In 2026, Arts et Métiers organize the ATS exam, a preparatory course for students who have completed a BTS, DUT, or BUT degree.
Every year, 1,000 candidates apply to join the 50 or so schools that offer places through the ATS competitive entrance exam, including Centrale Lille, CentraleSupélec, ENSEA, Arts et Métiersand Arts et Métiers"Until 2025, this exam was run by ENSEA," explains Xavier Dufresne, Director of Competitive Exams and Recruitment. Thanks toArts et Métiers recognized expertiseArts et Métiers organizing competitive exams, and since we already manage AMBition Ingénieur and the PT (Physics-Technology) bank, it was decided that we would take over in 2026."
Diversify recruitment
An opportunity for BTS, DUT, or BUT graduates: "This is in line with our goal of diversifying recruitment for the Grande École program, both geographically and socially," explains Xavier Dufresne. ATS preparatory classes are available throughout France and welcome almost 50% of scholarship recipients. This also helps to encourage the pursuit of technological studies, which is one of our missions."
Note: today, approximately 10% of Grande École program applicants come from DUT or BTS programs.
Three days of written exams and one week of oral exams
The ATS competition consists of three days of written exams, which will take place on May 4, 5, and 6 in the high schools that host the preparatory classes, and a week of oral exams, which will take place on the Paris campus starting on June 22. "The oral exams are an opportunity to promote the school to candidates and showcase our expertise," emphasizes Xavier Dufresne.
A strengthened team
The ATS competition will be managed by the Competitions and Recruitment Department, composed of Fadila Nadour, assistant to Xavier Dufresne, and Navitha Ranjan, competition manager. An additional competition manager will be recruited in December, and the former director of the ATS competition will provide part-time support.
The six recruitment channels for the Grande École program
- PT Bank: 550 places (competition organized by Arts et Métiers preparatory classes)
- Centrale Supélec: 378 places (competitive exam organized by Centrale Supélec for preparatory classes)
- AMBition engineering competition: 126 places (specific Arts et Métiers competition, open to BTS, DUT, BUT, and Bachelor's degree holders in science and engineering)
- ATS competition: 25 places (organized by Arts et Métiers, open to BTS, DUT, and BUT students)
- GEI Univv: 36 places (organized by Mines Pont, admission based on bachelor's degree)
- For the Rabat campus, students are recruited through the Moroccan national competitive examination and take a specific oral exam to enter the Grande École program.
