PMA Long Course and ISSB Guide: Eligibility, Selection Process and Tips

The PMA Long Course is the main way to join Pakistan Army as a regular commissioned officer. Selected cadets train at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul.

PMA 159 Long Course: current registration

The official website joinpakarmy.gov.pk shows these details for PMA 159 Long Course (September 2026):

Item	Detail
Registration	14 September to 23 October 2026 (online only)
Preliminary tests	5 October to 15 December 2026
Age	17 to 22 years (as on 1 May 2027)
Gender	Male
Marital status	Unmarried (some married serving personnel over 20 are eligible)
Minimum height	5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm)
Nationality	Pakistani, including AJK and GB domicile holders

Check the course prerequisites on the official website for the educational requirements. See our job alert for details.

Selection process

1. Online registration on joinpakarmy.gov.pk
2. Initial tests at an Army Selection & Recruitment Centre, usually including intelligence and academic tests, a physical test, an interview and an initial medical
3. ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board): a multi-day assessment
4. GHQ selection and final medical
5. Joining PMA for training

What happens at ISSB?

ISSB assesses your personality and officer-like qualities, not just knowledge. It generally includes:

• Psychological tests: written exercises such as word association, sentence completion and story writing
• Group tasks: group discussion, planning exercises and outdoor obstacle tasks
• Interview with a deputy president
• Physical and outdoor tasks that test confidence and teamwork

How to prepare

For the initial tests

• Practise verbal and non-verbal intelligence tests: series, analogies, odd one out and pattern completion.
• Revise your academic subjects: English, maths, general knowledge and Pakistan affairs.
• Practise with our Pak Army Officer MCQs and Analytical Reasoning MCQs.

For ISSB

• Be natural and honest. Do not memorise "ideal" answers; assessors are trained to spot it.
• Improve your general awareness: read the newspaper and follow national and international news.
• Work on communication: speak clearly in group discussions and let others speak too.
• Build physical fitness: running, push-ups and confidence on obstacles.

Important

Selection is free and merit-based. Never pay anyone who promises selection.

Always confirm the dates, eligibility and procedures on joinpakarmy.gov.pk.