University News

80K + Students Take PUPCET as PUP Prepares for AY 2026–2027

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

Close to 100,000 applicants took the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College Entrance Test (PUPCET) at the PUP. Sta. Mesa Campus. This annual event marked a significant milestone in the University’s admission process for Academic Year 2026–2027.

The examination was conducted across four batches on selected dates in January, February, and March, through coordinated efforts among the PUPCET Committee, faculty members, student organizations, and community partners to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Committee Preparations and Strategic Coordination

According to University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi, the University undertook comprehensive measures to ensure a smooth, efficient, and inclusive PUPCET. Led by Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (VPSAS) Tomas O. Testor, the PUPCET Committee held multiple preparatory meetings to streamline logistics, address potential traffic concerns through local community coordination, and optimize the use of the PUP iApply system for application submissions to allow applicants to submit requirements and secure examination slots efficiently.

During the actual examination days, since logistics, resources, and manpower are vital, PUP deployed faculty members to serve as test administrators and supervisors, while student organizations and volunteers assisted as marshals or test proctors. As a result of these collective efforts from the PUP community, Muhi expressed his gratitude.

In addition, the University has allocated approximately 20,000 slots for AY 2026-2027: 10,000 to 12,000 for the Sta. Mesa Main Campus and 8,000 distributed across PUP’s regional campuses—a less than 10% passing percentage.

On the Ground: Test Administrators and Supervisors Ensure Orderly Conduct

In conformity with the preparatory measures made by the PUPCET Committee, the test administrators and supervisors implemented strict protocols to maintain examination integrity and efficiency. Asst. Prof. Richard Keith N. Simeon, PUPCET test supervisor from the College of Social Sciences and Development (CSSD) shared the process.

Prior to the exam, he noted that the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA), the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (OVPSAS), the Office of the University Registrar (OUR), the Admission and Registration Services Section, and Office of the Counseling and Psychological Services (OCPS) conducted an online training and orientation sessions for chairpersons, test administrators, and test supervisors to discuss the expected standards for PUPCET conduct.

During the test, they followed standard procedures to oversee examinees, ensure security by preventing unauthorized persons from entering testing grounds, and uphold examination confidentiality and integrity. Following the conclusion of all tests that day, they were the last to leave to ensure that testing rooms were cleared, and test booklets were properly collected and submitted.

Meanwhile, as a test administrator, Inst. Lariza Nicole A. Aure, also from CSSD, shared her approach to help minimize disruptions and provide examinees with a clear, focused testing environment.

“First, I made sure that all applicants entering each shift were the correct examinees by carefully checking their examinee numbers. Second, I ensured all guidelines were clearly discussed during orientation. Third, I addressed common points of confusion based on insights from fellow proctors. Lastly, I organized the exit process to ensure proper collection of documents.” Aure said.

Applicant Demographics and Course Preferences

According to Pres. Muhi, PUPCET applicants for the Sta. Mesa Campus hailed predominantly from the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, and Regions IV-A and IV-B, with a significant number also coming from the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Engineering programs, particularly Civil Engineering, emerged as the most sought-after courses, followed by Accountancy, Psychology, Tourism, and Information Technology. These programs typically reach full enrollment capacity within the first week of enrollment.

Engineering programs, particularly Civil Engineering, emerged as the most sought-after courses, followed by Accountancy, Psychology, Tourism, and Information Technology. These programs typically reach full enrollment capacity within the first week of enrollment.

Voices from the Community: Parents and Students Speak

Among PUP aspirants vying for enrollment slots, many shared their thoughts and reasons for choosing the University. Examinee Josher Amor Paras cited PUP’s reputation, tuition-free education, and strong family alumni ties as key factors in her decision to take the PUPCET.

“Maganda ang reputation ng PUP, free ang education, at doon din nag-aaral ang mga kapatid at nanay ko,” Paras, a BS Psychology hopeful, explained. Reflecting on the exam experience, she added “Kinabahan ako nung una pero okay naman ang exam. Kung ikukumpara ko siya sa mga entrance exams na kinuha ko, mas madali siya.”

(PUP has a good reputation, the education is free, and my siblings and my mother also study there. I was nervous at first, but the exam was actually okay. If I compare it to the other entrance exams I took, it was easier.)

While confident in her performance, Josher acknowledged the competitive landscape, saying “Hindi ko sure kung makakaabot ako sa 10% kasi kung titignan siya by percentage, may possibility pa rin na hindi ako makapasok. Pero kung hindi ko iisipin ang 10%, feeling ko makakapasok ako.”

(I’m not sure if I’ll make it into the 10% because if you look at it by percentage, there’s still a possibility that I won’t get in. But if I don’t think about the 10%, I feel like I’ll be able to get in.)

Meanwhile, Pie Poja Paras, a PUP alumna from BS Psychology and Josher’s mother, expressed confidence in the University’s enduring educational quality.

“Dahil ito ang gusto ng anak na kunin ang kursong sikolohiya sa PUP na kung saan doon ko rinkinuha, sa palagay ko, iyon ang makakatulong sa kanya,” she shared. “Hindi naman nagbago ang kalidad ng edukasyon at patuloy na pinapraktis ito sa Sintang Paaralan.”

(Because this is the course my child wants to take—Psychology at PUP, which is also where I studied, I believe it will help them. The quality of education has not changed, and it continues to be upheld in the Sintang Paaralan.)

Her message to all applicants resonated with encouragement: “Ang mahalaga talaga ay makapagtapos ng pag-aaral sapagkat ito ang susi para magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan. Kung makapasa man sila o hindi, ang panalangin at wish ko sa kanila ay makapagtapos sila ng pag-aaral.”

(What truly matters is that they are able to finish their studies because education is the key to having a good future. Whether they pass or not, my prayer and wish for them is that they complete their education.)

Looking Ahead: Results, Enrollment Timeline, and ongoing PUPCET applications

The PUPCET Committee targets the release of examination results by May or June 2026, ahead of the August start of classes. Enrollment for qualified applicants is scheduled to begin in July 2026. Successful enrollees will primarily attend face-to-face classes for major subjects and board courses.

In a closing message to all examinees, the PUP president shared “Pagbutihin ang exam. Once na makapasok kayo sa Sintang Paaralan, bukas namin kayong tatanggapin. Good luck at pagbutihin ninyo.”

(Do your best on the exam. Once you get into the beloved university, we will warmly welcome you. Good luck and give it your best.)

Meanwhile, the application period for other campuses within the PUP System is still ongoing. PUP hopefuls who were unable to secure examination slots in the Sta. Mesa Campus are encouraged to check the application and enrollment schedules of nearby PUP Campuses and apply via iApply. The PUPCET of these campuses will be held on select dates from March to May.

As PUP continues to uphold its mission of providing accessible, quality education, the successful conduct of PUPCET 2026 in Sta. Mesa, Manila reflects the University’s commitment the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 4 for the aforementioned accessible and quality education; SDG 8 by preparing future professionals for their dream and meaningful careers; and SDG 10 by opening opportunities for students from diverse and underserved backgrounds.

For updates on PUPCET results and enrollment procedures, applicants are advised to monitor official messages at the PUP website and at the PUP Facebook page.