National Competitive Examination (NCE) for SY 2027-2028
The National Competitive Examination (NCE) is for admission to Grade 7 for school year 2027-2028. Posted on June 15, 2022.
Interested Grade 6 pupils may apply directly to the nearest PSHS campus, DOST Regional Office, or Provincial Science and Technology Office, or apply online.
Important dates
Application period: April 6 to November 7, 2026
Examination date: January 30, 2027 (Saturday)
Criteria for eligibility
A Grade 6 elementary pupil from a duly recognized school by the Department of Education who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply for the PSHS System National Competitive Examination (NCE).
He/she must meet all of the following:
- Have a final grade of 85% or better in Science and Mathematics — Evidenced by the student's Grade 5 report card. If grades in Science or Math are below 85%, provide evidence that he/she belongs to the upper 10% of the batch.
- Be a Filipino citizen with no pending or approved application as an immigrant to any foreign country
- Not be more than 15 years old by June 30, 2027
- Have at least a satisfactory rating (or its equivalent) in Grade 5 Character Rating — In his/her report card (SY 2025-2026).
- Have not previously applied for admission to PSHS
- Be in good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program
How to apply
Choose one application route. Private school students pay a non-refundable processing fee of Php 300. Application is free for public school students and for private school students on full scholarship.
- 01Apply online
Create an account at nce.pshs.edu.ph, fill out the application form, and upload scanned/digitized copies of all requirements.
Online - 02Apply walk-in
Submit the fully accomplished application form and requirements to the nearest PSHS campus or DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO).
Walk-in
Application requirements - online
For applicants submitting online, create an account at nce.pshs.edu.ph, fill out the application form and upload the following documents:
- Scanned/digitized copy of most recent 1x1 picture
- Scanned/digitized copy of report card · SY 2025-2026 — Certified true copy by the class adviser/principal.
- Scanned/digitized copy of certification or proof that the child belongs to the upper 10% of the batch, if final grades in Science or Math are below 85%
- Certification from the private school if the pupil-applicant is on full scholarship
- Non-refundable processing fee · Php 300 for private school students — Free for public school students and students with full scholarships from private schools.
Application requirements - walk-in
For walk-in applicants, submit the following to the nearest PSHS campus or DOST PSTO:
- Fully accomplished application form
- Recent 1x1 picture
- Non-refundable processing fee · Php 300 for private school students — Free for public school students and students with full scholarships from private schools.
- Report card · SY 2025-2026 — Certified true copy by the class adviser/principal.
- If final grades in Science or Math are below 85%, certification or proof that the child belongs to the upper 10% of the batch
- Certification from the private school if the pupil-applicant is on full scholarship
Scholarship privileges
Qualified scholars are entitled to scholarship privileges from the government:
- Free tuition fee
- Free loan of textbooks
- Monthly stipend
- Uniform, transportation and living allowances for low income groups
- Dormitory accommodation (if applicable)
Data privacy notice
"NCE examinee-applicants, which entitles scholarship privileges from the government once qualified, personal information may be processed for purposes of legitimate interest by the personal information controller or third party pursuant to Section 12(f) of the Data Privacy Act of 2012, without prejudice to their fundamental human rights."