The PMA Long Course test pattern consists of three sections: a Verbal Intelligence Test (84 MCQs / 30 min), a Non-Verbal Intelligence Test (64 MCQs / 30 min), and an Academic Test (50 MCQs / 30 min) all conducted on a computer-based testing system at AS&RC centers across Pakistan. Candidates must pass each section in sequence; failing any section ends the test immediately.
PMA Long Course initial test pattern tells the actual test question numbers, question types, and the question pattern. PMA LC test pattern explains the verbal intelligence test pattern, non-verbal intelligence test pattern, and the academic test pattern. By knowing the pma long course test pattern, the aspirant will perform well in the actual exam.
Every test pattern is the mirror of the actual test. The candidate must know the initial test pattern of the pma long course test. This article will guide you on what sort of questions will come in the pma long course 156. Students must practice this pattern and achieve higher marks to qualify for the ISSB test 2025.
📌 Key Takeaways
- The PMA Long Course initial test is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted at Pakistan Army Selection and Recruitment Centers (AS&RC).
- Three sections must be cleared in order: Verbal Intelligence → Non-Verbal Intelligence → Academic.
- No negative markingapplies in any section attempt all questions.
- After the initial test, shortlisted candidates face Physical Test, Medical Test, Interview, and finally the ISSB (Inter-Services Selection Board).
- The minimum essay score in the initial interview is 12 out of 20; scoring below this is a failure.
- Registration is done at the official portal JoinPakArmy.gov.pk
In this article, we will discuss the complete pma long course test pattern. We will also describe the online computer test process and the initial test guide. Here, we outline the nature of the question and the type of questions that will be asked in the online initial test of the PMA Long Course. For more information about the PMA long course, visit PMA’s official Website

Intelligence Questions Pattern in PMA Long Course
The first portion is about the intelligence test. It further consists of the Verbal Intelligence test and the Non-Verbal Intelligence test.
Verbal Intelligence Test Pattern
An intelligence test includes the verbal intelligence test pattern. It means they checked your mental ability. The meaning of the verb is knowledge. Verbal intelligence consists of 84 MCQ, and the time for 84 questions is 30 minutes. The verbal Intelligence test is about the series base, analogy base, and logical base.
Non-Verbal Intelligence Test Pattern
The second is about the non-verbal test pattern, which is about the images. After passing the Non-verbal portion, the verbal intelligence test will open automatically. The non-verbal intelligence test consists of 64 MCQ, and the time for 64 is 30 minutes.
The non-verbal test is totally about the images and their pattern. You can find the missing pattern in the given four options. There is also a question about the clockwise pattern and the anticlockwise pattern.
Academic Test Questions Pattern 2025
The second portion is about the academic test. Here are a total of 50 questions, and the time for 50 MCQs is also 30 minutes. These questions were asked of different subjects, including English, General Knowledge, Pakistan Studies, and Islamic Studies.

PMA Long Course Initial Interview Test Pattern
In the interview test of the pma long course, the very first thing is to ask about the short introduction. After that, some questions were asked about the general knowledge and current affairs. The essay also asked to write. They provide the topic for the essay in the pma long course initial test interview. This is the complete pattern for the initial test interview.
Sources For the PMA Long Course Test Pattern
Pma Long Course Test Pattern PDF Download
The test Pattern in PDF for the initial test is the clarity of the question structures. One of the main benefits of this source of the pattern is that the candidate accesses all types of questions in one place. The other benefit is that it is in a digital format, and the student can read it anytime and from any place. This is a free-of-cost source for the test pattern of the pma long course initial test.
PMA Long Course Initial Test Past Papers
PMA long course Initial test past papers are very authentic sources for the initial test pattern. It explains the verbal test pattern, non-verbal test pattern, as well as the academic test pattern, with details and the question types.
Past Papers from the initial test of all the AS&RC test centers are another big source for the initial test preparation. The student can prepare for the online test preparation from the pma long course website. This website provides the best and largest number of past tests and the experience for free of cost.
PMA Initial Test MCQs PDF
The MCQs in the PDF format for the PMA initial test provide all types of questions in one place. The student can read this PDF for their initial test, including the academic questions as well as the intelligence test. PMA initial test mcqs in the PDF form are useful and clear, providing the test pattern.
What kind of questions are asked?
- In English, you have the most prepositions and correct spelling. These two things are asked the most in English.
- In the Islamic study, most of the questions come from the history of Islam, the Qur’an, the Hadith, and the Madni Surah. The General Knowledge of Islam is asked, so if you do the Islam of Matriculation well, then it will become clear to you by following the question.
- In the Pakistan study, most of the questions are asked from the 9, 10th books of the Pakistan study. What is your national color, and what is the national flower? Such questions are asked
- If we talk about the general knowledge portion, then in this section, most of the questions asked about the smallest and the largest. So this is a general knowledge question, and this is the syllabus.
Similar questions come and are asked from these subjects. This is an academic question, and there are fifty questions in this, too.
Other than the Computer Test of the PMA Long Course
After clearing the initial computer-based test, the passed candidate goes for the following test
- Initial Physical Test: In this test, the physical strength of the candidate will be checked, and the most important aspect here is running.
- Medical Test For Initial: After the initial Physical test, the candidate goes for the initial medical test. In the initial medical test, the chest, height, weight, and eyesight of the student will be checked
- Initial Interview Test: After the medical test, the short-listed candidate will be called for the initial interview. Here, they check the confidence of the student.

