Who is Eligible for ISSB?

If you dream of joining the Pakistan Armed Forces as a commissioned officer, the Inter-Services Selection Board (ISSB) is one of the most important milestones in your journey. Every year, thousands of young men and women from across Pakistan apply to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and ISSB plays a central role in selecting the future leaders of the nation. But before you apply, it’s essential to understand who is eligible for ISSB and what basic conditions you need to meet. This guide explains ISSB eligibility in a clear and simple way so you can confidently prepare for your selection.

What is ISSB?

ISSB is a comprehensive selection system designed to assess intelligence, personality, leadership qualities, character, and physical fitness of candidates who want to become officers in the Pakistan Armed Forces. The selection tests usually span four to five days and include psychological tests, interviews, group tasks, and outdoor activities. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are called for ISSB after initial screening by the respective service headquarters.

Nationality Requirements

To appear in ISSB, the candidate must be:

• A citizen of Pakistan

• Or a State Subject of Azad Jammu & Kashmir / Gilgit-Baltistan

Dual nationals are usually required to surrender foreign nationality before final selection and commissioning.

Gender Eligibility

ISSB is open to:

• Male candidates

• Female candidates (for specific courses, mainly in the Army Medical Corps, Pak Navy, and PAF officer branches)

The availability of seats and branches may vary by year and service, so it’s always best to check current advertisements before applying.

Educational Qualification Requirements

Your educational qualification depends on the course and service you are applying for:

1. For PMA Long Course (Pakistan Army)

• Minimum Intermediate (FSc/FA/ICS/ICom/A-Level) with required marks

• Usually minimum 60% in FSc or equivalent

• Candidates with 55% in FA/ICS may still apply if they score well in Army entry tests and meet additional conditions

2. For Pakistan Air Force (GDP and other branches)

• Intermediate or higher qualification depending on branch

• Required marks typically 60% or above

3. For Pakistan Navy

• Intermediate with at least 60% for most officer roles

• Higher qualifications are required for technical branches

A-Level candidates must provide equivalence certificates from IBCC.

Age Requirements

Age limits vary by course, but generally fall within:

• 17 to 22 years for Intermediate-qualified candidates

• 17 to 23–24 years for graduates (2–4 year degrees)

• Up to 25 years for serving Armed Forces personnel

Age relaxation may be allowed in special categories such as rural candidates or serving soldiers.

Marital Status

• Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application for most regular courses

• Married individuals may be eligible for short-service or specialized entries if they meet the service criteria

Physical Fitness Requirements

Being physically fit is essential. Minimum physical standards usually include:

• Height:

  • 5’4” (162.5 cm) for males (varies slightly by service)

  • Slightly lower minimum height for females depending on branch

• Normal weight according to Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Healthy eyesight (with or without glasses, depending on branch)

• No major physical deformities or chronic illnesses

A full medical examination is conducted before or during ISSB.

Medical Fitness Conditions

Candidates must be:

• Mentally and physically sound

• Free from serious illness, disability, or psychological disorders

• Not suffering from chronic diseases such as uncontrolled asthma, epilepsy, or heart disease

Color blindness may disqualify candidates for flying and certain technical branches.

Academic Status Requirements

• Candidates awaiting results may apply provisionally

• A minimum threshold of marks must be achieved once results are declared

• Original documents are verified during selection

Screening Before ISSB

You cannot directly apply to ISSB. Instead, you must first:

1. Register with the respective service (Army, Navy, Air Force)

2. Pass initial written, physical, and medical tests

3. Receive an ISSB call letter if shortlisted

Character & Background Requirements

Candidates must:

• Have good moral character

• Possess no criminal record

• Show discipline and integrity

False information or forged documents may permanently disqualify the candidate.

Psychological & Personality Suitability

ISSB is not only about marks or fitness. The board evaluates:

• Confidence

• Honesty

• Communication skills

• Teamwork

• Leadership qualities

• Emotional stability

There is no “perfect personality” needed — authenticity matters most.

Number of Chances

Most candidates are allowed:

• Two attempts at ISSB

• Candidates previously “Not Recommended” must observe a waiting period (usually around four months) before re-appearing

Those declared permanently unfit or rejected on disciplinary grounds may not reapply.

Disqualification Conditions

You may be declared ineligible if you:

• Fail the initial selection stages repeatedly

• Provide misleading or fake information

• Are declared medically or psychologically unfit

• Violate ISSB rules during testing

• Are involved in serious disciplinary or criminal issues

Final Selection

Passing ISSB does not guarantee selection. Final merit depends on:

• Test performance

• Medical status

• Academic record

• Overall merit list

• Available vacancies

Final Thoughts

ISSB eligibility is designed to ensure that only dedicated, capable, and well-rounded individuals join the Pakistan Armed Forces as officers. Meeting the eligibility criteria is only the first step — what truly matters is your character, determination, and willingness to serve the nation with honor. If you meet the academic, physical, and age requirements and feel ready for the challenge, start your preparation early, stay disciplined, and approach the process with confidence and honesty. Your journey to becoming an officer may begin with this one bold decision.