PMA Long Course Training is the Pakistan Army’s two-year officer commissioning program at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul in Abbottabad. Male candidates aged 17–22 (intermediate) or 17–23 (graduates) with at least 60% marks apply online at joinpakarmy.gov.pk, pass academic and intelligence tests, clear a four-day Inter-Services Selection Board (ISSB) assessment, and if selected train for two years before commissioning as a Second Lieutenant. Because registration windows shift each intake, always confirm exact 2026 dates on the official portal rather than a third-party site.
What Is PMA Long Course Training?
In short, PMA Long Course Training is Pakistan’s flagship officer-commissioning pathway, run twice yearly at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, Abbottabad, since 1948. It combines military instruction with an academic degree, producing the officer corps that leads the majority of Pakistan Army units. Candidates who complete the course are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and go on to serve across combat arms such as Infantry, Armoured Corps, and Artillery, as well as supporting services like Signals and Engineers.
PMA Long Course Training – Kakul is one of the best military schools in the world. The PMA is of utmost importance as it is where the future leadership of the Pakistan military is prepared. All provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, minorities, and women are well represented here, and cadets from abroad also come to study. Read more Interesting Information about PMA Academy on its Official Website
The selected cadets here get 6 months and two years of training after they join the Pakistan army as a captains. This training program is very necessary for the freshers who join the Pakistan army. In this training, the basic guidelines, rules, and regulations are given to the cadets to join the Pakistan army. This training makes them very strong and patient.
Rabiullah Square is also known as Drill Square, where cadets start their day with drill period. A 40-minute drill period takes place in the review drill square. After which cadets participate in a period of physical education or physical exercise, and then go to breakfast.
Criteria For PMA Long Course
PMA Cadet Haircut
Rabiullah Square – OutStanding Badge in PMA
In Rabiullah Square, Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed and Captain Colonel Khan Shaheed received their training and sacrificed their lives for the defense of the country. The cadets trained here to pass out through the pass-out period and serve in the Pakistan Army.
Ever since Pakistan Military Academy Kakool was established in 1947, there has been a daily routine activity at PMA Road, in which the Adjutant comes on horseback and checks the cadets on their way to classes after drills and physical activities.
Discipline and Cleanliness During PMA Training
The Pakistan Military Academy is known for its high standard of discipline, whether on parade or off parade. The cadets are expected to display a high standard of personal discipline. The battalion adjutant is the custodian of discipline and no breach of regulations escapes his attention. Punishments for violation of rules are, prompt term, corrective.
Cadets are checked for cleanliness, nails, handkerchiefs, and correctness of uniforms. If a cadet lacks cleanliness or discipline, it is pointed out. When the cadets pass through PMA Road, the road is closed to general traffic and only the Adjutant’s Horse is allowed to enter. These cadets are trained to defend Pakistan and to command the forces.
At Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, cadets undergo rigorous physical, mental, physical, and professional training, after which they are prepared for all types of conventional and unconventional warfare.
The Merit of Each Cadet By Physical Development
Determines the merit of each cadet A great deal of emphasis is laid on physical development in all studies of the training. A tough physical training system ensures that the cadets develop the endurance, strength, and stamina to withstand the rigors of military training at the academy.
A variety of exercises and training tests make certain that the physical standards of the Pakistan Military Academy remain amongst the highest in the world for similar institutions. A central modern gymnasium facility apart from independent company gymnasiums helps the cadets prepare for the grueling physical regime at the academy.
Sports At PMA Long Course
Sports are considered important and all cadets are expected to take part in sports activities. The fierce competition helps develop combativeness and essential qualities for a soldier’s character. Personality development remains paramount in all activities at the Academy. These qualities are viewed as the single most important element of the training system.
Participation in extracurricular activities is compulsory as part of personality development. The cadets have a choice to join any indoor and outdoor club in the third and 4th terms. These clubs offer a variety of activities.
Both indoor and outdoor training are supported by modern training aids and systems to make the instruction effective. It is an experienced staff at the Methods Branch that ensures that all training equipment is maintained in sound condition at all times.
