DOST Scholarship Exam 2026: Schedule, Coverage, Passing Score & Tips
Quick answer: The DOST scholarship exam for the 2027 scholarship is on November 14–15, 2026. It is a pen-and-paper, multiple-choice test of about 180 minutes in three parts: creative reasoning and language (45 min), science (65 min) and mathematics (70 min). There is no published passing score.
The DOST scholarship exam is the one test that decides who becomes a DOST-SEI undergraduate scholar. Knowing the schedule, the coverage and how qualifiers are chosen helps you plan your review and avoid surprises on exam day.
This guide covers when the DOST scholarship exam 2026 is, testing centers, the exam format and time limits, subjects covered, the passing score, what to bring and practical tips to pass. Always check your test permit and the official DOST-SEI announcements for the final details.
DOST Scholarship Exam Date 2026 / 2027
The qualifying exam for the 2027 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship (AY 2027–2028) is on November 14–15, 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application opens | August 17, 2026 |
| Application deadline | September 17, 2026 |
| Test permit release | Before the exam, via the E-Application System |
| DOST scholarship exam | November 14–15, 2026 |
| Results (list of qualifiers) | Tentatively March 2027 |
| Scholarship takes effect | First Semester, AY 2027–2028 |
When is the DOST scholarship exam 2027? The exam for the next cycle (AY 2028–2029) has not been announced. Based on the current schedule, applications are expected around August 2027 with the exam later in the year.
Testing Centers
You choose your testing center during the online application, near your permanent address, current address or school. It cannot be changed after submission. Your exact test center, room and session are printed on your test permit.
Testing centers are set up in every region:
- National Capital Region (NCR)
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
- Region I – Ilocos Region
- Region II – Cagayan Valley
- Region III – Central Luzon
- Region IV-A – CALABARZON
- Region IV-B – MIMAROPA
- Region V – Bicol Region
- Region VI – Western Visayas
- Region VII – Central Visayas
- Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
- Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula
- Region X – Northern Mindanao
- Region XI – Davao Region
- Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN
- Region XIII – Caraga
- BARMM – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
Exam Format: Number of Items & Time Limit
| Exam part | Coverage | Time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Part I | Creative Reasoning, Language and Literature | 45 minutes |
| Part II | Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science | 65 minutes |
| Part III | Mathematics | 70 minutes |
| Total | 3 parts, one sitting | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
- Format: pen-and-paper, multiple choice.
- How many items are in the DOST scholarship exam? DOST-SEI does not publish a fixed number of items, so prepare for a long test and manage your time per part.
- Scoring: your score is based on correct answers, so answer every item.
Subjects Covered
| Main subject | Topics covered |
|---|---|
| Creative Reasoning | Mechanical, spatial and verbal reasoning |
| Language and Literature | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, language usage, literature |
| Science | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science |
| Mathematics | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and probability, arithmetic, problem solving |
Practice with our free DOST scholarship reviewer 2026 PDF with answers.
What Is the Passing Score?
There is no published passing score for the DOST scholarship exam. Examinees are ranked by their performance, and the top performers fill the available slots, so the cut-off changes every year.
It is very competitive. In the 2026 cycle, about 8,500 of 97,617 examinees qualified, a passing rate of roughly 8.7%. Aim to do well in all three parts rather than chasing a target score.
What to Bring on Exam Day
- Printed DOST-SEI test permit
- Valid school ID or other valid ID
- Any form your test permit asks you to bring, such as a signed parental consent
- Mongol #2 pencils, eraser and sharpener
- Snacks, drinking water and a light jacket (optional)
- Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early.
- Wear appropriate clothing; shorts and slippers are usually not allowed.
- Leave phones and other gadgets outside the exam room.
Tips to Pass the DOST Exam
- Review all three parts: reasoning and language, science and mathematics.
- Strengthen Mathematics: it has the longest time block. Review algebra, geometry and problem solving.
- Study Science broadly: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science from Grade 7 to 12.
- Practice reasoning questions: mechanical, spatial and verbal items improve quickly with practice.
- Take timed mock tests so you get used to the time limits.
- Don’t get stuck: skip hard items and come back to them.
- Answer every item and shade answers carefully.
- Sleep well the night before and read every instruction on the permit.
After the Exam: Results Release
- When: the list of qualifiers is tentatively expected in March 2027.
- Where: on the official DOST-SEI website and scholarship portal; qualifiers are also notified by email.
- Next steps: qualifiers attend the orientation and sign the scholarship agreement.
See our DOST scholarship results guide for how to check if you qualified.
FAQs About the DOST Scholarship Exam
When is the DOST exam 2026?
The DOST-SEI qualifying exam for the 2027 undergraduate scholarship is on November 14–15, 2026. Your exact date, session and test center are on your test permit.
What is the passing score for the DOST scholarship exam?
DOST-SEI does not publish a passing score. Qualifiers are ranked by exam results and the number of slots. In 2026, about 8.7% of examinees qualified.
How many items are in the DOST scholarship exam?
DOST-SEI does not publish the number of items. The exam has three parts and runs about 180 minutes: 45 minutes for reasoning and language, 65 for science and 70 for math.
Can I retake the DOST scholarship exam?
Not within the same cycle. Whether past examinees can apply again depends on the current call; you must declare your exam history in Form H, and the E-Application’s eligibility module will tell you if you can apply.
Official Source
- DOST-SEI Scholarship Portal – science-scholarships.ph (test permits and announcements)
DOSTScholarship.com is an independent information website and is not affiliated with DOST or DOST-SEI. Always follow your official test permit.
