The Pakistan Military Academy, or PMA, is an excellent training ground for future officers in the Pakistan Army. The PMA Long Course is a rigorous 2-year program that transforms selected civilians and enrolled military cadets into army officers through intense physical, academic, and leadership training.
If you are passionate about serving Pakistan and leading soldiers, becoming an officer in the Pakistan Army through the PMA Long Course may be the perfect path for you.
This intensive course builds mental and physical strength to prepare cadets for the challenges of commanding troops and managing complex operations.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the eligibility requirements, selection process, training curriculum, career prospects, and tips for successfully joining the Pakistan Army as an officer via the competitive PMA Long Course.
Whether you’re a college graduate considering this route or just curious about this renowned officer training program, you’ll learn what it takes to endure and succeed at the PMA.
Table of Contents
Qualification for PMA Long Course-153
Age Limits:
- FA/FSc candidates: 17-22 years (3 months relaxation on both ends)
- Serving Navy/Air Force: 17-23 years (3 months relaxation)
- Graduates (2 years): 17-23 years
- Graduates (4 years BS/BBA): 17-25 years (no relaxation)
- Armed Forces Personnel: 17-25 years (no relaxation)
Academics:
- FA/FSc: Minimum 55% marks
- BA/BSc: Minimum 60% marks AND 50% in FA/FSc
- Specific Areas: Minimum 55% marks (details below)
- Army Personnel: Minimum 50% in FA/FSc
Specific Areas with Reduced Criteria:
- Baluchistan, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Neelum District AJK, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Mansehra, Tharparker, Umerkot, Rajanpur, Cholistan Desert, Drawar, Salamsar, Mojgarh and Dingarh.
Notes:
- Age relaxations only apply to limits, not actual age.
- Personnel serving in the armed forces have no age relaxation.
- Graduates with 4-year degrees have no age relaxation.
PMA Long Course Joining Procedure
Initial Testing (with weights assigned):
- Written/Intelligence Test
- Verbal, non-verbal intelligence, academic tests in English, math, general knowledge, Islamic studies, current affairs, Pakistan studies, and general science
- Medical Examination
- Initial checkups, diabetes and cholesterol screening, eyesight and blood pressure tests
- Physical Fitness Test
- 1-mile run, pushups, pullups, crunches, ditch jump
- Interview by NSWC Brigadier
- Confidence and communication skills
- Knowledge of current affairs and Pakistan studies
- Extracurricular activities and hobbies
- Overall bearing and outlook
- Final Selection via Merit
Pak Army PMA Long Course Selection Process
1. Registration
- Online registration
- In-person registration at Army Selection and Recruitment Centres (AS&RCs)
2. Initial Testing
- Written test (verbal, non-verbal, general knowledge)
- Physical fitness test (1.6km run, pull-ups, push-ups, crunches, ditch crossing)
- Initial medical test
3. ISSB Testing
- 5 days of mental and physical testing
4. Final Medical Exam
5. Interview
- Conducted by S&ROs and Psychologist
- 10 line essay in English and Urdu
- Assessed on confidence, communication, knowledge, outlook and activities
6. Final Merit-Based Selection
- Done at GHQ based on overall performance
- Selection status notified in 5 days via email
Additional Information
- Separate process for candidates abroad
- Documents required
- Ineligibility conditions
How to Apply
- Online registration link
