158 PMA Long Course 2026: Complete Guide to Joining Pakistan Army as a Commissioned Officer

Registration for the 158 Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course is now officially open. This is one of the primary pathways through which graduate candidates join the Pakistan Army as commissioned officers. Successful candidates will train at PMA Kakul, Abbottabad — the institution that has produced Pakistan Army officers for decades. The last date to register online at joinpakarmy.gov.pk is May 22, 2026.

The PMA Long Course is designed for graduates who wish to serve Pakistan as officers rather than as soldiers. Commissioned officers lead troops, manage operations, and serve in command positions across the Army's combat arms, technical corps, and administrative branches.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirement Details Nationality Pakistani national Gender Male (separate Lady Cadet Course for female officers) Education Minimum Bachelor's degree (14 years) or equivalent from HEC recognized institution Age 17 to 22 years for fresh graduates — relaxable for serving army personnel Marital status Unmarried at time of joining Physical fitness Must meet army physical standards (height, weight, vision, medical fitness)

Physical Standards for Male Candidates

Standard Requirement Minimum height 5 feet 4 inches Chest (unexpanded) 32 inches minimum Chest (expanded) Must expand by at least 1.5 inches Weight Proportionate to height as per army medical standards Vision 6/6 without glasses for most arms; correctable vision accepted for technical branches

How to Register Online

  1. Visit joinpakarmy.gov.pk: This is the only official registration portal. Do not use any other website claiming to register you for PMA Long Course.
  2. Select PMA Long Course: From the main recruitment menu, select the 158 PMA Long Course option.
  3. Enter your CNIC: If you are 18 or above, enter your 13-digit CNIC. If you have not yet reached 18, enter your B-Form number.
  4. Complete the registration form: Fill in your personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details accurately.
  5. Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of your CNIC or B-Form, educational certificates, domicile certificate, and a recent passport photograph.
  6. Download your application: After submission, download and print your application form. Keep this for reference during the subsequent stages of the process.
  7. Submit before May 22: Complete the entire registration process before the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

Selection Process After Registration

Stage 1: Initial Academic and Documentation Screening

All applications are reviewed for eligibility. Candidates who meet the academic and age requirements are shortlisted for the next stage. You will receive notification through your registered contact information.

Stage 2: Physical and Medical Examination at Army Selection Center

Shortlisted candidates report to their nearest Army Selection and Recruitment Center (AS&RC) for height, weight, and chest measurement verification followed by a medical examination conducted by army medical officers. Candidates who do not meet the physical standards are eliminated at this stage.

Stage 3: Intelligence and Aptitude Tests

Medically fit candidates take written intelligence and aptitude tests covering English, general knowledge, mathematical reasoning, and mental alertness. These tests are designed to assess an officer's potential for decision-making and leadership under pressure.

Stage 4: Inter-Services Selection Board (ISSB)

Candidates who pass the intelligence tests are called to the ISSB at Kohat, Gujranwala, or Karachi for a four-day assessment. The ISSB evaluates leadership qualities, teamwork, communication, psychological fitness, and overall officer potential through group tasks, psychological assessments, interviews, and physical activities. The ISSB recommendation is the most important factor in final selection.

Stage 5: Medical Board at Military Hospital

ISSB recommended candidates undergo a comprehensive medical board examination at a Military Hospital before being finally selected for the course.

Stage 6: PMA Training

Finally selected candidates report to PMA Kakul for the Long Course training which typically spans 18 months to 2 years covering military tactics, leadership, physical fitness, academic subjects, and officer development programmes.

Benefits of Joining as a Commissioned Officer

  • Competitive officer pay scales significantly higher than soldier grades
  • Free accommodation in officer mess or family quarters
  • Free medical treatment at CMH for the officer and family
  • Children's priority admission to Army Public Schools and Colleges
  • Pension after completing the minimum service period
  • Opportunities for higher education, foreign courses, and UN peacekeeping missions
  • Clear promotion pathway from Second Lieutenant to higher commissioned ranks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can engineering or medical graduates apply for PMA Long Course?

Yes. Graduates from any discipline can apply for the PMA Long Course. Engineering graduates may additionally qualify for the Army Engineering Corps, and medical graduates for the Army Medical Corps through separate but related induction programmes.

What happens if I fail at ISSB? Can I try again?

Candidates who are not recommended by ISSB can reappear in a subsequent ISSB board, subject to the age limit being valid at the time of reappearance. There is typically a waiting period of six months to one year before a re-attempt is permitted.

Is the PMA Long Course different from the short service commission?

Yes. The PMA Long Course leads to a permanent commission in the Pakistan Army, meaning the officer serves a full career with pension rights. The Short Service Commission is a limited-period commission, typically 8 to 12 years, after which the officer returns to civilian life with a terminal benefit package.

What is the salary of a Second Lieutenant after completing PMA Long Course?

Second Lieutenants in the Pakistan Army are placed on the officer pay scale with a basic salary plus a range of allowances including ration, accommodation, and transport allowances. The combined monthly package is competitive with senior private sector positions. Exact figures are confirmed at the time of commission and are subject to government pay scale revisions.