Entrance exams into EMIA: MINDEF boss says only meritorious candidates will be admitted.

This was during a supervisory visit as candidates began medical screenings and physical fitness tests for the entrance examination into EMIA.

The visit was to evaluate the progress of the process and ensure the examination respects strict military standards.

After his arrival, Minister Beti Assomo alongside other senior defence and high-ranking military officers toured the facility.

From his arrival, the defence minister made his way to the registration desk where the candidates were being enrolled.

He then moved on to the series of tents dedicated to assess hearing capacity, vision testing, weight and height, cardiovascular checks, endurance, and a general physical examination, among other assessments.

He watched the aspirants take part in a physical aptitude test, consists of four main steps; a running endurance test, a 100 meters sprint, pull ups on a fixed bar for resistance and shot put with 5kg for men and 3kg for women.

At each stop, Minister Beti Assomo was briefed on the procedures and watched closely as the screening unfolded, ensuring that every candidate was evaluated thoroughly and fairly.

“We want Cameroonians who merit”

The minister said they are committed to ensure that various aspirants are in good health and physically fit. 

He added that after the physical and medical fitness test, those selected will go through another in-depth medical evaluation.

This will be followed by the written part of the entrance examination which, he added, will go on simultaneously with the verification of authenticity of certificates before the orals. 

“We want Cameroonians who merit. We are going to take those who merit…it is going to be effective,” Minister Beti Assomo said at the end of his visit.

Close to 3,000 battle for 200 slots 

It should be noted that the physical and medical fitness test kicked off on Monday, November 24.

According to statistics, close to 3,000 Cameroonians from around the national territory are on the starting bloc with 300 candidates selected daily. The exercise, we gathered, is expected to run for a month.

At the end, only 200 of them will be selected in the various trucks. They will make up the 42nd badge of trainees at EMIA and will train at the new campus in Ekoum-Abang, Awae Subdivision, Mefou and Afamba Division, of the Centre Region.

Officials in charge of the process revealed that several candidates have already been eliminated. They revealed that over 70 people were rejected while they registered 21 absentees on the first day. 

These aspirants, they said, were eliminated due to their medical conditions, physical deformities, and the presence of tattoos amongst other reasons.

Special consideration for pygmies

Minister Beti Assomo instructed that special consideration be given to candidates of pygmy origin. 

According to the minister, this was due to the existing height requirement; 1.64 meters for men, and 1.60 meters for women.

Minister Beti Assomo said that the height cut-offs should be relaxed for candidates of pygmy descent and not for the entire process.

Minister announces innovation

The minister also revealed a major innovation for this year’s competitive entrance examination.

The MINDEF boss said they have resolved to introduce a psycho-technical assessment to evaluate candidates ‘profile and guide them more effectively into the appropriate military ranks.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3637 of Wednesday November 26, 2025