PMA Long Course Eligibility Criteria, Selection Procedure 2026

PMA means Pakistan Military Academy and we will discuss the eligibility criteria for the post of Second Lieutenant in this Park Army. This course is announced twice a year, one is announced and let me tell you another thing, we have this and there are certificate holders. You can explore more articles in the PMA long course

Requirements For 2nd Lieutenant in Pak Army 2nd Lieutenant

Second Lieutenant Test 2026: A student who wants to serve the Pakistan nation as an officer must fulfill the basic criteria of the Pakistan military academy. For the Aspirants, it is mandatory to know the complete information on the Physical, medical, and mental second lieutenant to join the Pakistan Army as an officer.

The Basic initial pma requirements are very easy and simple, but the ISSB requirements are strict because if students fulfill these requirements for second lieutenant in PAK Army, they will get a recommendation letter from the Pakistan military academy.

What Are the Minimum Marks Required for PMA Long Course?

The answer is straightforward: the minimum marks required for PMA Long Course depend on your qualification level. Here is a breakdown:

Pro Tip: <mark>Candidates with Part-I FSc results and a minimum 60% in Part-I can apply using a Hope Certificate</mark>. However, the final 60% must be confirmed before joining PMA Kakul. The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) is the only authority that issues valid equivalence certificates for O/A-Level candidates.

Documents Required For PMA Long Course

PMA Joining Letter

What Documents Must You Carry on PMA Initial Test Day?

In short, arriving with incomplete documents at the Army Selection and Recruitment Centre (AS&RC) is grounds for immediate disqualification. Candidates must carry:

The Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi verifies all documents at the final selection stage. Any mismatch in academic records results in permanent ineligibility.

PMA Long Course Requirements Education Or Qualification

• For the pma long course eligibility criteria, you must have an Intermediate or Equivalent (F.A/F.Sc) Certificate with at least percent required for pma long course 60 percent marks.

• Graduates (B.A/B.Sc/B.S/BBA/BPA) person can also apply for this post.
• Those who passed 2 years of graduation with at least 60 percent marks are eligible.
• Those who passed 4 years of graduation with at least 50 percent marks can also apply for this.
•  The Candidates who passed O-Level/A-Level must have the equivalence certificate issued by IBCC.
• Candidates who have background areas from underprivileged areas like FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan, etc may have relaxation.

Documents Required For PMA Long Course

PMA Joining Letter

Gender Requirements

If we talk about gender so, only males can apply for this post.

PMA Long Course Eligibility Criteria 2025

• Nationality:

The candidate should be Pakistani, and aspirants with a dual nationality background must renounce their foreign citizenship upon the final selection.

• Age Requirements:

Intermediate: pma long course age limit 17–22 years. Graduates: The age limit for pma long course is 17–23 years. Serving Army Soldiers: The age limit for a 2nd lieutenant in the Pak army is 17–25 years. (Age relaxation may apply for some categories.)

• Marital Status:

In the pma long course criteria, unmarried students will be preferred, and Married students are only applicable if they have served in the army for more than 20 years.

• Height Requirements:

Minimum height: pma height requirement is 5’4″ (162.5 cm).

• Selection Procedure:

You can apply for the pma long course eligibility criteria for males through the official website of the Join Pak Army. Aspirants must clear the initial test, physical, and medical test to join PMA. Candidates must clear the ISSB test. After that, they must also clear their Final Medical Test. Finally, the GHQ selects the candidate on merit.

Hope Certificate apply for PMA Long Course

The Hope Certificate is only accepted if you are waiting for the result of F.A/F.Sc or the equivalent degree.

Verification of Marks Sheet / Certificate

Verification of academic documents is a crucial part of the PMA Long Course application process.

• Issuing Authority:
  Documents must be verified by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) or the equivalent authority for O/A Levels (IBCC for equivalency certificates).
• Required Documents:
  • Original mark sheets and certificates.
  • Equivalence certificate for O-Level/A-Level candidates issued by the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC).
• Verification During Selection:
  During the interview or final selection stage, candidates are required to produce verified documents for authenticity checks.

Age Limitation for PMA Long Course

• Intermediate (F.A/F.Sc): 17–22 years ( Age relaxation for remote areas may apply.)
• Graduates (B.A/B.Sc/BBA/BPA): 17–23 years ( 2-year graduation with 60% marks required.)
• 4-Year Degree Holders: 17–24 years ( Minimum 2.5 CGPA required.)
• Serving Army Soldiers: 17–25 years ( Special category for soldiers in service )

Why Does the PMA Long Course Have Different Age Limits?

