📌 Key Takeaways – PMA Long Course 2026
- PMA Long Course is announced twice a year Phase I (March–May) and Phase II (September–November).
- PMA Long Course 158 registration ran from 24 March to 17 May 2026 (extended to 30 June 2026 for HSSC board clash candidates).
- PMA Long Course 159 registration is expected to open in September–October 2026 at joinpakarmy.gov.pk.
- Minimum education: 60% marks in FA/FSc or equivalent (55% relaxation for candidates from specified underdeveloped areas).
- Age limit: 17–22 years for Intermediate candidates; up to 24 years for 4-year degree holders.
- Training duration: 2 years (4 terms) at PMA Kakul; graduates are commissioned as Second Lieutenants.
- Registration fee: Completely free. A gazette fee of Rs. 300 is paid at the test center only.
- ISSB appearances are limited to a lifetime maximum of 2 attempts.
PMA Long Course Online Registration Details 2026
PMA long course online application process is very easy. Even a matric pass student can fill out the application form from the official website. In this article, we will explain the complete guide for each section of the PMA Long Course Registration 2025. We will cover the personal information, academic records, biodata information, contact information, and the process after the registration.
PMA Long Course 159 Apply Online Last Date & Registration Dates 2026
The PMA long Course registration last date is the 1st week of November. The registration start date is the mid of the september 2025. Students can apply online for the pma long course from the official website of the Pakistan Army within the due date. The Pakistan Army follows a reliable biannual registration cycle for the PMA Long Course one intake in spring and one in autumn. The confirmed and expected dates for 2026 are as follows:
| Course | Registration Period |
|---|---|
| PMA 158 (Phase I 2026) | 24 March – 17 May 2026 (Extended to 30 June 2026) |
| PMA 158 Initial Tests | July 1 – July 15, 2026 |
| PMA 159 (Phase II 2026) | Expected: September – October 2026 |
| PMA 159 Initial Tests | Expected: November – December 2026 |
How to Apply Online for PMA Long Course – Step-by-Step Process
The complete PMA Long Course online registration process at joinpakarmy.gov.pk takes approximately 20–30 minutes. Follow each step precisely to avoid rejection.
- Visit the official website joinpakarmy.gov.pk during the active registration window. Select the current PMA Long Course (e.g., PMA 159) and click “Apply Online.”
- The very first step is to enter your name, CNIC, date of birth, and the other biometric data.
- Enter your gender, marital status, and religious details in your online PMA long course registration form.
- Next, you must enter the contact number and the mobile number. You must also provide your email address to get further instructions.
- Tick the box if you have already appeared in the ISSB test of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force.
- Upload your fresh image to the registration portal. The image should be passport size.
- In the next process, enter your matric and inter obtained marks and the total marks with percentage.
- Enter your permanent and residence address here for the call letter from the Pakistan Military Academy.
- Move to the 2nd page of the online application of the Pakistan Army.
- Enter your Father’s, Mother’s names with the CNIC number and the professional details.
- Select your nearest Army Selection and Recruitment Center (AS&RC) from the 13 available cities: Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Abbottabad, Gilgit, and Muzaffarabad.
- Finally, click on the submit button to save your application. Wait 5–7 working days and then re-generate your registration slip to get your test date and time.
How to Get a Registration Slip After Online Application for the PMA Long Course
After successfully submitting your PMA Long Course online application at joinpakarmy.gov.pk, follow these steps to download your computerized registration slip:
- Log back into your account on joinpakarmy.gov.pk using your CNIC and password.
- Navigate to the “My Applications” or “Registration Slip” section.
- If the test date and time are not yet printed on the slip, regenerate the slip after 3–5 days. Test time and date are updated by the system after processing.
- Download and print the slip. Keep multiple copies; you need the slip at every stage: initial test, physical test, and medical test.
What Is the PMA Long Course?
PMA Long Course Apply Online is a process through which a candidate can register for the initial test of the Pakistan Military Academy. For the online registration of the Pakistan Military Academy, search the Join Pak Army official website on Google.
Here, you can see the PMA 158 long course. You will click on Apply No. Now, the first thing here is that whatever center you choose Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, for example select AS&RC Lahore, and then you will have a test here. Check the more related articles and information for the Next PMA long course by PMA Long Course.
Why Is PMA Long Course Considered the Most Prestigious Officer Entry Route?
The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, often called the “Cradle of Leadership,” is the country’s premier institution for training commissioned officers. Over 85% of Pakistan Army combat units are led by PMA Long Course graduates. The program produces leaders in battle arms, combat support, and services including Infantry, Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and more. During the two-year training program, cadets earn a Bachelor of Military Art and Strategy (BMAS) or a BSc affiliated with NUST (National University of Sciences and Technology), one of Pakistan’s top HEC-recognized universities.
