PMA Long Course 2025 – Age Limit, Duration & Complete Training Process

Joining the Pakistan Army as a commissioned officer is the ambition of thousands of young men every year. The PMA Long Course is the primary and most respected pathway to achieve this goal. Through this program, selected candidates are trained at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul and commissioned as Second Lieutenants.

This guide provides a complete and accurate overview of PMA Long Course 2025, covering eligibility, physical standards, selection stages, ISSB assessment, and training structure — from registration to passing out.

1. What Is PMA Long Course?

PMA Long Course is a two-year basic military training program conducted at PMA Kakul. It is designed to transform civilian candidates into professional army officers through structured physical, academic, psychological, and leadership training.

After successful completion of training, cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Pakistan Army.

2. Age Limits for PMA Long Course 2025

Age eligibility depends on educational qualification:

Important:
Age relaxation is not allowed for civilians. Only serving army personnel receive limited age relaxation.

3. Physical Standards (Height, Weight & BMI)

Minimum Height

• Male candidates: 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm)

Weight

• Weight must be within Army BMI standards

• Both underweight and overweight candidates may be declared unfit

Maintaining proper BMI is essential before appearing at AS&RC and ISSB.

4. Educational Requirements

To apply for PMA Long Course 2025:

• Minimum 55% marks in FA/FSc or equivalent

• Serving Army Soldiers require 50% marks

• Candidates with O-Level or A-Level must provide IBCC equivalence

• No excessive academic gaps or repeated failures

Strong academic fundamentals are helpful during written and intelligence tests.

5. Selection Process for PMA Long Course 2025

The complete selection system consists of multiple stages designed to assess intelligence, personality, physical fitness, and leadership potential.

Main Stages:

1. Online Registration

2. Initial Written & Intelligence Tests

3. Physical Fitness Test

4. Medical Examination

5. Initial Interview (AS&RC)

6. ISSB 4-Day Assessment

7. Final Medical

8. Final Merit List

Each stage is eliminatory.

6. Initial Tests at AS&RC

After registration, candidates appear at an Army Selection & Recruitment Centre.

a. Intelligence Tests

• Verbal intelligence test

• Non-verbal intelligence test

• Logical reasoning and pattern recognition

These are computer-based and time-bound.

b. Academic Test

Includes MCQs from:

• English

• Mathematics

• Physics

• General Knowledge

The level is usually up to matric or intermediate standard.

7. Physical Fitness Test Standards

To qualify, candidates must meet the following minimum standards:

• 1.6 km run: 8 minutes

• Push-ups: 15 (2 minutes)

• Sit-ups: 20 (2 minutes)

• Chin-ups: Minimum 3

• Ditch crossing: 7 feet

Physical preparation should begin months in advance, not weeks.

8. ISSB Tests for PMA Long Course

Candidates who pass the initial stages receive a call for ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board), which lasts four days.

ISSB Assessment Includes:

Day 1

• Intelligence tests

• Screening

• Picture story writing

Day 2

• Psychological tests

• Word Association Test

• Sentence Completion

• Story writing

Day 3

• Group discussions

• Group planning

• Outdoor tasks

• Command task

Day 4

• Final interview

ISSB evaluates leadership potential, confidence, emotional stability, teamwork, and communication.

9. PMA Training Duration and Structure

Total Duration: 2 years (24 months)
Training is divided into four terms, each lasting six months.

Term 1 – Foundation

• Discipline and drill

• Physical conditioning

• Weapon handling

• Military basics

Term 2 – Leadership Development

• Field exercises

• Map reading

• Team-building

• Mess etiquette

Term 3 – Advanced Military Skills

• Live firing

• Platoon tactics

• Survival training

• Ground warfare

Term 4 – Final Phase

• Leadership appointments

• Military ethics

• Final exercises

• Passing out parade preparation

After completion, cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants.

10. How to Prepare for PMA Long Course 2025

Physical Preparation

• Daily running (2–3 km)

• Strength exercises (push-ups, sit-ups)

• Stamina and breathing control

Mental & Intelligence Preparation

• Regular practice of verbal and non-verbal reasoning

• Time-based problem solving

English & General Awareness

• Improve spoken and written English

• Follow national and international current affairs

Psychological Readiness

• Be confident, honest, and natural

• Avoid memorized or artificial responses

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the age limit for PMA Long Course 2025?

17–22 years for Intermediate candidates, with higher limits for graduates.

What is the training duration?

Two years at PMA Kakul.

Can A-Level candidates apply?

Yes, with IBCC equivalence.

What is the minimum height requirement?

5 feet 4 inches.

Is BMI important?

Yes. Candidates must meet Army BMI standards.

Is coaching compulsory?

No. Coaching is optional; success depends on preparation and personality.

Final Words

PMA Long Course 2025 is the most direct and respected route to becoming a commissioned officer in the Pakistan Army. Success depends on:

• Physical fitness

• Mental sharpness

• Confidence and discipline

• Consistent preparation

Candidates who understand the process and prepare holistically stand the best chance of earning the Khaki uniform.