirt, pants, and rubber shoes. Non-compliance may result in denial of entry to the testing venue.
Processing of applicants begins at 7:00 a.m., while the examination itself starts at 12:00 noon. The Academy noted that all examinees must use number 2 pencils throughout the test and are advised to bring their own food, as no provisions will be made at the venue.
Where to Get Official Updates
The PMA encouraged all applicants to regularly check the official PMA Facebook page — Philippine Military Academy "Face-bok" — as well as the official PMA website for the latest announcements, scheduling updates, and any changes to venue assignments, particularly for those affected by the General Santos City postponement.
By the Numbers
- 7 — Testing centers designated across Eastern Mindanao for July 11-12
- 3 — Regions covered: Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and Davao
- July 11-12, 2026 — Scheduled examination dates for the Eastern Mindanao Cluster
- July 25-26, 2026 — Tentative rescheduled dates for the General Santos City examination
- 7:00 a.m. — Start of applicant processing; 12:00 noon — Start of the examination
- 2"x2" — Required ID photo size; must be taken within the last six months
Why This Matters
The PMA entrance examination is the sole pathway into the country's primary institution for producing commissioned military officers, making access to accurate scheduling and venue information critical for thousands of aspiring cadets across Mindanao. The temporary relocation of General Santos City applicants to Digos or Davao City underscores the logistical impact that regional calamities can have on nationally administered examinations. Applicants who miss the examination due to outdated information or failure to monitor official PMA channels risk losing their opportunity for the 2026 academic year.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Philippine Military Academy / PMA Official Facebook Page