PMA Long Course 159 (2026) Complete Guide

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Mahnoor

What is PMA Long Course?

The PMA Long Course is a comprehensive 2-year training program conducted at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, KPK. This rigorous program prepares cadets to become regular commissioned officers in the battle and combat support arms & services of the Pakistan Army.

The course provides cadets with extensive military training covering:

Military tactics and strategy
Weapon handling and training
Physical fitness and conditioning
Leadership and teamwork skills
Academic subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, History)

During training, cadets undergo intensive physical and mental preparation to develop discipline, stamina, and resilience required for military officers. Upon successful completion, graduates are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Pakistan Army.

Key Details of PMA Long Course 159

Registration Period: Sep 14 to Oct 23, 2026
Training Duration: 2 years
Training Location: Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul
Monthly Stipend: Rs. 40,000 to 45,000 during training
Starting Rank: Second Lieutenant
Initial Salary: Approximately Rs. 50,000+ after commissioning

Eligibility Criteria for Second Lieutenant

Academic Requirements:

Intermediate or equivalent degree holders (minimum 60% marks) aged 17-22 years
Graduation (2-year degree) holders and serving Pakistan Navy/Air Force personnel aged 17-23 years
4-year degree program graduates (BS/BA Hons/BBA/BPA) aged 17-24 years
Serving Army soldiers aged 17-25 years

General Requirements:

Gender: Male candidates only
Marital Status: Unmarried (except married serving personnel of Armed Forces over 20 years of age)
Nationality: Pakistani citizens with domicile from any province, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (candidates with dual nationality must surrender foreign citizenship if selected)

Physical Requirements

Minimum Height: 5’4″ (162.5 cm)
Visual Standards:
- Distance Vision with glasses: 6/9, 6/12
- Near Vision: J2, J7, N8, N12 (with or without glasses)
Weight: As per Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate Your BMI Here

Required Documents

When applying for PMA Long Course 159, candidates must bring:

Original certificate and detailed mark sheet of Matriculation, FA, FSc, or equivalent (with attestation)
CNIC (for candidates over 18) or Computerized Form “B”/parent’s CNIC (for those under 18)
3 passport-size photographs attested by a Grade 16 officer
ISSB “Recommended” letter photocopy (for Army candidates)
Original and photocopy of “Not Recommended” letter by ISSB (for repeater candidates)
All documents must be attested by a Grade 16 officer

Selection Process

The selection process includes multiple stages:

Preliminary Tests: Written/Intelligence tests covering English, Mathematics, Pakistan Studies, Islamiat, and General Knowledge
Physical/Medical Tests: For candidates who qualify the written tests
Interviews: Conducted at Army Selection & Recruitment Centers (AS&RCs)
ISSB: Final selection by Inter Services Selection Board

How to Apply for PMA Long Course 159

Candidates can apply through either of these methods:

Online Registration: Visit www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk
In-Person Application: Visit the nearest Army Selection and Recruitment Center (AS&RC)

AS&RCs are located in major cities including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Multan, DI Khan, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Khuzdar, and Pano Aqil.

Check Army Selection & Recruitment Centers in Pakistan

Registration Deadline: October 23, 2026

Apply Now

Alternatives for Female Candidates

While PMA Long Course is exclusively for male candidates, the Pakistan Army offers several career paths for female candidates:

Lady Cadet Course (LCC): For female graduates seeking officer ranks
Armed Forces Nursing Service (AFNS): For females interested in medical services

Female candidates can join the Pakistan Army after completing their intermediate education through these specialized programs.

Physical Test Requirements for Females

Female candidates for other courses must pass:

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
Ditch crossing (7’4″ x 7’4″ and 4′ deep)

Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: Intermediate or equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks is required to apply.

Answer: After training, cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants.

Answer: Starting monthly salary is approximately Rs. 50,000 PKR, plus additional allowances.

Answer: The training duration is 2 years.

Answer: Approximately 500 cadets are selected annually.

Answer: Cadets receive Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 35,000 per month during training.

Answer: Graduates are commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants.

Answer: No, the PMA Long Course is exclusively for male candidates. Females can apply for Lady Cadet Course (LCC) and Armed Forces Nursing Service (AFNS).

Answer: Yes, serving Army soldiers up to 25 years of age can apply.

Answer: Qualified candidates proceed to physical/medical tests, followed by interviews and ISSB selection.