PMA stands for Pakistan Military Academy. It is a training center for officers. The Pakistan army announces this program twice a year and selects the most obedient young man for the Pakistan army as an officer.
The PMA Long Course is a two-year formal training program at the Pakistan Military Academy (Kakal, Abbottabad), aimed at inducting young men into the Pakistan Army as regular commissioned officers.
Successful candidates who pass the complete two years of training of the PMA Long Course by the Pakistan Military Academy and get commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant are given access to military education, leadership development, benefits, and a stable professional career.
PMA Meaning In Urdu
- The Urdu meaning of the PMA long course, Pakistan Military Academy, is (پاکستان عسکری درسگاہ)
- The main Center of the Pakistan Military Academy is in Abbottabad, in the village of Kakul in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
- After passing the initial test, the short-listed candidate will be called for the ISSB Test. The following blogs provide full details about PMA.
- PMA Long Course Test is conducted twice a year. One is in the summer ( May to July ). The Other in the Winter ( October to December).
- It is carried out through the following Process.
What is the PMA Long Course
Join PMA Long Course 2026
PMA Long Course Apply Process
PMA Long Course 158 Registration
Documents Required For PMA LC 158
PMA Long Course Requirements 2026
Criteria For PMA Long Course 2026
PMA Roll Number Slip 2026 Download
PMA Initial Test Syllabus 2026
PMA Long Course Test Pattern
PMA Physical Test Requirements 2026
How To Prepare For the PMA Long Course Test
How To Fill the PMA Long Course ISSB Form
PMA 158 Joining Letter
PMA Joining Instructions
PMA Cadet Haircut
PMA Long Course Training Process
1: Registration
Willing Candidates must apply for the PMA Long Course through the Pakistan Military Academy’s official website of the Pakistan Army. You must provide the correct information on the Registration form.
After the registration, the website announces the test date on its official website portal. Candidate can check their test date at the Test Center where they applied, and download the slip.
2: PMA Long Course Initial Test
The initial test of the candidate is passed through the following stages:
- Computerized test: Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Academic. The initial test of the Pakistani military academy is very easy. There are three sections that we have already mentioned.
- Physical Test: Chin-ups, push-ups, running. With the given time of passage, the student fulfills all the physical requirements to qualify for the initial medical test for the pma long course.
- Initial Medical Test: Eyesight, Height, Weight. After clearing this initial medical test, the short-listed candidates will be further called for the initial interview test.
- Initial Test Interview: After passing all the above tests, the short-listed students will be called for the initial interview. The Student must arrive before the time of the interview day. The initial interview test is also very easy.
3: PMA ISSB Test – ISSB Stands For
The ISSB stands for Inter-Services Selection Board, which assesses the leadership skills, intelligence, emotional stability, and physical fitness of the candidates.
The list of shortlisted candidates who have reached the ISSB test stage for recruitment to the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) has been released. This test is an important milestone for the youth aspiring to get commissioned as officers in the Pakistan Army.
How to prepare for the ISSB test?
Candidates preparing for the ISSB have to go through stages like a psychometric test, a group discussion, an interview, and a physical test. Paying attention to the psychological aspects is also very important, as the board tests the candidate’s attitude, decision-making ability, and ability to work under stress.
Key points for success in ISSB
- Honesty – Avoid lying or adopting a fake attitude in ISSB.
- Leadership skills – Try to motivate others in group tasks.
- Physical Preparation – Fitness is a must for PMA, so make running, push-ups, and other exercises a part of your daily routine.
- Mental Strength – Staying calm and positive in difficult situations is the key to success.
What happens after ISSB?
If you pass the ISSB test, you will be called for training at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), where you will be trained in military discipline, combat skills, and officer responsibilities.
4: PMA LC Final Medical
After Clearance of the ISSB, the final medical will be held near CMH or according to the schedule.
PMA Long Course Eligibility Criteria 2026
According to the PMA Long Course Eligibility Criteria 2026, the candidate must be a Pakistani citizen and an unmarried male. The age limit for PMA Long Course is 17 to 22 years for FSC, 17 to 23 years for graduates, and 17 to 24 years for four-year degree holders. Minimum education FA/FSc or Graduation with 60% marks and a height of 5 feet 4 inches is required. Only candidates who meet the physical fitness, medical fitness, and educational criteria are eligible for the Pakistan Army Officer Recruitment 2026.
PMA Long Course Final Selection Process
The PMA Long Course Final Selection Process begins after ISSB recommendation, which includes the Final Medical Test (CMH), Merit List, and GHQ Approval. The candidate is selected on the basis of mental ability, leadership, physical fitness, and overall performance. Successful candidates are issued a PMA joining letter, after which they report for two years of military training at PMA Kakul, Abbottabad, and get a commission in the Pakistan Army.
PMA Long Course Salary After Commission
The salary after the PMA Long Course starts from the rank of Second Lieutenant upon getting the commission. Pakistan Army Officer Salary includes basic pay, military allowances, accommodation, medical facilities, and other benefits. PMA Long Course career not only provides financial stability but is considered a prestigious government job in Pakistan due to pension, promotion system and future security.
PMA Long Course ISSB Interview Questions
PMA Long Course ISSB interview questions are designed to test the candidate’s personality, leadership, confidence, and decision-making ability. A typical ISSB interview asks about introduction, educational background, family information, current affairs, and reason for joining the Pakistan Army. A candidate who demonstrates honesty, positive thinking, mental strength, and clear communication has a higher chance of succeeding in ISSB and being selected in the PMA long course.
What are the things checked in the final medical test of PMA?
- Vision – The candidate’s eyesight should be 6/6. Collar blindness or poor eyesight is unacceptable.
- Hearing – The complete health of the ear and the ability to hear are tested.
- Blood test and urine test – Any type of infection, diabetes, or hepatitis can be disqualified.
- Bone and joint examination – Medical failure can occur in cases of fractures, arthritis, or spinal problems.
- Cardiac checkup – Heart performance is checked through ECG and other tests.
How to prepare for the final medical of the PMA Long Course?
- Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.
- Get enough sleep so that blood pressure and other vitals are normal.
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes completely, as they can negatively affect the medical report.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, consult a doctor to address them.
What happens in case of medical failure in the PMA?
If a candidate fails the final medical, he is declared ineligible to join the Pakistan Army. However, sometimes a medical appeal is allowed, in which a re-examination can be conducted.