Over 1,700 applicants have successfully passed the National Competitive Examination (NCE) of the Philippine Science High School System (PSHS) for School Year (SY) 2025-2026.
Conducted nationwide in November and December 2024, the NCE is a comprehensive assessment designed to identify students with high aptitude in science and mathematics who are eligible to join PSHS.
PSHS, renowned as the country’s premier science high school, operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The PSHS provides its scholars with advanced education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), shaping future leaders in these fields.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., who also serves as the Chairman of the PSHS System Board of Trustees, officially released the results through the PSHS System Facebook Page on Jan. 10.
The full list of the 1,726 successful examinees, grouped alphabetically for convenience, can be accessed through the following links:
https://url.pshs.edu.ph/2024-NCE-Results-A-D
https://url.pshs.edu.ph/2024-NCE-Results-E-N
https://url.pshs.edu.ph/2024-NCE-Results-O-Z
According to DOST-PSHS, the successful qualifiers will enjoy a wide array of benefits under the PSHS scholarship program, including free tuition, loaned textbooks, monthly stipends, uniforms, transportation and living allowances (for low-income families), and dormitory accommodation (where applicable).
“In addition to these benefits, PSHS students also have the unique opportunity to represent the school and the country in prestigious international competitions, participate in student exchange programs, and engage in various national and international learning and development initiatives,” DOST-PSHS said. “These privileges ensure that every scholar has the resources necessary to excel in their academic journey,” they added.
Following the results, DOST-PSHS advised the qualifiers to contact the Registrar or Campus Director of their respective PSHS campuses immediately to confirm their slots.
The deadlines for slot confirmation are:
• Feb. 14 for the Main Campus
• Feb. 28 for the Regional Campuses
“Additional enrollment activities will be announced by PSHS campuses in the coming weeks,” DOST-PSHS added.
Record-breaking applications
DOST-PSHS reported that the 2024 NCE received a record-breaking 32,193 applications, nearly matching the all-time high of 32,651 in 2018.
“This achievement demonstrates the renewed interest of parents and students in PSHS and the success of its application process, which accommodated both walk-in and online submissions to ensure accessibility for students nationwide,” DOST-PSHS explained.
Returning to normalcy
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCE was temporarily suspended in 2020. Instead, the PSHS System implemented the Requirement for Admission, Criteria, and Evaluation (RACE) as an alternative for three consecutive years.
“Once the pandemic subsided, targeted initiatives successfully restored application numbers to their pre-pandemic levels,” DOST-PSHS said.
With the return of the NCE in 2023, PSHS launched a dynamic digital information campaign across social media platforms.
Last year, the PSHS community intensified its outreach efforts, actively engaging underserved communities that previously had little to no student applicants. This initiative significantly increased awareness, ensuring that more students from these areas could benefit from the opportunities offered by PSHS.
Transformative journey
After successfully passing the application process, the 2024 qualifiers will join the prestigious PSHS community to embark on a transformative journey of academic excellence and innovation.
PSHS reiterated its commitment to nurturing future scientists, innovators, and leaders who will shape the country’s progress.
The PSHS System takes pride in its accomplished alumni, whose achievements reflect its legacy of excellence in science, technology, leadership, and service.
Notable alumni include:
• Pia Bagamasbad (’97), a molecular biologist recognized in the 2023 Asian Scientist 100 list for her contributions to public health.
• Angel Michael Evangelista (’82), a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Edsel Salvaña (’92), an infectious diseases specialist lauded for his HIV advocacy.
• Reinabelle Reyes (’01), an astrophysicist.
• Vicky Tauli-Corpuz (’71), UN Special Rapporteur.
These individuals exemplify the PSHS mission to nurture innovative leaders who push boundaries, excel in STEM, and contribute to national and global progress.