PMA Ends Final Exam Exemption for Top Cadets

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Even the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)’s highest-performing cadets no longer get to skip final examinations. PMA has ended its practice of exempting cadets with exceptional academic standing from final examinations, requiring everyone to take the same assessment regardless of their grades during the term. The policy was first implemented during the second semester of Academic Year 2025-2026 and continues this school year. Upperclass cadets are currently taking their final examinations for the first term of the academic year. The common end-of-term assessment, the academy said, allows faculty to further evaluate how well cadets understand, retain, and apply the knowledge and competencies developed in their courses. PMA trains cadets to become officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its four-year program combines academic instruction with military training, physical development, and character formation. The academy said final examinations are also intended to reinforce discipline, preparation, and consistency alongside the military, physical, and character development expected of cadets. “Beyond measuring academic performance, final examinations form part of PMA’s continuing efforts to uphold rigorous academic standards and instill discipline, preparation, and consistency among cadets,” PMA Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Nestor Saludo said. PMA did not say the policy change was prompted by declining academic performance or a specific problem with the previous exemption system. The academy has also been reviewing how it prepares future Armed Forces officers for a security environment increasingly shaped by cyber operations, artificial intelligence, information warfare, and other emerging challenges. PMA said its assessment practices are part of efforts to provide a challenging and globally competitive education, with an emphasis on knowledge, critical thinking, and professional competence. Cadets who perform well academically can still earn recognition for their grades. But under the new policy, high marks no longer mean they can sit out the final examination. – Rappler.com