Some 1,296 students took the 2026 Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Science Education Institute Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) Examination on 28 June 2026, in hopes to become the next Iskolar ng Bayan in Central Luzon.

According to the DOST, these 1,296 Iskolar ng Bayan hopefuls took their exams in their designated testing centers across the region's seven provinces. The examination served as a stepping stone for students towards fulfilling their dreams by having the opportunity to earn the prestigious DOST scholarship.

Incoming third-year college students enrolled in priority science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs, simultaneously sat for the highly competitive examination aimed at identifying the country's next generation of science and technology professionals.

The JLSS Program provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing priority S&T courses in their junior year, enabling them to complete their studies while preparing them to contribute to national development. Successful qualifiers will receive benefits including tuition support, monthly living allowance, book allowance, thesis grant, transportation assistance, and other educational subsidies.

DOST-Central Luzon staff and examination personnel ensured the smooth and orderly conduct of the examination, with strict adherence to DOST-SEI guidelines to provide a fair and secure testing environment for all examinees.

The official list of qualifiers will be announced by DOST-SEI in September 2026, after the evaluation and validation of examination results.