The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course is the most prestigious commissioning program in the Pakistan Army. Announced twice a year, this elite 2-year training program at PMA Kakul transforms raw civilian talent into world-class combat leaders and 2nd Lieutenants.
If your goal is to join the Pak Army, the official notification for the PMA Long Course 158 induction is now live. We have deeply analyzed the official GHQ guidelines to bring you the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate registration guide on the internet.
Note for Female Candidates: The PMA Long Course is strictly restricted to male applicants. If you are a female student looking to join the military as a Commissioned Officer, please read our complete Armed Forces Nursing Service (AFNS) 2026 Guide (for FSc students) or the Lady Cadet Course (LCC) Guide (for BS/Masters graduates).
PMA Long Course 158 Apply Date 2026 & Official Schedule
The official online registration window is strictly enforced. You must apply within these dates. Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are included in the online registration phase, but preliminary tests are conducted on weekdays only.
| Process / Milestone | Official 2026 Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Open Date | March 24, 2026 |
| PMA Long Course 158 Last Date | May 03, 2026 (Including Sat/Sun) |
| Preliminary Tests Schedule | April 20 to July 03, 2026 (Weekdays Only) |
| Repeater Candidates Reporting | April 20 to May 01, 2026 |
| Overseas Apply Deadline | July 01, 2026 (Via Embassies) |
| Official Apply Website | www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk |
PMA Long Course 158 Apply Date
The official PMA Long Course 158 apply date has been announced by the Pakistan Army, and candidates must complete their online registration till May 3rd, 2026. The GHQ strictly enforces this timeline, and no extensions are granted under any circumstances. We highly recommend completing your online registration during the first week to secure your preferred preliminary test date and avoid last-minute server crashes on the official portal.
In-Depth Eligibility Criteria for PMA 158
The Pakistan Army has strict educational, age, and physical requirements. Read these carefully, as even a minor discrepancy will lead to rejection at the AS&RC.
1. Age Limits & Relaxations (Strictly calculated as of Nov 01, 2026)
| Education Level / Category | Required Age Limit | Official Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate (FA / FSc / Equivalent) | 17 to 22 Years | 3 Months (Upper & Lower limits) |
| Graduates (2-Year Degree) & Serving PN/PAF | 17 to 23 Years | 3 Months (Upper & Lower limits) |
| Graduates (4-Year Degree - BS/BA-Hons/BBA) | 17 to 24 Years | No Age Relaxation Allowed |
| Serving Army Soldiers | 17 to 25 Years | No Age Relaxation Allowed |
2. Academic Prerequisites & Marks
- Standard Requirement: Minimum 60% marks in FA/FSc or equivalent.
- Graduates: Candidates with a BA/BSc/BS/BBA must have 60% marks in graduation, but they are allowed to have a minimum of 50% marks in their FA/FSc.
- Serving Soldiers: Minimum 50% marks in FA/FSc.
3. The "Hope Certificate" Rules If you have been promoted to FSc Part-II and will take your exams in 2025/2026, you can apply using a "Hope Certificate" issued by your college principal stating you will achieve at least 60% marks.
- Warning: You must submit your final result card within one week of the board announcement. If you secure less than 60%, or less than A-C grades in A-Levels, you will be declared ineligible.
4. Physical & Nationality Standards
- Gender: Males only.
- Marital Status: Unmarried (Married serving personnel over 20 years of age are eligible).
- Height & Weight: Minimum 5'4" (162.5 cm) and weight as per standard Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Dual Nationality: Citizens of Pakistan and domicile holders of AJK/GB can apply. However, upon final selection, candidates with Dual Nationality, Green Cards, or Iqamas must surrender their foreign nationalities.
Selection Procedure & Preliminary Tests
The preliminary selection is module-based and conducted on computers. You must have working computer knowledge.
1. Written & Intelligence Tests (The Syllabus) You will face multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering:
- English
- Mathematics
- Pak Studies
- Islamiat
- General Knowledge
- Essay Writing: Crucial update! Candidates must also write short essays in both English and Urdu.
2. Initial Physical Tests (Updated for 2026) Candidates who clear the written test undergo the physical evaluation:
- 1 Km Run: Strictly within 8 minutes.
- Push-Ups: 15 repetitions in 2 minutes.
- Sit-Ups: 20 repetitions in 2 minutes.
- Chin-Ups: 3 repetitions in 2 minutes.
- Ditch Crossing: 7.4 x 7.4 feet with a depth of 4 feet.
Strict Ineligibility Conditions (Who Cannot Apply?)
Do not waste your time applying if any of the following apply to you:
- Twice rejected by ISSB.
- Thrice failed in Initial Academic/Intelligence Tests.
- Tested within 120 days (4 months) of your previous ISSB appearance.
- Permanently declared UNFIT by the Appeal Medical Board (AMB), or unfit due to Hepatitis B & C.
- Private Coaching Warning: The GHQ clearly states that ISSB assesses natural potential. If the military finds that a candidate was trained at a private coaching center, they will be considered ineligible to apply for all types of commissions.
Documents Required at AS&RC Test Day
| Document / Item | Specific Instructions & Rules |
|---|---|
| Academic Certificates | Original Matric/FA/FSc certificates or detailed marks sheets. (Note: Duplicate/revised mark sheets MUST be verified by the Secretary/Controller Exam of your board). |
| Identity Documents | Computerized CNIC (if 18+). If under 18, bring Computerized B-Form AND Guardian's CNIC. (Old non-computerized NICs are strictly rejected). |
| Photographs | 3 Passport-size colored photos. Must be duly attested from both front and back by a Principal or Class-1 Gazetted Officer. |
| Photocopies | One complete set of attested photocopies of all the above-mentioned documents. |
| For Repeaters Only | Original and one photocopy of your "NOT RECOMMENDED" letter from ISSB. |
Special Instructions for Overseas Candidates
Eligible candidates residing abroad are exempt from the preliminary AS&RC selection. You must approach the Pakistani Embassy (Military/Defence Attaches) in your residing country to get application forms. Submit them by July 1, 2026. You must provide a Pakistani postal address for your ISSB call letter.
