Joining ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board) means applying to become a Commissioned Officer in the Pakistan Armed Forces (Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, or Pakistan Air Force) through an official, merit-based selection system. ISSB itself is not a separate job application; it is the final selection phase that comes after online registration, initial tests, and medical screening.
We have already discussed ISSB in detail in our previous articles. You can read those guides on our website for background knowledge and preparation tips. In this article, we are once again providing a complete, updated, and all-in-one guide for 2026, so that male and female candidates do not need to visit multiple websites.
I will also share personal experience, mistakes I made before selection, and practical advice so you do not repeat those mistakes. If this guide helps you, please remember me in your prayers.
Important Clarification: ISSB Is Not Direct Registration
One of the biggest confusions among candidates is this:
You do not apply directly for ISSB.
You first apply for a specific course announced by the Pakistan Army, Navy, or Air Force. After clearing:
- Online registration
- Initial intelligence & academic tests
- Medical examination
you are then shortlisted for ISSB.
ISSB is the final personality and leadership assessment, not the starting point.
Official Websites for ISSB-Related Registration
Always apply through official websites only. Never trust agents or unofficial pages.
- Pakistan Army: https://www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk/
- Pakistan Navy: https://www.joinnavy.mil.pk/
- Pakistan Air Force: https://www.joinpaf.gov.pk/
All announcements for 2026 entries will appear on these websites.
Courses That Lead to ISSB in 2026 (Army, Navy & Air Force)
Pakistan Army Courses
Candidates usually reach ISSB through these Army entries:
- PMA Long Course (Male)
- TCC – Technical Cadet Course (Male)
- LCC – Lady Cadet Course (Female)
- SSRC – Short Service Regular Commission (Doctors & Specialists)
Recent examples:
- Army SSRC (Doctors) registration opened Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 14, 2026 (for May 2026 entry)
- Army TCC‑38 registration Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 (for Sep 2026 entry)
- Army LCC‑28 registration Dec 22, 2025 – Jan 20, 2026 (2026 intake)
Pakistan Navy & Air Force
The Navy and Air Force also announce officer courses yearly. The process is similar:
- Online registration
- Initial tests
- Medical
- ISSB
Step‑by‑Step: Join ISSB in 2026 Through Online Registration
Step 1: Monitor Official Websites Regularly
For 2026 entries, many registrations will open in late 2025. You must check official websites weekly. Missing dates means waiting months for the next batch.
Step 2: Identify the Right Course for You
Choose your course based on:
- Gender (Male / Female)
- Education (Intermediate, Bachelor, MBBS, Engineering)
- Age limits
Applying for the wrong course leads to rejection.
Step 3: Online Registration
Fill the form carefully on the official website:
- Correct CNIC / B‑Form number
- Exact educational marks
- Correct personal details
Even a small mistake can cancel your application.
Step 4: Initial Tests
After registration, you will appear in:
- Intelligence tests
- Academic tests
Passing these tests is necessary to move forward.
Step 5: Initial Medical Examination
Basic medical fitness is checked. Candidates who fail medical tests are not sent to ISSB.
Step 6: ISSB Call Letter
Shortlisted candidates receive ISSB call letters with date and center details.
Eligibility Overview (General – May Vary by Course)
| Requirement | General Standard |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Age | Course dependent |
| Education | Intermediate / Bachelor / MBBS |
| Height (Male) | Around 5’4” – 5’6” |
| Height (Female) | Around 5’0” |
| Vision | As per service rules |
Always check course‑specific eligibility on the official website.
Physical Standards & Fitness (What Competitors Miss)
ISSB is not a bodybuilding test, but basic fitness is required.
Common requirements:
- Normal BMI
- No major medical issues
- Basic stamina
Daily light exercise, walking, and stretching are enough. Over‑training is a common mistake.
Dressing & Appearance for ISSB
Dressing Guidelines
- Simple, clean clothes
- Light colors preferred
- Polished shoes
- Neat haircut
Avoid:
- Fancy dressing
- Heavy perfumes
- Accessories
Appearance should show simplicity and discipline.
ISSB Attributes (What They Really Check)
ISSB checks these attributes:
- Leadership
- Honesty
- Confidence
- Teamwork
- Emotional control
- Responsibility
Trying to fake these qualities usually leads to failure.
Do’s and Don’ts for ISSB 2026
Do’s
- Be natural
- Speak clearly
- Respect others
- Stay calm
Don’ts
- Do not lie
- Do not dominate groups
- Do not panic
- Do not memorize answers
Personal Experience: Mistakes I Made Before Selection
Before my selection, I made common mistakes. I tried to act confident instead of building confidence. I focused on impressing officers instead of understanding myself.
Later, I realized ISSB values balanced personality, honesty, and emotional control. When I corrected these mistakes, my performance improved. That is why I am sharing this guide to help you avoid the same errors.
How ISSB Preparation Helps Even If You Are Not Selected
ISSB preparation improves:
- Communication
- Confidence
- Discipline
- Self‑awareness
Even without selection, candidates grow personally.
FAQs
Can I join ISSB directly?
No. You must first apply for a course through official websites. ISSB comes after initial screening.
Are registrations for 2026 already open?
Some 2026 entries opened in late 2025. Others will open later. Always monitor official websites.
Can females apply for ISSB in 2026?
Yes. Female candidates can apply through entries like LCC and other announced courses.
Is ISSB very difficult?
ISSB is challenging but fair. Natural behavior and preparation make it manageable.
Is coaching mandatory for ISSB?
No. Coaching can help, but self‑understanding and honesty matter more.
Final Conclusion
Joining ISSB in 2026 is a serious journey that starts with online registration on official Armed Forces websites. ISSB is not about perfection; it is about leadership potential, honesty, and balance. If you understand the process clearly and prepare naturally, your chances improve greatly.
My intention with this guide is to provide complete help in one place, based on real experience and common mistakes. I truly hope this article saves your time and confusion. May Allah guide you and grant you success. Please remember me in your prayers.
Ex-Military Officer Awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (M) Analyst of Political Science, Internal Affairs & Regional Security Writer & Digital Content Creator on Geopolitics and Power Dynamics