PMA Long Course 159 Eligibility Criteria includes the education requirements, physical requirements, Medical requirements, Nationality, and many others. If these basic requirements are not fulfilled, the student will not be able to join the Pakistan Army through the PMA Long Course.
To join the PMA long course, students must meet the eligibility criteria and requirements for joining the Pakistan Military Academy. If the candidate meets these parameters, he can apply for the PMA Long Course for the 2026 course. The Pakistan Military Academy selects candidates who meet its requirements, such as academic knowledge, physical strength, medical fitness, and mental fitness.
Eligibility Criteria For PMA Long Course 159
Only male students who have already joined the Pakistani Army can apply for the PMA Long Course 159. These are general students who can apply only if they are enrolled. However, those already in the military who are soldiers can also apply if they are enrolled. Below are the complete basic criteria to join the Pakistan Army as an officer.
What Is the Age Limit for PMA Long Course 159?
Here is the complete age limit table based on education level. Age is calculated strictly as of November 1 of the joining year.
| Candidate Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Intermediate / FA / FSc / DAE / A-Level | 17 to 22 years |
| Graduation (2-year degree) | 17 to 23 years |
| BS / BA (Hons) / BBA / BPA (4-year degree) | 17 to 24 years |
| Serving Army Soldiers | 17 to 25 years |
A maximum relaxation of up to 3 months may be granted on the upper or lower age limit in specific cases. Fresh candidates must be unmarried. Married candidates are only considered if they are serving personnel of the armed forces above 20 years of age.
Height Requirement
In the medical test, the height of the applicant is a very important factor. If you are under a height of 5.4, which means 5 feet 4 inches, then you are not eligible for this seat. Along with this, the height which has been mentioned in the physical requirement, the minimum height should be 162.5 cm for the eligibility criteria for second lieutenant.
What Are the Physical Measurements Required for PMA Long Course 159?
Beyond height, the Pakistan Army also checks chest measurements and overall body composition. All physical measurements are checked on the day of the medical test at the AS&RC center.
| Physical Measurement | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm) |
| Chest Before Expansion | Minimum 79 cm (31 inches) |
| Chest After Expansion | Minimum 84 cm (33 inches) |
| Weight | According to Pakistan Army BMI standards |
| Posture | No flat feet, knock knees, or visible deformities |
| Eyesight | 6/6 with or without glasses |
Candidates who fall slightly below the chest expansion requirement can often improve with a dedicated 6- to 8-week program of swimming, rowing, and upper body exercises that specifically target chest expansion capacity.
Educational Requirements
If we talk about the educational requirements, then you must pass the FSc or the equivalent degree with at least 50 percent marks. If you clear your first year and your 2nd year result is pending, then you must apply for the hope certificate issued by the concerned college or institution.
What Are the Exact Education Qualifications Accepted for PMA Long Course 159?
The answer is broader than many candidates realize. Multiple education pathways qualify a candidate for PMA Long Course 159.
| Education Qualification | Minimum Marks Required |
|---|---|
| FA / FSc / ICS / ICOM (Intermediate) | 60% marks |
| A-Level (equivalent to Intermediate) | 60% aggregate |
| Candidates from underdeveloped areas (Balochistan, FATA, GB, Chitral, Dir, Kohistan, Tharparkar, Rajanpur, Cholistan, Neelum AJK) | 55% marks |
| Graduation (BA/BSc — 2 year) with 50% in intermediate | 60% in graduation |
| BS / BBA / BA Hons / BPA (4-year degree) | 60% in graduation |
A Hope Certificate is accepted if a candidate has cleared Part 1 and is awaiting the Part 2 result. The certificate must be issued by the concerned college or institution on official letterhead.
Pro Tip: Focus on scoring 65% or above in FSc Part 2 if still studying. A higher academic percentage improves your position on the final GHQ merit list, which is prepared after ISSB and medical clearance. Candidates with the same ISSB result are ranked by academic marks.
Marks Requirements
Along with this, army soldiers, if their marks are even 50%, can apply. In this way, the Pakistan Air Force has also made personnel with two-year degrees eligible.
How Do Marks Affect Final Selection in PMA Long Course 159?
Academic marks are not just an eligibility gate; they directly influence the final merit list prepared at GHQ. Two candidates who both receive an ISSB recommendation will be ranked against each other primarily based on their academic percentage and overall performance scores. A candidate with 75% in FSc will rank higher than one with 61% when all other factors are equal. This is why preparation for FSc board exams matters as much as physical and test preparation for aspiring PMA candidates.