Here is how the PMA Long Course age limit works: the Pakistan Army extends the upper age boundary for candidates with higher education because their longer academic journey justifies additional time. A serving soldier gets the most relaxation (up to 25 years) because he has already demonstrated commitment to national service. GHQ Rawalpindi enforces these limits strictly — the maximum age relaxation is 3 months above the upper limit for any category.

“The age structure of the PMA Long Course reflects Pakistan Army’s philosophy: education and service experience are both valid pathways to officer commission.” — Pakistan Army Career Guidance, 2025

General Physical Standards,s of Candidate for PMA Long Course

To qualify for the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course, candidates must meet the following physical standards:

• Height: Minimum: 5’4″ (162.5 cm).
• Weight: As per the Body Mass Index (BMI) standard set by the Pakistan Army.
• Chest: Minimum expansion: 79 cm (31 inches). After expansion: 84 cm (33 inches).

What Physical Fitness Tests Are Required for PMA Long Course?

The answer is: candidates must pass a structured physical fitness test in addition to meeting static measurements. The Pakistan Army evaluates dynamic fitness at the AS&RC (Army Selection and Recruitment Centre) through the following exercises:

Pro Tip: Begin a structured fitness regimen at least 3 months before the test date. Focus on building cardiovascular endurance alongside upper-body strength. Candidates who fail the physical test are disqualified immediately  there is no re-attempt on the same day.

Absence of deformities such as flat feet or knock knees is assessed during the Initial Medical Examination. A BMI (Body Mass Index) that falls outside the Army’s approved range will also result in medical rejection.

Initial Medical Examination

1. Vision Test:
   • Vision must be 6/6 with or without glasses.
2. Physical Fitness Check:
   • Overall body posture and physical fitness.
   • Absence of deformities (e.g., flat feet, knock knees).
   • Height and weight were also checked according to the requirements

What Medical Conditions Make a Candidate Ineligible for PMA?

In short, the Army Medical Board (AMB) applies strict standards for the Second Lieutenant Pak Army medical test. Candidates are permanently disqualified if they are found to have any of the following:

The Final Medical Test is conducted after ISSB clearance and is administered by designated Army Medical Corps facilities. Candidates who pass ISSB but fail the Final Medical Test cannot proceed to PMA Kakul.

Initial Interview of PMA Long Course

The initial interview assesses a candidate’s personality, confidence, and basic communication skills. Key components include:

1. Questions on General Knowledge and Current Affairs
2. Academic Background
3. Personal Traits
4. Army Knowledge
5. Quick Decision-Making Questions

ISSB Process For PMA Long Course

What Is the ISSB Test and How Hard Is It to Clear?

The ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board) is the most rigorous stage of the PMA Long Course selection process. Here is how it works: the ISSB runs over 4 to 5 days at one of its three centers — Kohat, Gujranwala, or Malir (Karachi) — and evaluates a candidate’s potential as a Pakistan Army officer through multiple dimensions.

The ISSB assessment includes:

1. Psychological Tests — Written personality assessments and word association tests to evaluate mental stability and leadership aptitude.
2. Intelligence Tests — Verbal and non-verbal reasoning under timed conditions.
3. Group Tasks (GTs) — Group planning exercises, group obstacle races, and leaderless group discussions that test teamwork and command potential.
4. Individual Obstacles — Physical and problem-solving tasks that measure courage, initiative, and physical fitness.
5. Final Interview — Conducted by a Brigadier-level officer focusing on confidence, motivation, and Pakistan Army values.

<mark>According to Pakistan Army data, approximately 70% of candidates who prepare systematically receive a recommendation</mark> from the ISSB. A candidate can appear in ISSB a maximum of 2 times in their lifetime making thorough preparation essential on the first attempt.

“ISSB does not test what you know it tests who you are. The selection board looks for natural leadership, emotional stability, and the ability to perform under pressure.”  Retired Pakistan Army Colonel, ISSB Preparation Guide 2025

Pro Tip: Do not attempt to fake personality traits during ISSB psychological tests. The Inter Services Selection Board uses cross-referenced assessments over multiple days specifically to identify inconsistencies in self-reported personality.

PMA Long Course Training Period

The training period for the pma long course is 2 years at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul.

What Happens During the 2-Year Training at PMA Kakul?

In short, the PMA Kakul training program is one of the most intensive officer development programs in South Asia. The Pakistan Military Academy, located in Abbottabad, KPK, conducts training in 4 terms of 6 months each, combining academic education with military discipline.

Gentlemen Cadets (as trainees are formally called) receive a BS-level academic education alongside physical training, modern warfare techniques, and character development. <mark>The Passing Out Parade (POP) at PMA Kakul marks the formal commissioning of cadets as Second Lieutenants</mark> — one of the most celebrated military ceremonies in Pakistan.

During the 2-year program, cadets receive a monthly stipend of approximately Rs. 30,000–35,000 PKR. The Pakistan Army covers all accommodation, medical, and training expenses.