“Joining PMA Long Course is not merely an enrollment in a training program it is an entry into a legacy of sacrifice, service, and national defense that has produced Pakistan’s finest military leadership for decades.”
— Personnel Administration Directorate, General Headquarters (GHQ)
PMA Long Course Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
What Are the Educational Requirements for the PMA Long Course 2026?
The Pakistan Military Academy sets clear educational qualifications for each category of applicant. Meeting the minimum percentage is non-negotiable even a minor shortfall results in rejection at the Army Selection and Recruitment Center (AS&RC).
| Candidate Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| FA/FSc/ICS/ICom (Intermediate) | 60% marks |
| A-Level (Pakistan) | 60% aggregate |
| A-Level (Abroad / less than 3 Cs) | IBCC equivalence certificate required |
| BA/BSc/BS/BBA/BPA Graduates | 60% in graduation + 50% in FA/FSc |
| Serving Army Soldiers | 50% in FA/FSc or Military equivalent |
| Underdeveloped area domicile holders* | 55% in FA/FSc |
Underdeveloped areas include: Balochistan, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan, District Neelum (AJK), District Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Tehsil Balakot (Kaghan/Naran) in KPK, Tharparkar, Tehsil Umer Kot in Sindh, District Rajanpur, and the Cholistan Desert areas of Punjab.
What Is the Age Limit for the PMA Long Course 2026?
Age is calculated strictly as of November 1, 2026 for Course 158. A maximum relaxation of 3 months is permitted on both the upper and lower age limits for Intermediate-level candidates.
| Qualification Level | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Intermediate (FA/FSc/A-Level) | 17 – 22 years (±3 months) |
| 2-Year Graduate / Serving PN/PAF | 17 – 23 years |
| 4-Year Degree (BS/BA-Hons/BBA) | 17 – 24 years (no relaxation) |
| Serving Army Soldiers | 17 – 25 years (no relaxation) |
What Are the Physical & Medical Standards for the PMA Long Course?
Physical fitness is assessed at the AS&RC on test day. The minimum height requirement is 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm) there is no relaxation in this standard for any category. The Pakistan Army also checks chest measurements, BMI, and overall body composition during the medical fitness test. Candidates who fall slightly below chest expansion requirements are advised to follow a 6–8 week program of swimming, rowing, and upper body exercises before the test date.
Who Is NOT Eligible for the PMA Long Course?
- Candidates rejected by ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board) twice they are permanently ineligible.
- Candidates who appeared in ISSB within a 120-day gap from their previous appearance.
- Candidates dismissed, removed, or debarred from any Government Service, including Armed Forces.
- Married candidates below age 20 (serving personnel with ages 20+ may be married).
- Dual nationality holders who do not agree to surrender all other nationalities upon final selection.
What Is the PMA Long Course Selection Process?
The PMA Long Course selection process consists of multiple elimination stages. Approximately 15,000 candidates apply for each intake, but only 400–500 are selected a success rate of roughly 3%. Understanding each stage is critical for initial test preparation and overall success.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Online Registration | joinpakarmy.gov.pk |
| 2. Initial Written Test | Intelligence + Academic MCQs |
| 3. Physical Test | Running, ditch crossing, obstacles |
| 4. Initial Medical Test | Height, chest, BMI, eyesight |
| 5. Preliminary Interview | English & Urdu essay + panel |
| 6. ISSB (4 Days) | Psychological + group + final interview |
| 7. Final Medical Test | GHQ medical board clearance |
| 8. Merit List (GHQ) | Final selection & joining PMA Kakul |
What Is the PMA Long Course Initial Test Syllabus?
The initial computer test at the AS&RC has two parts. A minimum of 50% marks in each section is required to proceed; however, competitive candidates consistently score 70% and above.
- Intelligence Test: Verbal intelligence (85–90 MCQs, 30 minutes) and Non-verbal intelligence (85–90 MCQs, 30 minutes).
- Academic Test: 50 MCQs in 25 minutes covering English, Mathematics, Pakistan Studies, Islamiat, and General Knowledge.
📊 PMA Long Course – Key Statistics 2026
- ~15,000 candidates apply per intake; only ~400–500 are selected (≈3% success rate).
- Over 85% of Pakistan Army units are led by PMA Long Course graduates.
- PMA Long Course 158 registration window: 24 March – 17 May 2026 (extended to 30 June 2026).
- PMA 159 registration is expected in September–October 2026.
- Starting officer salary after commissioning: PKR 80,000–100,000/month (including allowances, 2026).
- Cadet monthly stipend during training: Rs. 30,000–35,000.
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