University News

PUPCET 2025 results: A ray of surprise, joy, and hope for passers

Kier James Hernandez, News, PUP Campus Journalists

Stunned. Ecstatic. Optimistic.

These are the words of some Polytechnic University of the Philippines College Entrance Test (PUPCET) 2025 passers when asked about their reaction when they learned that they passed the exam.

At exactly 12:01 in the morning, on May 15, the University released the examination results—earlier than last year’s June 8 release.

Out of 181,598 applicants, only 20,000 students were accepted, according to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (OVPSAS).

PUP continues to be one of the top-performing schools in various fields, resulting in a myriad of students dreaming to enter the institution.

Leap of Joy
As the PUPCET result came out, the passers expressed a range of emotions upon seeing on their application portal that they had qualified to enroll at the Sintang Paaralan.

Mark Raven Maranan, an aspiring Political Science student, said he was anxious while waiting for the exam results. Due to lack of preparation, he was expecting a different outcome.

“Habang binubuksan ko ang portal, kabado akong tumingin. At naman nang makita ko ang logo ng PUP sa screen at “Congratulations” [ang bumungad sa akin], napatayo ako at napatalon, hindi ko napigilan ang sarili kong sumigaw sa sobrang saya,”I Maranan said.

(I was so nervous as I opened the portal. And when I saw the PUP logo and the word ‘Congratulations’ on the screen, I jumped to my feet and couldn’t help but shout out of pure joy.)

He then added after learning of his success “Ang makapasa sa PUP ay hindi lang simpleng tagumpay para sa akin—ito ay simbolo ng lahat ng hirap, sakripisyo, at paniniwala na balangaraw, magiging posible rin ang imposible. Isa itong paalala na kapag hindi ka bumitaw [sa pangarap mo], may naghihintay na magandang bunga.”

(Getting into PUP isn’t just a simple achievement for me—it’s a symbol of all the struggles, sacrifices, and the belief that one day, even the impossible can become possible. It’s a reminder that if you don’t give up on your dreams, something beautiful will come out of it.)

Meanwhile, another passer, Jirreh Jay De Chavez, an Accountancy hopeful, shared that he was stunned upon seeing the result. According to him, passing the PUPCET is a major feat given the large number of applicants.

“Seeing the result, it made me tear up a little as I was really manifesting to enter PUP,” stated De Chavez, who saw this as a redeeming moment after failing the PUP Senior High School application in 2023.

Likewise, Aldrin Andrew Austria, was also surprised and even brought to tears upon acing the University’s college entrance exam. According to him, he cried in euphoria, overwhelmed with joy, as he can now call himself an “Iskolar ng Bayan.”

A campus journalist at his previous school, Austria plans to continue his passion for reporting by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ) program.

On choosing PUP
As the test results of potential Iskolar ng Bayan was announced, the three shared a multitude of reasons as to why they want to study at Sintang Paaralan.

For Maranan, the prestige of the University stood out as the main reason. He sees the institution as an ideal environment to develop his skills and prepare for real-world challenges, citing its strong values rooted in patriotism and humanity.

Likewise, De Chavez sided with PUP because of its reputation in producing top-performing Accountancy students. Austria, meanwhile, was drawn to the University’s transformative impact on students’ lives and the quality education it offers at no cost.

These three individuals are among thousands of hopefuls who likely share the same reaction upon learning they had passed the PUPCET, affirming that dreams can indeed come true.

Now that they’ve passed, they hope to secure a slot in their desired academic program, aware of the intense competition that lies ahead.

Enrolment for the academic year 2025-2026 for incoming first year students will start on July 7 until July 18, while waitlisted applicants will be emailed after the initial enrollment date should there be any remaining slots.

_{(Note: English translation generated from AI.)}