Public Competitive Exams (Concours) in Cameroon: the 2026 Guide

In Cameroon, public-service concours are run by MINFOPRA, entrance exams to the top public schools (ENS, Polytechnic, IRIC…) by MINESUP and the universities, police recruitment by the DGSN, and army and gendarmerie recruitment by MINDEF. Their dates change every year: only the opening order (arrêté) or communiqué published on the official website counts. As a benchmark, MINFOPRA opened the 2026 season with 36 orders signed on 4 June 2026 (MINFOPRA, 7 June 2026).

This guide covers the main families of concours, when they usually open, the typical file, how to prepare and the traps to avoid. It does not replace the order for your concours: read it in full.

The required diploma depends on the concours and the cycle: in 2026, for example, the police officer cadet concours was open to Baccalaureate holders and the commissioner cadet concours to holders of a Licence (bachelor's degree). For the ENS, the first cycle is usually entered after the Baccalaureate or GCE A Level, and the second cycle after a degree. Always check the age limit, diploma and nationality required in the order.

MINFOPRA's opening orders are published in French and English, and the 2026 season includes separate concours for teachers of the francophone and anglophone sub-systems — relevant if you studied in Buea, Bamenda or Limbe.

There is no fixed date from one year to the next. What stays the same is the sequence: opening order → registration (often online) → submission of the paper file → written tests → admissibility results → oral, physical tests or medical check depending on the concours → final results. Allow several months between opening and results.

A few verified benchmarks for 2026:

• Public service (MINFOPRA): 36 orders signed on 4 June 2026 opened the season (ENAM, direct recruitment, professional concours).
• Police (DGSN): orders of 15 June 2026; the file deadline, first set at 31 July, was extended to 14 August for commissioners and officers and to 21 August for inspectors and constables (Digital Business Africa, August 2026).
• Higher-education schools (MINESUP): opening and results communiqués are spread across the year; in late October 2026, MINESUP was still publishing results (ENSTP, University of Buea…).

To miss nothing, check the "Ouverture des concours" section of minfopra.gov.cm and the "Concours" section of minesup.gov.cm every week.

The exact list is in the order, and an incomplete file is rejected. To give an idea, the 2026 police concours required in particular (Digital Business Africa):

• the registration form printed from the official portal;
• the receipt or transaction number for the registration fee (21,000 FCFA for commissioners and officers, 16,000 FCFA for inspectors and constables, payable through the listed channels: Express Union branches, Express Union Mobile Money, Orange Money, MTN Mobile Money);
• certified copies of diplomas;
• a criminal record extract and a medical certificate that are still valid;
• ID photos and a height certificate (minimum height).

Start early on the documents that take time (criminal record, certified copies, medical certificate). For photos, the ID photo sheet generator prepares an ID-card-size sheet to print.

• Start from the order: it lists the tests, their weighting and often the syllabus. Revise what is on the syllabus, nothing else.
• Work through past papers to learn the format and manage your time.
• General knowledge and current affairs: read the national press every week; these tests come up in most public-service concours.
• Written expression: practise writing a clear essay or memo under time pressure.
• Physical fitness for the police and the army: minimum height, a medical check and, depending on the order, sports tests. Train months ahead.
• Private preparation classes are allowed, but none can sell an admission: walk away from anyone promising a "place".

While you prepare, nothing stops you earning some money: see making money as a student.

Fake concours mostly circulate on WhatsApp and Facebook. In November 2025, MINFOPRA denied a fake communiqué announcing the "special recruitment of 31,600 young people" (237online). A concours that does not appear on the website of the ministry concerned does not exist; fees paid to a person rather than through the channel named in the order are a scam. All the signs are detailed in how to spot a fake job offer.

Places are scarce: public administration employs 8.2% of employed people in Cameroon (INS, EESI 3, 2021). Preparing a concours does not stop you working at the same time. Look at the most in-demand jobs, the job listings, or create a free profile so employers near you can contact you. If you are unsure about your studies, see also what to do after the Baccalaureate and the best university courses.