Who Is NOT Eligible for PMA Long Course 159?
What Disqualifies a Candidate from Applying for PMA Long Course 159?
The answer covers both academic and character-based disqualifications that are strictly enforced.
- Convicted by a court of law
- Twice is not recommended by ISSB
- Married candidates under 20 years of age (non-serving)
- Female candidates
- Dual nationality holders who refuse to surrender their foreign nationality
- Withdrawn from any armed forces on disciplinary grounds
- Medically declared unfit by the Appeal Medical Board
- Twice screened out at AS&RC
Female candidates have separate commissioned officer entry routes, including the Lady Cadet Course (LCC) for BS and Master’s degree holders, Armed Forces Nursing Service (AFNS) for FSc Pre-Medical graduates, and Medical Cadet Course for MBBS qualified candidates.
Statistics Every PMA Long Course 159 Aspirant Should Know
- Approximately 15,000 candidates apply for each PMA Long Course intake, but only around 400 to 500 are selected a success rate of roughly 3%
- The minimum passing mark in each section of the initial test is 50% but competitive candidates consistently aim for 70% and above
- A candidate may appear in ISSB a maximum of two times in their lifetime, making each attempt a significant career decision
- PMA Long Course 159 registration is expected to open around September 2026, based on the consistent biannual announcement pattern
- A newly commissioned Second Lieutenant earns approximately PKR 80,000 to 100,000 per month, including allowances, as of 2026, rising to over PKR 200,000 at the rank of Major
Expert Perspective
“Eligibility is the foundation, not the goal. Every year, thousands of candidates who meet all the criteria still fail at the initial test or physical stage because they treated eligibility confirmation as the finish line rather than the starting point. Meeting the criteria only means you are allowed to compete — it does not mean you are ready to compete.”
— Summarized from guidance by experienced PMA preparation instructors
“The ISSB is designed to reveal character, not reward performance. Candidates who perform honestly in group tasks, communicate with clarity under pressure, and show genuine concern for their team consistently receive higher assessments than those who try to dominate or impress artificially.”
— Based on documented feedback from ISSB preparation specialists across Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the minimum height for PMA Long Course 159?
The minimum height requirement is 5 feet 4 inches, which equals 162.5 cm. Candidates below this height are not eligible regardless of academic or other qualifications.
Q2: What percentage is required for PMA Long Course 159?
General candidates need a minimum of 60% marks in FA/FSc or equivalent. Candidates from underdeveloped areas such as Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and specific districts of KP and Sindh need a minimum of 55% marks.
Q3: Can a graduate apply for PMA Long Course 159 with less than 60% in intermediate?
Yes. Graduates with a 2-year BA/BSc who have at least 50% in intermediate can apply, provided they have 60% marks in their graduation degree.
Q4: Can a candidate with dual nationality apply for PMA Long Course 159?
A candidate with dual nationality may apply. However, upon final selection, they are required to surrender all nationalities other than Pakistani as a condition of joining.
Q5: Can a candidate apply if they have been recommended by ISSB but did not get selected due to merit?
Yes. A candidate who received an ISSB recommendation but was not selected for a particular course due to limited vacancies can reapply. The ISSB appearance count still applies toward the two-lifetime limit.
Q6: What happens if I fail the ditch crossing during the physical test?
Failing any single physical task results in elimination from that intake. Candidates who fail can reapply in the next course as long as they remain within the age limit.
Q7: Can females apply for PMA Long Course 159?
No. PMA Long Course is restricted to male candidates only. Female candidates may apply for the Lady Cadet Course (LCC), AFNS, or Medical Cadet Course depending on their qualifications.
Q8: How long does the full PMA Long Course 159 selection process take?
From the initial test date to final ISSB results, the complete selection process takes approximately 2 to 3 months. PMA training itself is two years, after which candidates are commissioned as Second Lieutenants.
Conclusion
PMA Long Course 159 eligibility criteria are the first gate every aspiring Pakistan Army officer must clear before anything else. Meeting the academic, physical, medical, and age requirements is not optional even one unmet condition leads to immediate rejection. Candidates who understand these requirements early, verify their eligibility completely, and begin structured preparation across all test stages well before registration opens give themselves the strongest possible foundation for success at PMA Kakul.