Website Pakistan Army
Job Overview
Pakistan Army has opened registration for the 159 PMA Long Course, the regular commissioning route for eligible male candidates who want to join the Army as commissioned officers. Registration for this intake runs from 14 September to 23 October 2026. Selected candidates undergo approximately two years of training at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, Abbottabad before commissioning.
The course accepts candidates through several education categories, including Intermediate/equivalent, 2-year graduation, 4-year graduation and serving Army personnel. Age limits vary by qualification, so applicants should calculate age against the advertised cut-off rather than assuming one limit applies to everyone.
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The selection route is competitive and includes registration, computerized intelligence/academic screening, physical and medical assessment, interview, ISSB and final merit/medical stages. Candidates should therefore review both academic and physical eligibility before selecting this course.
Registration & Course Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | 159 PMA Long Course |
| Career Route | Regular Commission / Commissioned Officer |
| Registration | 14 Sep 2026 to 23 Oct 2026 |
| Training | Approx. 2 years at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | Pakistani citizens including eligible AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan candidates |
| Minimum Height | 5 ft 4 in (162.5 cm) |
| Weight | According to prescribed BMI standards |
Education & Age Categories
| Category | Academic Requirement | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate / Equivalent | FA/FSc or equivalent; current guidance for the intake lists 60% marks for general candidates, with specified-area relaxation where applicable | 17–22 years |
| 2-Year Graduation / Serving PN-PAF Personnel | Graduation category with the prescribed Intermediate and graduation marks | 17–23 years |
| 4-Year Degree | BS / BA (Hons) / BBA / BPA or equivalent category | 17–24 years |
| Serving Army Soldiers | Eligible serving soldiers under Army criteria | 17–25 years |
For candidates from specified underdeveloped areas, the recruitment rules provide academic-mark relaxation subject to domicile and education conditions. A-Level candidates may need an IBCC equivalence certificate. Candidates applying on a hope certificate should make sure they meet the final marks requirement when the result is declared.
Marital Status & Nationality
- The PMA Long Course is primarily open to unmarried male candidates.
- Certain serving Armed Forces personnel above the specified age may be eligible under the service-candidate marital-status rules.
- Citizens of Pakistan and eligible domicile holders of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan can apply.
- Dual nationals who are finally selected may be required to surrender nationality other than Pakistani in accordance with service rules.
Initial Test & Selection Process
The first stage is handled through Army Selection & Recruitment Centres. Candidates who clear the initial academic/intelligence screening move through physical, medical and interview stages before ISSB consideration.
- Online registration or registration through an Army Selection & Recruitment Centre.
- Initial computerized intelligence and academic screening.
- Academic topics commonly include English, Mathematics, Pakistan Studies, Islamiat and General Knowledge.
- Physical fitness assessment after qualifying the relevant initial tests.
- Initial medical examination and interview at the AS&RC.
- Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) assessment for shortlisted candidates.
- Further medical assessment for ISSB-recommended candidates.
- Final selection on overall merit and service requirements.
Physical Fitness Standards
Current 159 PMA Long Course guidance consistently lists a demanding initial physical stage. Applicants should train gradually before their assigned test date instead of beginning preparation after receiving a call-up.
| Test | Current Guidance |
|---|---|
| 1.6 km Run | Around 8 minutes; candidates should follow the exact standard shown on their official test instructions |
| Push-Ups | 15 repetitions in 2 minutes |
| Sit-Ups | Approximately 15–20 repetitions in 2 minutes depending on the current test instruction |
| Chin-Ups | 3 repetitions in 2 minutes |
| Ditch Crossing | Approximately 7 ft 4 in obstacle |
Documents to Keep Ready
- Original Matric and Intermediate certificates/result cards.
- Graduation degree/transcript where applying under a graduate category.
- CNIC or computerized Form-B where applicable.
- Father/guardian CNIC copy where requested.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- IBCC equivalence for relevant O/A Level qualifications.
- Domicile and supporting documents for any claimed regional/academic relaxation.
- Service documents/NOC for candidates applying through a serving-personnel category.
Army Selection & Recruitment Centres
The current 159 PMA advertisement identifies recruitment centres across Pakistan, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Multan, D.I. Khan, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Khuzdar, Pano Aqil and Turbat. Candidates should select the appropriate centre during registration and follow the date/time shown on the issued test slip.
How to Apply
Step 1: Open the official Pakistan Army recruitment portal during the registration period.
Step 2: Select the 159 PMA Long Course / regular commission registration option.
Step 3: Enter CNIC, date of birth and academic records exactly as they appear on your documents.
Step 4: Choose the relevant education/service category and nearest AS&RC.
Step 5: Submit the form and obtain/print the registration or test slip when available.
Step 6: Prepare original documents and report to the selected centre on the assigned date.
Important Notes
- Registration closes on 23 October 2026.
- The applicable age limit depends on the candidate’s education/service category.
- Minimum height is 5 ft 4 in and weight is assessed against service BMI standards.
- Academic relaxation is not universal; it applies only to categories/areas covered by the official rules.
- Passing the initial test does not mean final selection; candidates must clear subsequent physical, medical, ISSB and merit stages.
- Do not rely on third-party fee or salary estimates unless they appear in the official recruitment instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date for 159 PMA Long Course?
Online registration is open until 23 October 2026.
What rank do successful cadets join toward?
The PMA Long Course is the regular commissioning route; successful training leads to commissioning as an Army officer.
Can Intermediate candidates apply?
Yes, subject to the advertised marks, age and other eligibility conditions.
Can graduates apply?
Yes. Separate age/academic categories exist for 2-year and 4-year graduation routes.
What is the minimum height?
The advertised minimum height is 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm).
Where is the training conducted?
Training is conducted at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, Abbottabad.
To apply for this job please visit www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk.
