PMA Long Course: How to Join Pakistan Army as an Officer

For many young men in Pakistan, becoming an officer in the Pakistan Army is a lifelong goal. The most common route is the PMA Long Course, which trains cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul in Abbottabad and commissions them as Second Lieutenants.

This guide explains how the PMA Long Course works, who can apply, what each selection stage involves and how to prepare. Course numbers, dates and exact requirements change with every intake, so always confirm the details on the official website, joinpakarmy.gov.pk, before you apply.

What is the PMA Long Course?

The PMA Long Course is the Pakistan Army’s main entry for regular commissioned officers who join straight after Intermediate or a bachelor’s degree. It runs twice a year, and each intake is given a number, such as 158 or 159. Selected candidates complete around two years of military, academic and leadership training at PMA Kakul before passing out as officers.

It is different from graduate and technical entries (such as the Technical Cadet Course or Direct Short Service Commission), which have their own eligibility rules and are listed separately on the official site.

Is registration open now?

Several recent reports state that registration for the PMA 159 Long Course opened on 14 September 2026 and closes on 23 October 2026. We could not open the official portal directly while preparing this article, so treat these dates as reported, not confirmed. Check the course page on joinpakarmy.gov.pk before relying on them, and do not wait for the last day.

Basic eligibility

The exact criteria are published for every course. Recent notices have typically asked for:

Gender and status: male Pakistani citizens (including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan) who are unmarried.
Education: Intermediate (FSc, FA, ICS, ICom or equivalent) with a minimum percentage set in the notice, commonly 60%. Some under-developed areas receive a relaxation, and candidates awaiting results may be able to apply with a hope certificate.
Age: a range calculated on a cut-off date given in the notice, roughly 17 to 22 years for Intermediate candidates, with higher limits for graduates.
Physical standards: minimum height, weight and medical fitness as listed on the official Physical Medical Standards page.

If you do not meet even one requirement, your application can be rejected at any stage, so check each point against your own documents.

The selection process, step by step

1. Online registration

Register on joinpakarmy.gov.pk during the registration window. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your CNIC or B-Form and your educational certificates. A mismatch in name, date of birth or marks is one of the most common reasons for problems later.

2. Initial test at an Army Selection and Recruitment Centre

You receive a test date at your chosen Army Selection and Recruitment Centre (AS&RC). The initial computerised test usually covers intelligence (verbal and non-verbal) and academic subjects such as English, general knowledge and mathematics.

3. Physical and medical checks, and initial interview

Candidates who pass the test go through a basic medical examination, a physical test (such as running and other standard exercises) and a short interview with a selection officer.

4. ISSB

Successful candidates are called to the Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) for a multi-day assessment. It includes psychological tests, group tasks, outdoor tasks and interviews. The ISSB looks at personality, leadership potential, confidence and how you work with others, not memorised answers.

5. Final medical and merit list

Recommended candidates undergo a detailed medical examination. The final selection is made on merit, and selected candidates receive joining instructions for PMA Kakul.

Documents to keep ready

Your CNIC or B-Form, and your father’s CNIC
Matric and Intermediate certificates and detailed mark sheets (or hope certificate, if allowed)
Domicile certificate (read our guide on what a domicile certificate is and how to get one)
Recent passport-size photographs in the format the portal asks for

How to prepare

Start physical training early. Build running stamina and strength over several months rather than in the last week.
Practise intelligence tests. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning improve with regular timed practice.
Revise basics. Refresh Matric and Intermediate level English, mathematics and general knowledge. Our government job test preparation guide covers useful study habits.
Be yourself at ISSB. Honest, clear communication and genuine teamwork are valued more than rehearsed answers.
Follow only official sources. Registration is done through the official portal. Be careful with anyone who promises selection for money; read how to spot a fake job advertisement.

Frequently asked questions

Can women apply for the PMA Long Course?

No. The PMA Long Course is for male candidates. Women can join as officers through other entries, such as the Lady Cadet Course or medical and nursing commissions, which are listed on the official website.

How often is the PMA Long Course offered?

It is offered twice a year, with registration usually opening in the first and second halves of the year.

Is there a fee?

Any fee and payment method are stated on the official portal for the course you apply to. Pay only through the method shown there.

Always verify dates, eligibility and instructions on joinpakarmy.gov.pk. For other government jobs, see our step-by-step guide on how to apply for government jobs in Pakistan.