Application Status: Open
Closing Date: October 23, 2026 (28 days remaining as of September 25, 2026)
Official Portal: www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk
The Pakistan Army has officially announced PMA Long Course 159 for the 2026 intake, inviting young male candidates across Pakistan to apply for a regular permanent commission as Second Lieutenants. The application window opened on September 14, 2026, and will close on October 23, 2026. This intake offers 500 training vacancies at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Abbottabad.
If you have completed your Intermediate (FA/FSc) with at least 60% marks or hold a graduate degree, you are eligible to register. This guide explains every part of the intake: age limits for different qualifications, physical standards, the four-stage selection process, document attestation rules, and how to register online without making mistakes that lead to disqualification.
What is the PMA Long Course?
The PMA Long Course is the primary entry route for regular commissioned officers in the Pakistan Army. It consists of a 2-year rigorous training program conducted at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, near Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During these two years, cadets receive structured training in military tactics, field engineering, weapon handling, physical conditioning, leadership, and military law. Alongside military training, cadets complete academic modules in English, Mathematics, Science, Pakistan Studies, and Military History.
Upon passing out from the academy, cadets earn the rank of Second Lieutenant and are assigned to various arms and services, including the Infantry, Armoured Corps, Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and Supply Corps.
PMA Long Course 159 Summary
Here are the key operational facts for PMA Long Course 159 sourced directly from the official notification published in the press:
| Detail | Official Specification |
|---|---|
| Hiring Organisation | Pakistan Army |
| Course Name | PMA Long Course 159 (2026 Intake) |
| Designation on Graduation | Second Lieutenant (Regular Commission) |
| Total Vacancies | 500 (approximate course intake) |
| Registration Period | September 14, 2026 to October 23, 2026 |
| Training Location | Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul, Abbottabad |
| Training Duration | 2 Years |
| Cadet Monthly Stipend | Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 45,000 per month |
| Starting Commissioned Pay | Approximately Rs. 50,000+ basic plus allowances |
| Registration Mode | Online (joinpakarmy.gov.pk) or in person at AS&RC |
Eligibility Criteria and Age Limits
Eligibility for the PMA Long Course is determined by your qualification and your age on the cutoff date. Check where you stand before applying:
| Educational Qualification | Minimum Marks Required | Age Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate (FA / FSc / ICS / I.Com / A-Level) | 60% marks minimum | 17 to 22 Years |
| Graduates (2-Year Degree: BA / BSc) | 50% in Graduation with 60% in Intermediate | 17 to 23 Years |
| Serving Personnel (Pakistan Navy / Pakistan Air Force) | As per service rules | 17 to 23 Years |
| Graduates (4-Year Degree: BS / BBA / BPA / BS Hons) | 50% in Degree with 60% in Intermediate | 17 to 24 Years |
| Serving Soldiers of Pakistan Army | Passed intermediate or departmental criteria | 17 to 25 Years |
General Eligibility Conditions
- Gender: Male candidates only.
- Marital Status: Unmarried. Serving armed forces personnel over 20 years of age may be married.
- Nationality: Citizens of Pakistan and domicile holders of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Dual Nationality: If you hold citizenship of another country alongside Pakistani citizenship, you can apply, but you must formally surrender your foreign passport upon final selection.
Physical and Medical Standards
You must meet these physical measurements at the Army Selection and Recruitment Center (AS&RC) screening:
| Measurement | Standard Required |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 5 Feet 4 Inches (162.5 cm) |
| Weight | As per the standard Body Mass Index (BMI) chart |
| Distant Vision (with glasses) | 6/9 in one eye, 6/12 in the other eye |
| Near Vision | J2, J7 or N8, N12 (with or without glasses) |
Physical fitness is tested through practical outdoor tests at the selection center. While the source ad focuses on preliminary registration, standard initial physical tests require running 1.6 km (1 mile), pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups. Start endurance training immediately so your stamina is ready by test day.
Who Should and Should Not Apply
Applying for a military commission demands realistic self-assessment. Review this section carefully before paying travel costs or spending time on registration.
You should apply if:
- You meet the strict 60% Intermediate cutoff and fall within the exact age limits for your degree.
