ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army has opened registration for PMA Long Course 159.
The course offers candidates an opportunity to join the Army as commissioned officers. Online applications will remain open from September 14 to October 23, 2026.
Candidates can apply through the Pakistan Army’s official recruitment website. They can also visit their nearest Army Selection and Recruitment Centre.
The recruitment drive covers candidates from several educational backgrounds. These include Intermediate, two-year graduates and four-year degree holders.
Serving Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and Army personnel also have separate eligibility categories.
PMA Long Course 159 schedule
Preliminary tests will begin on October 5, 2026. The testing process will continue until December 15, 2026.
Repeater candidates will take their preliminary tests from October 12 to October 23. The Army will calculate candidates’ ages as of May 1, 2027.
Successful candidates will undergo two years of training at the Pakistan Military Academy.
Qualification and age requirements
Intermediate candidates must be between 17 and 22 years old. Two-year graduates must be between 17 and 23 years old.
Serving Pakistan Navy and Air Force personnel also have an age range of 17 to 23 years. Three months of relaxation applies to these categories.
Candidates with four-year degrees must be between 17 and 24 years old. Eligible degrees include BS, BA Honours, BBA and BPA.
Serving Army soldiers can apply between the ages of 17 and 25 years. No age relaxation applies to these two categories.
Minimum academic marks
Intermediate applicants must have at least 60% marks in FA, FSc or equivalent qualifications.
Graduates need at least 60% marks in their degree. They can apply with 50% marks in FA or FSc.
Serving Army soldiers require at least 50% marks in FA, FSc or equivalent qualifications.
Candidates from specified areas can receive marks relaxation. Eligible applicants can apply with 55% marks in FA or FSc.
These areas include Balochistan, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Azad Kashmir. Several districts and areas of Sindh and Punjab are also included.
Other eligibility conditions
The course is open to male Pakistani citizens and eligible domicile holders. Applicants must generally be unmarried.
Serving armed forces personnel above 20 years can apply if married. Candidates must also meet the required physical standards.
The minimum height is 5 feet 4 inches, or 162.5 centimetres. Weight must fall within the required BMI range.
A-Level applicants must provide an IBCC equivalence certificate. The certificate must show at least 60% aggregate marks.
Application and selection process
Candidates must complete online registration during the announced application period. After registration, they can later obtain their examination slip.
The slip normally takes five to seven working days to generate. Candidates must report according to the date and time on their slip.
The selection process includes written and intelligence tests. Candidates will also undergo essay writing, medical tests and physical tests.
The physical assessment includes a one-kilometre run in eight minutes. Candidates must also qualify in push-ups and sit-ups.
Those who pass the initial stages will appear for an interview. The interview will assess confidence, communication and general knowledge.
Candidates must also write short essays in English and Urdu. The interview carries 20 marks, with 10 marks required to pass.
ISSB and final selection
Successful candidates will be nominated for the Inter Services Selection Board on merit. Recommended candidates will undergo detailed medical examinations.
The General Headquarters will make the final selection. Selected candidates will then begin their two-year training at PMA.
The Army has established recruitment centres in several major cities. These include Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Hyderabad.
Other centres are located in Gilgit, Multan, Faisalabad, Muzaffarabad and Dera Ismail Khan.
In other news read more about Pakistan Army Extends Registration Deadline for 158 PMA Long Course
Candidates interested in PMA Long Course 159 should complete registration before October 23, 2026. They should also carefully review all eligibility and document requirements.