Basic Suggestions Regarding the PMA Long Course Test
If you work a little hard and try, then your initial question will be cleared easily. Therefore, you need not worry. You have to pray to Allah and work hard. Allah does not let someone work, so you make it a duty to work hard and be proud. All the questions in the initial test are very easy. Every Candidate can easily pass the initial test if they prepare the questions from this website.
What Is the Complete PMA Long Course Test Pattern at a Glance?
Here is the complete PMA Long Course test pattern in one place. The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul initial test is a three-step computer-based test (CBT) conducted at Pakistan Army Selection and Recruitment Centers (AS&RC). A candidate must clear each step to advance to the next. Failing any step means the test ends immediately so understanding the full structure before test day is not optional, it is essential.
| Test Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Verbal Intelligence | 84 MCQs / 30 min |
| Non-Verbal Intelligence | 64 MCQs / 30 min |
| Academic Test | 50 MCQs / 30 min |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Test Mode | Computer-based (CBT) |
| Test Centers | AS&RC across Pakistan |
| Passing Sequence | Step-by-step (must pass each) |
| Essay Minimum Score | 12 out of 20 |
The initial test is conducted entirely on a computer, and the system automatically opens the next section once a candidate clears the previous one. This means that a strong performance in the Verbal Intelligence Test directly unlocks access to the Non-Verbal Intelligence Test, and only those who pass both intelligence sections can attempt the PMA Academic Test. There is no negative marking in any section, so candidates should attempt every question.
What Is the Detailed PMA Long Course Syllabus for Each Section?
In short: the PMA Long Course syllabus is broader than most candidates expect, and each section tests a different type of thinking. Understanding each section’s exact topics is the fastest way to build a targeted study plan.
What Topics Are Covered in the Verbal Intelligence Test?
The Verbal Intelligence Test in the PMA Long Course tests language-based reasoning and mental ability using words, numbers, and logic. The key topics covered are:
- Series questions: number series and alphabet series
- Analogy questions: word relationships and logical connections
- Coding and Decoding: converting letters and numbers using a rule
- Synonyms and Antonyms: vocabulary and word meaning
- Direction questions: North/South/East/West reasoning
- Age and Relationship questions: finding ages or family relations
- Percentage and Distance/Speed questions: basic applied math within verbal context
- Sentence structure and logical base questions
Niazi Forces Academy, Shaheen Forces Academy, and other preparation academies recommend solving at least 1,000 Verbal MCQs before the test day. Online platforms and past papers from AS&RC centers are the most reliable practice source.
What Topics Are Covered in the Non-Verbal Intelligence Test?
The Non-Verbal Intelligence Test uses images, diagrams, and shapes instead of words. It measures visual reasoning and pattern recognition. Key topic types include:
- Pattern completion: find the missing piece in a matrix or series
- Figure rotation: identify the rotated or mirrored version of a shape
- Odd one out: find the figure that does not belong
- Clockwise and anticlockwise patterns
- Series and classification: shapes that follow a visual rule
- Analogy in shapes: shape A is to shape B as shape C is to ?
- Spatial reasoning: folding and unfolding of figures
The Non-Verbal Test is considered the trickiest section for many candidates because it cannot be memorized it must be practiced visually. Using non-verbal intelligence PDF books with image-based questions and timed mock tests is the most effective preparation method recommended by ISSB-qualified cadets.
What Subjects Are in the PMA Academic Test?
The Academic Test covers five subjects across 50 MCQs in 30 minutes. Here is what each subject focuses on:
- English: Grammar, prepositions, correct spelling, sentence correction, comprehension
- Mathematics: Basic arithmetic, algebra, percentages, averages, ratios
- Pakistan Studies: National symbols, geography, history (mostly from Matric 9th & 10th grade books)
- Islamic Studies: History of Islam, Quran, Hadith, Madni Surahs, Islamic GK
- General Knowledge: Superlatives (largest, smallest, highest), current affairs, basic world facts
📊 PMA Long Course Test – Key Facts & Figures
- Total MCQs in the initial test: 198 questions (84 + 64 + 50) across three sections.
- Total test time: 90 minutes (30 minutes per section).
- Essay minimum pass mark: 12 out of 20 below this is an automatic failure.
- Physical test 1.6 km run must be completed in 8.5 minutes or less.
- Age eligibility: 17–22 years for Intermediate; up to 17–25 years for serving soldiers.
- Minimum academic qualification: Intermediate (FA/FSc) with at least 60% marks.