- You are physically active, possess normal color vision and eyesight within corrected limits, and meet the 5’4″ height requirement.
- You are prepared for a disciplined, high-demand military career and two years of intensive physical and academic training at PMA Kakul.
You should not apply if:
- Your Intermediate score is below 60% (unless you qualify under officially notified regional relaxation quotas, if applicable).
- You are medically unfit, have flat feet, knock knees, or eyesight beyond permissible limits.
- You have been declared permanently unfit by an Appeal Medical Board (AMB) or twice screened out / not recommended by the Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) without special waiver.
- You hold dual nationality and are unwilling to surrender your foreign citizenship.
The Four-Stage Selection Process Explained
Gaining entry into PMA Long Course 159 requires passing four progressive testing phases:
- Preliminary Academic and Intelligence Test: Conducted via computer at your assigned AS&RC. This includes Verbal Intelligence, Non-Verbal Intelligence, and an Academic paper covering English, Mathematics, Pakistan Studies, Islamic Studies, and General Knowledge.
- Initial Physical and Medical Screening: Candidates who pass the computer-based test undergo running, push-ups, chin-ups, sit-ups, and a physical measurement check (height, weight, chest, eyesight, joint alignment).
- Preliminary Interview: Conducted at the AS&RC by a panel of military officers to evaluate basic communication skills, confidence, and general awareness.
- Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB): Candidates shortlisted from the AS&RC phase receive call letters for a comprehensive 4-day psychological, outdoor task, and interview assessment at ISSB centers (Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir, or Quetta).
Candidates recommended by ISSB undergo a final medical examination at the nearest Combined Military Hospital (CMH). The final merit list is compiled by General Headquarters (GHQ) based on overall performance.
How to Register Online at joinpakarmy.gov.pk
You can apply directly from your phone or computer. Follow these steps in order:
- Visit the official portal at www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk.
- Click on the PMA Long Course 159 registration link.
- Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your Matric certificate and CNIC or Form-B.
- Select your nearest Army Selection and Recruitment Center (AS&RC) from the drop-down list. Choose carefully, as changing your center later is difficult.
- Enter your educational marks (Matric and Intermediate/Graduation). Ensure every roll number, total mark, and obtained mark entry is accurate.
- Submit the form and print your provisional registration slip.
- Check the website after a few days using your CNIC to receive your exact test date, time, and roll number slip.
If you do not have internet access or face difficulties applying online, you can visit your nearest AS&RC in person with your original documents and required photos to complete manual registration.
Required Documents and Attestation Checklist
When appearing for your initial test at the AS&RC, you must bring original documents and one set of attested photocopies. Missing documents will result in entry refusal.
- Original certificates and detailed mark sheets of Matric and FA/FSc (or equivalent O/A-Level equivalence certificates issued by IBCC).
- Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) if you are 18 years or older.
- Computerized Form “B” along with a copy of your father’s or guardian’s CNIC if you are under 18 years old.
- Three passport-size photographs attested on the front and back by a Government Officer of Grade 16 or above.
- One set of photocopies of all educational certificates, CNIC/Form-B, and domicile, all attested by a Grade 16+ officer.
- For candidates who previously appeared at ISSB: Original and photocopy of the “Not Recommended” letter.
- For serving armed forces personnel: ISSB recommendation letter copy and departmental NOC through proper service channels.
Common Mistakes That Cause Disqualification
Many candidates lose their chance at an army commission due to administrative errors rather than test performance. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Entering Hope Certificate Marks Wrongly: If your result is pending and you apply on a hope certificate, you must have an authentic certificate signed by your college principal confirming you will score at least 60%.
- Unattested Photographs and Documents: Showing up with loose, un-attested copies leads to disqualification at the reception desk. Get everything attested by a Grade 16+ officer beforehand.
- Form-B Name Mismatches: Ensure the spelling of your name and your father’s name matches identically across your Matric certificate, Form-B, and CNIC.
- Arriving Late on Test Day: Selection centers follow strict military timing. If your slip states 07:00 AM, arrive by 06:30 AM. Latecomers are turned away.
- Ignoring Physical Prep: Many students pass the intelligence test easily but fail the 1.6 km run due to poor stamina. Begin running and bodyweight exercises daily.
