Joining the Pakistan Army through the PMA Long Course is more than just a career choice—it is a lifelong commitment to serve the nation with loyalty, discipline, and valor. The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), located in Kakul, is the cradle of leadership where young individuals are transformed into confident, capable, and courageous officers of the Pakistan Army. This course is designed to select and train the most dedicated and competent young men of Pakistan who are willing to uphold the traditions and responsibilities of the Army.
Every year, thousands of passionate and patriotic individuals apply for this prestigious course, but only a few make it through the challenging selection process. The PMA Long Course offers a Permanent Commission in the Pakistan Army and equips cadets with military education, physical endurance, leadership skills, and moral values necessary to command troops and protect the country’s sovereignty.
If you are inspired by discipline, driven by service, and motivated to become a future leader of the Pakistan Army, then the PMA Long Course is your ultimate destination.
📝 Joining Criteria for PMA Long Course
Commission Type
Permanent Commission
Age Requirements
17 to 22 years for Intermediate (FA/FSc or equivalent)
17 to 23 years for 2-year Graduation / Serving PAF or Navy personnel
17 to 24 years for 4-year Graduation (BS, BA-Hons, BBA, BPA) / Serving Army Soldiers
Age relaxation of three months on both upper and lower age limits is applicable
Nationality
Male citizens of Pakistan only
Marital Status
Unmarried
Minimum Height and Weight
Height: 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm)
Weight: As per standard Body Mass Index (BMI)
📚 Academic Qualifications
FA/FSc or Equivalent
Minimum 55% marks required
Graduates (BA, BSc, BBA, BPA)
Minimum 60% marks in graduation
Minimum 50% marks in FA/FSc
Serving Army Soldiers
Minimum 50% marks in FA/FSc or equivalent
Hope Certificate
Candidates promoted to 2nd year (FSc Part-II) can apply with a Hope Certificate of 55% marks issued by their institution
Final result must be submitted within one week of official announcement
Candidates scoring less than 55% in the final result will be declared ineligible
A-Level and Equivalent
Candidates must obtain 55% aggregate marks according to equivalence certificate by IBCC
Those who have studied abroad or received less than three Cs in A-Level must submit the IBCC equivalence certificate
🚫 Ineligibility Conditions
The following candidates are not eligible to apply:
Rejected twice by the Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB)
Failed three times in initial academic or intelligence tests
Appeared again within 120 days of a previous ISSB attempt (unless waiver granted)
Dismissed or removed from any government or Armed Forces service
Convicted by a court of law for a serious offense
Declared permanently unfit by an Appeal Medical Board
Medically unfit by Armed Forces hospitals unless cleared by an appeal board
Declared unfit due to Hepatitis B or C (not eligible for appeal)
Withdrawn from any military institution or cadet college on disciplinary grounds
Attempted or committed document forgery, concealment, or tampering
Failed a drug test (considered permanently unfit and blacklisted)
Candidates who attended private ISSB coaching centers
Note: ISSB discourages coaching and prefers natural personality traits. Coaching may negatively affect the candidate’s performance and eligibility.
🧪 Selection Procedure
Online Registration
Candidates must register online at the official website:
www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk
Initial Online Test
Intelligence Test
Verbal: 84 MCQs (30 minutes)
Non-verbal: 64 MCQs (30 minutes)
Academic Test
Subjects: English, General Math, General Knowledge, Islamic Studies
50 MCQs (30 minutes)
Essay Writing
Candidates must write a 10-line essay in both English and Urdu
The topic is given on the test day
Medical Examination
Conducted after clearing the initial written and intelligence tests
🏋️♂️ Physical Test Requirements
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Running | 1.6 km in 8 minutes |
| Push-ups | 15 repetitions in 2 minutes |
| Crunches | 20 repetitions in 2 minutes |
| Pull-ups | 3 repetitions in 2 minutes |
| Ditch Crossing | 7’4” x 7’4” (4 feet deep) |
🎤 Interview
Candidates who pass all previous stages appear before an interviewing officer and a psychologist
Prior to the interview, candidates are required to write short essays in Urdu and English
Interview is scored out of 20 marks
A score below 12 marks results in failure and disqualification from ISSB nomination
🏛️ ISSB & Final Selection
ISSB
Shortlisted candidates are sent for a 4-day ISSB testing process
Final Medical
Carried out at the nearest Combined Military Hospital (CMH)
Final Merit
Selection is based on cumulative performance
Final decision made at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi
📅 Training Duration
2 years of residential training at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul
🗂️ Documents Required at AS&RC
Original + one set of attested copies of Matric and FA/FSc/Equivalent certificates
CNIC or B-Form (if under 18) and CNIC of father/mother
Three passport-sized colored photos attested on front and back
Repeater candidates must bring the original ISSB “Not Recommended” letter
Character certificate and declaration form (issued during the registration process)
Old-style CNICs are not accepted