Manila: The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is calling on young Filipinos from Central and Northern Luzon to participate in its final entrance examination for the Class of 2031, scheduled for September 5 and 6. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Commander Jesse Nestor Saludo announced that the examination will be conducted across 13 cities and provincial capitals in these regions. The designated testing locations include Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Bontoc, Mountain Province; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; the PMA campus in Baguio City; Lingayen, Pangasinan; Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Tarlac City; Pampanga; Tabuk City, Kalinga; Cauayan City, Isabela; Baler, Aurora; and Olongapo City. Applicants aspiring to join the prestigious academy must be aged between 17 to 22 years and fulfill other eligibility criteria set by the institution. Saludo emphasized the importance of bringing necessary documents, including an examination permit, a recent 2-by-2-inch ID photo with a white backgr ound, two No. 2 pencils, and a valid ID. The PMA also offers opportunities for walk-in applicants, though available slots are limited due to the number of examination booklets at each site. Walk-in candidates must bring a completed application form, available for download from the PMA website, along with the requisite documents. The PMA requires examinees to dress in a white T-shirt, pants, and rubber shoes for the entrance exam, marking the initial phase of the academy's comprehensive selection process. Those who pass this stage will undergo further assessments, including physical, mental, and neuropsychological evaluations, before the final selection of cadets. Having already conducted entrance exams in the Visayas, Mindanao, Southern Luzon, and Metro Manila, this upcoming schedule for Central and Northern Luzon represents the last chance for candidates to apply for the Class of 2031 this year. Successful candidates are anticipated to commence their training at the academy in May or June 2027, which inc ludes four years of military and academic instruction. Cadets in the PMA benefit from a full scholarship covering all educational expenses, including board and lodging, uniforms, books, and other materials, along with a training allowance. From thousands of applicants, around 300 are selected to join the academy as plebes each year. The PMA has previously noted the potential for cadets to support their families financially during their training.