Stipend, Salary, and Rank Structure
Joining the military offers distinct financial and career progression compared to civilian roles:
- During Academy Training: Cadets at PMA Kakul receive a monthly stipend ranging between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 45,000 to cover personal mess expenses and necessities, with free boarding and lodging provided.
- On Commissioning: Graduates receive the rank of Second Lieutenant. Starting salary is approximately Rs. 50,000+ basic, supplemented by field allowances, free medical care for self and family, military accommodation facilities, and subsidized services.
- Career Ladder: The officer career progression runs from Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, and General Officer ranks based on qualification courses, field performance, and selection boards.
If you are exploring other career opportunities in the public sector, you can also browse our latest updates on latest government jobs in Pakistan.
Career Options for Female Candidates
While PMA Long Course 159 is restricted to male applicants, the Pakistan Army provides dedicated career paths for female candidates:
- Lady Cadet Course (LCC): Open to female university graduates in fields such as engineering, software, law, psychology, and management. You can read our complete guide on the Pakistan Army Lady Cadet Course guide to understand eligibility and test dates.
- Armed Forces Nursing Service (AFNS): Open to female candidates with Matric and FSc Pre-Medical who wish to join military healthcare. Check our AFNS test preparation and medical cadet jobs page for detailed requirements.
Female candidates applying for these courses must meet specific physical fitness benchmarks, including a 1.6 km run in 8 minutes, 15 push-ups in 2 minutes, 20 sit-ups in 2 minutes, 3 chin-ups in 2 minutes, and crossing a ditch measuring 7’4″ x 7’4″ with a depth of 4 feet.
Army Selection and Recruitment Centers Across Pakistan
You can report for physical verification or take your tests at any of the official AS&RC locations across the country:
- Punjab: Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad
- Sindh: Karachi, Hyderabad, Pano Aqil
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan
- Balochistan: Quetta, Khuzdar
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Muzaffarabad
- Gilgit-Baltistan: Gilgit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum percentage required for PMA Long Course 159?
Candidates must have at least 60% marks in Intermediate (FA, FSc, or equivalent) to apply for PMA Long Course 159. Those who hold higher graduation degrees with 50% marks are also eligible if they scored 60% in intermediate.
What is the age limit for Intermediate candidates applying for PMA 159?
The age limit for Intermediate (FA/FSc) certificate holders is 17 to 22 years on the cutoff date. Graduates with 2-year degrees can apply up to 23 years, while 4-year degree holders can apply up to 24 years of age.
Can female candidates apply for PMA Long Course 159?
No, PMA Long Course 159 is open exclusively to male Pakistani citizens. Female candidates interested in joining the Pakistan Army can apply through the Lady Cadet Course (LCC) after graduation or the Armed Forces Nursing Service (AFNS) after intermediate.
What rank is awarded after passing out from PMA Kakul?
Cadets who complete the 2-year training program at the Pakistan Military Academy are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Pakistan Army. They are assigned to combat arms, combat support arms, or services based on their performance and merit.
How much stipend do cadets receive during training at PMA Kakul?
Cadets receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 40,000 to 45,000 during their two years of training at PMA Kakul. Upon commissioning as a Second Lieutenant, the starting pay is approximately Rs. 50,000 or more per month, plus authorized allowances.
What is the last date to register for PMA Long Course 159?
The last date to apply online or register in person for PMA Long Course 159 is October 23, 2026. Online registration opened on September 14, 2026, through the official Army recruitment website.
Source Attribution: Sourced from the official Pakistan Army notification published in Nawaiwaqt newspaper on September 14, 2026. Official registration portal: https://www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk.
Editorial Note: zoxjob.pk compiles and explains publicly advertised recruitment notifications to help candidates prepare valid applications. The official advertisement and GHQ recruitment branch remain the sole legal authority. zoxjob.pk does not collect application forms, charge any registration fees, or influence selection outcomes.
Anti-Scam Advisory: Official army recruitment is conducted strictly on merit through official Selection Centers and the ISSB. Never pay money to unauthorized agents or private academies claiming guaranteed selection.
Last Updated: September 25, 2026