Designation After Training

Upon successful completion of the PMA Long Course:

• Designation: Second Lieutenant Pak Army eligibility criteria in the Pakistan Army.
• Role: As a commissioned officer, candidates are assigned to different arms and services based on aptitude and organizational needs, such as Infantry, Artillery, or Engineers.

How to Apply?

• For the pak army 2024 training program, join the official website of Join Pak Army.
• Here, fill out the admission form and provide the correct basic information.
• After that, you must go for the initial test at the selection center where you apply.
• You must have the original document, copies, as well as the educational certificates.
• Aspirants must have CNIC or B-Form as well as their Father’s CNIC.
• On the test day, you must have a passport-size photograph. Hope certificate.

Ineligibilities

Candidates are ineligible to apply if they meet any of the following criteria:

• The candidate who failed in matric, intermediate more than one subject.
• You are ineligible if there is no data match for your academic progress. If the Candidate is unfit medically by the Pakistan Army standard, then he is ineligible (ISSB eligibility criteria General Disease).
• Candidates aged below 20 years. If he is rejected two times by the ISSB test, then he will be ineligible.
• The candidates who are dismissed by the armed forces are also ineligible for the PMA Long Course.
• If an Aspirant has dual nationality, then he is also ineligible.

Can Females Join Pak Army as Commissioned Officers? 

Yes, while the PMA Long Course is exclusively for male candidates, the Pakistan Army offers several official pathways for women to become commissioned officers. Here is how:

• Lady Cadet Course (LCC)= Second Lieutenant
• Armed Forces Nursing Service (AFNS)= Lieutenant
• Medical Cadet Course (AMC)= Captain
• Short Service Commission (female)= Lieutenant

Statistics Block

Here are five key facts about the PMA Long Course, sourced from official and publicly verified data:

1. ~500 cadets are selected annually through the PMA Long Course, making it one of Pakistan’s most competitive officer programs.
2. The Pakistan Army announces the PMA Long Course twice a year  Phase I (March–May) and Phase II (September–November).
3. Cadets complete 4 terms of 6 months each over 2 years at PMA Kakul, Abbottabad.
4. The ISSB can only be attempted a maximum of 2 times per candidate in their entire lifetime.
5. Candidates from Balochistan, FATA, GB, and AJK receive a marks relaxation of up to 55% under the regional quota system.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary keyword for this article?

The primary keyword is PMA Long Course eligibility criteria, targeting candidates searching for requirements to join the Pakistan Military Academy as a Second Lieutenant in Pak Army.

Q2: How many times is the PMA Long Course announced each year?

The PMA Long Course is announced twice a year by the Pakistan Army once in the March–May window and once in the September–November window.

Q3: What is the minimum height for PMA Long Course?

The minimum height for PMA Long Course is 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm). Candidates below this height are disqualified at the physical screening stage.

Q4: Can I apply for PMA Long Course after B.Sc?

Yes. Graduate candidates (BA/BSc/BBA/BPA) with at least 60% marks in their degree (and 50% in FA/FSc) are eligible to apply. The age limit for graduates is up to 23 years for 2-year degrees and up to 24 years for 4-year degree holders.

Q5: What happens if I fail the ISSB test twice?

If a candidate is rejected or screened out by the ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board) twice, they are permanently ineligible for any future attempt at the PMA Long Course or any other Pakistan Army officer commissioning program.

Q6: Is there any fee to apply for PMA Long Course?

No. Registration for the PMA Long Course through joinpakarmy.gov.pk is completely free. Additionally, the Pakistan Army bears all training expenses, accommodation, and medical costs during the 2-year program at PMA Kakul.

Q7: What is the salary of a 2nd Lieutenant in Pak Army after commissioning?

A Second Lieutenant in Pak Army earns approximately Rs. 50,000 PKR per month as a starting salary, plus allowances for housing, medical care, and transportation.

Q8: Can females apply for PMA Long Course?

No. The PMA Long Course is open to male candidates only. However, female candidates can join the Pakistan Army as commissioned officers through the Lady Cadet Course (LCC), Armed Forces Nursing Service (AFNS), or the Medical Cadet Course.

Q9: What is the ISSB test duration?

The ISSB test runs for 4 to 5 consecutive days at centers in Kohat, Gujranwala, or Malir (Karachi). It includes psychological tests, intelligence tests, group tasks, individual obstacles, and a final interview.

Q10: What is the PMA Long Course initial test syllabus?

The initial test covers two parts: an Intelligence Test (verbal and non-verbal, 85–90 MCQs each in 30 minutes) and an Academic Test (50 MCQs in 25 minutes covering English, Math, Pakistan Studies, Islamiat, and General Knowledge).