First Year (L3)
CPGE Entrance Exam Track
The admission exam for the four ENS is primarily prepared for in the preparatory classes for the grandes écoles (CPGE). To be admitted to the Computer Science department, applicants must register for the MPI exam, choosing one of the options (Math or Info). Candidates admitted through this exam are granted the status of “normalien-élève” for four years. Information on computer science studies at the four Écoles normales supérieures, and in particular on the admission pathways, is summarized on the joint ENS website. An information session for 2026 MPI exam qualifiers will be held in July 2026.
Student Admission Track
The Computer Science Department also recruits, based on application materials, students who have successfully completed their second or third year of a bachelor’s degree in computer science or mathematics and computer science (or equivalent). Those admitted through this competitive exam have the status of “student-normaliens.” They follow the same curriculum and receive the same personalized guidance as “student-pupils.” In their third year (L3), student-normaliens cannot pursue the dual mathematics–computer science track; however, they do have the option to include certain mathematics courses in their schedule. In 2026, 12 spots will be allocated through this competitive admissions process: 6 for the non-CPGE track and 6 for the CPGE track. For each track, 3 spots will be reserved for women.
Second Year (M1 MPRI)
Competitive Entrance Track
The competitive entrance track will not be available in 2026.
Student Admission Track
The Computer Science Department also recruits on the basis of application materials students who have successfully completed at least a Bachelor’s degree (L3) (provisional certificate of completion) in Mathematics and Computer Science or Computer Science. Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree (M2) are not eligible to apply. In 2026, the six candidates admitted through this competitive entrance exam will have the status of École Normale students without a stipend.
Application instructions can be found on the official competition website. Eligibility for the interview will be determined based on the application submitted via the application website. If eligible, the candidate will be invited to an in-person interview consisting of a written exam and an oral exam. These exams assess the candidate’s mastery of the Department’s Computer Science L3 curriculum and their motivation to study computer science in our department.
For the M2 MPRI program
Admission is based on application materials submitted through the University of Paris-Saclay’s master’s application portal, indicating the M2 MPRI - ENS Paris-Saclay. Review of the application may result in an interview.