UPCAT 2026 Syllabus, Reviewer & Cutoff
The UPCAT is the entrance exam for the University of the Philippines system. It tests language proficiency, reading comprehension, mathematics, and science, and is used together with school grades to compute your University Predicted Grade (UPG). 140,000+ applicants per year.
Exam
UPCAT
Full Name
University of the Philippines College Admission Test
Conducted By
University of the Philippines
Mode
Paper-based
Duration
Around 4 hours, 30 minutes (two half-day sessions in some cycles)
Total Marks
200
Eligibility for UPCAT 2026
Graduating Senior High School students, or graduates who have not yet enrolled in a degree programme. Eligibility rules are published each year by UP's Office of Admissions.
UPCAT Exam Pattern 2026
Mode
Paper-based
Duration
Around 4 hours, 30 minutes (two half-day sessions in some cycles)
Total Marks
200
Subjects
10
Sections
Question Types: Multiple choice with 4 options
Negative Marking: Deductions may apply to wrong answers — check the latest UP Admissions advisory.
UPCAT Subjects
UPCAT Important Dates 2026
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window | Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions) |
| UPCAT Exam | August 2026 (expected) |
| Results Release | Early 2027 |
Dates are based on previous year patterns and may change. Check the official University of the Philippines website for confirmed dates.
UPCAT Cutoff & Expected Scores
| Category / College | Expected Cutoff |
|---|---|
| UP Diliman (highly selective programmes) | UPG ≤ 2.2 typical |
| UP System (general) | UPG ≤ 2.8 typical for most campuses |
Cutoffs are approximate and based on previous year trends. Actual cutoffs may vary.
Where This Exam Leads UPCAT
How to Prepare for UPCAT 2026
- Master the 10 subjects: Focus on Mathematics and Science first as they carry the most marks.
- Understand the exam pattern: Multiple choice with 4 options. Know the marking scheme inside out.
- Practice previous year papers: Solve at least 5 years of papers under timed conditions (Around 4 hours, 30 minutes (two half-day sessions in some cycles)).
- Take mock tests: Simulate the Paper-based experience. Aim for 200 marks total.
- Revise regularly: Use revision notes and formula sheets. Don't leave revision for the last week.
UPCAT Subjects
Browse chapter-wise reviewers for each subject
Abstract Reasoning
5 chapters — 11 review formats each
Biology
7 chapters — 11 review formats each
Chemistry
7 chapters — 11 review formats each
General Information
6 chapters — 11 review formats each
General Science
6 chapters — 11 review formats each
Language Proficiency
7 chapters — 11 review formats each
Mathematics
9 chapters — 11 review formats each
Physics
6 chapters — 11 review formats each
Universities & Scholarships
2 chapters — 11 review formats each
Preparing for UPCAT?
Super Tutor gives you chapter summaries, revision notes, practice quizzes, flashcards, and mock exams — tailored to help you crack UPCAT.
Try Super Tutor — It's FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is there a passing score for the UPCAT?
There is no fixed passing score. UP admits by your University Predicted Grade (UPG) against a per-campus, per-program quota — you compete with other applicants rather than hit a single mark.
How is the UPCAT UPG computed?
UPG = 60% of your UPCAT score + 40% of your high school weighted average, on UP's 1.0–5.0 scale where a lower number is better.
What UPG do you need to get into UP?
Cutoffs vary by campus and program. Recent UP Diliman and UP Manila cutoffs run roughly 2.0–2.5, with other campuses slightly higher — always check your specific campus and program.
What is on the UPCAT?
Four areas: Language Proficiency, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Science.