Morality and Character In The Cadets
The Gentlemen Cadets are expected to display the highest standard of morality and character. In this, the cadets are aided and guided by the instructors and senior cadets. The Mess life plays a major role in grooming the cadets. Besides the normal activity and the mess, formal dinners and guest nights allow the cadets to interact socially with their instructors and seniors.
Modern Accommodation Facility For PMA Cadets
The permanent staff has provided accommodation within the Academy and all necessities of life are also available within the premises. A dedicated staff with the administrative wing works around the clock to make certain that the cadets are provided with the necessary environments to relax.
The parade is a well-furnished and modern accommodation facility. It provides the ideal setting for relaxation after the physically and mentally demanding training ROU team. The Academy had a dedicated medical hospital to cater to the cadet and the permanent Sta.
Responsibility of the Method’s Branch In PMA Long Course Training
A major responsibility of the method’s branch also is the procurement and reproduction of training manuals and literature. In its role as Controller of Examinations, the methods branched and showed the safe custody and confidentiality of examination papers.
It is preceded by a convocation ceremony where the graduating cadets are awarded the bachelor’s degree. Preserving the past. The museum takes a visitor through the history of the development of the institution.
What Happens During the Two-Year Training?
Training at PMA Kakul runs across four terms over two years, blending military instruction with academic study.
- Academics: Cadets simultaneously pursue a Bachelor of Science degree affiliated with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), majoring in subjects such as War Studies or Military Science.
- Term 1: Foundational drill, weapon handling, and map reading.
- Term 2: Advanced field exercises and endurance marches through the surrounding Abbottabad hills.
- Term 3: Assault-course and tactics training.
- Term 4: Culminating endurance tests ahead of the Passing Out Parade (POP), where cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants — a ceremony often attended by senior military leadership and, at times, national dignitaries.
Pro Tip: Physical fitness alone does not secure selection. The ISSB stage weighs personality, leadership potential, and psychological stability as heavily as fitness candidates who prepare only physically are often surprised by this.
Life After Commissioning
Newly commissioned Second Lieutenants are posted to units across the country to begin active service. Multiple current guides report a starting compensation band in the region of PKR 80,000–100,000 per month (basic pay plus allowances), alongside free or subsidized accommodation and medical coverage figures worth reconfirming against official pay scales at the time of commissioning, since military pay structures are periodically revised. Regular Commission carries a minimum service obligation, and most officers who complete PMA Long Course go on to serve full careers of 20+ years, with many pursuing further education through institutions like the National Defence University.
Additional Pro Tips for Applicants
Pro Tip: Start ISSB-style preparation (group tasks, timed writing, mock interviews) months before your intelligence test result the gap between written test and ISSB call letter is often short.
Pro Tip: Track record matters for career progression as much as entry merit cadets who take company-level leadership roles (like earning the outstanding badge at Rabiullah Square) often have a head start in early postings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PMA Long Course Training?
It is the Pakistan Army’s two-year officer commissioning program at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, combining military training with a NUST-affiliated bachelor’s degree.
How long is the PMA Long Course?
Two years, split into four training terms, following successful ISSB selection.
Can women join PMA Long Course?
No women apply through the Lady Cadet Course, a separate Pakistan Army entry scheme.
What rank do cadets receive after graduating?
Second Lieutenant, awarded at the Passing Out Parade.
Is PMA training only physical?
No. Cadets also complete academic coursework toward a BS degree and undergo psychological and leadership assessment throughout selection and training.
What salary does a newly commissioned officer earn in Pak Army?
Reported figures place starting pay around PKR 80,000–100,000/month including allowances, though this should be verified against current official pay scales.
Conclusion
Providing a view of a splendid life at the academy as the breeding ground for the future leaders of the Pakistan Army. Pakistan Military Academy is conscious of adherence to the highest standards of training and discipline and does not compromise on these.
Only those who measure up to the requisite standards are granted a commission in the Pak Army. Its ability to groom young men from varied backgrounds into capable junior leaders is its most distinctive feature in a country of ethnic and demographic diversity. The Pakistan Military Academy acts as a leveler of class and ethnic distinctions and presents a truly national character.