If you want to join the Pakistan Army as an officer, PMA Long Course 159 is the next big opportunity coming your way. Right now, thousands of Pakistani students are searching for the PMA Long Course 159 date, registration deadline, and how to apply online — but very little accurate information is available yet because the official announcement has not been made.
This guide gives you everything: expected PMA Long Course 159 apply date 2026, complete eligibility criteria, step-by-step online registration, physical and medical standards, ISSB breakdown, and the most common mistakes that get students rejected on day one.
What Is PMA Long Course 159
The Pakistan Military Academy Long Course is the most respected way to become a permanent commissioned officer in the Pakistan Army. It is announced twice every year. After clearing the full selection process, successful candidates join PMA Kakul in Abbottabad for two years of training and are commissioned as Second Lieutenants.
Course 158 registration ran from March 24 to May 17, 2026. Course 159 is the next batch, expected in the second half of 2026.
PMA Long Course 159 Expected Dates 2026
Pakistan Army follows a very consistent six-month cycle between courses. Based on recent history:
| Course | Registration Period |
|---|---|
| Course 156 | April – May 2025 |
| Course 157 | September – October 2025 |
| Course 158 | March 24 – May 17, 2026 |
| Course 159 (Expected) | September – October 2026 |
Full Expected Timeline for PMA Long Course 159
| Milestone | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Date | August 2026 |
| Online Registration Start | September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 2026 |
| Preliminary Written Tests | October – November 2026 |
| ISSB Tests | December 2026 – February 2027 |
| PMA Joining / Commissioning | Mid-2027 |
PMA Long Course 159 Eligibility Criteria
This section is the most important. Even one mismatch will get you rejected at the test center.
Educational Qualification
- Minimum 60% marks in Intermediate (FA, FSc, ICS, I.Com) or A-Levels from a recognized institution
- Graduates (BA, BSc, BS, BBA, BCS) can apply with 60% in graduation and minimum 50% in Intermediate
- Candidates from underdeveloped areas (Balochistan, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Kohistan, Neelum AJK, Tharparkar, Umer Kot, Rajanpur, Cholistan) may qualify with 55% marks — you must have actually studied there
Age Limit for PMA Long Course 159
Age is calculated as of the expected commissioning date (approximately November 1 of the joining year):
| Education Level / Category | Age Limit | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate (FA/FSc/ICS/I.Com/A-Level) | 17 – 22 years | 3 months both sides |
| 2-Year Graduates (BA/BSc) + Serving PN/PAF | 17 – 23 years | 3 months both sides |
| 4-Year Graduates (BS/BBA/BE Hons) | 17 – 24 years | No relaxation |
| Serving Pakistan Army Soldiers | Up to 25 years | No relaxation |
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Male candidates only — unmarried
- Pakistani nationality required
- Dual nationals, Green Card holders, and Iqama holders can apply but must surrender foreign nationality upon final selection
- Minimum height: 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm)
- Weight within standard BMI range for your height
- Married candidates allowed only if they are serving soldiers above 20 years of age
The Hope Certificate Rule — What Most Students Do Not Know
If you are currently in FSc Part-II and your result has not come yet, you can still apply. You need a Hope Certificate from your college principal confirming you are enrolled in Part-II and expected to score at least 60%.
Who Cannot Apply — Ineligibility Conditions
Most articles skip this entirely. These conditions will get you rejected:
- You have a tattoo anywhere on your body
- You have been convicted of any criminal offense
- You have flat feet or knock-knees
- Your uncorrected vision is below the required standard
- You are already married (unless a serving soldier above 20 years)
- You have been declared Not Recommended by ISSB twice — no third attempt allowed
- You have already passed out from any other Pakistani armed forces commissioning program
PMA Long Course 159 Online Registration — Step by Step
- Go to joinpakarmy.gov.pk — directly in your browser
- Click on “PMA Long Course 159” when it appears on the homepage
- Create your account using your CNIC / B-Form number, personal email, and mobile number. Save your password
- Fill in personal details exactly as on your CNIC. Name, date of birth, father’s name — every detail must match your official documents
- Enter educational details. If result is pending, select the Hope Certificate option and upload the principal’s letter
- Select your preferred test center from the 13 available cities. Once assigned, test date cannot be changed
- Submit the form and wait 5–7 working days for your computerized exam slip. Download and print it immediately
Selection Centers Available Across Pakistan
Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Abbottabad, Gilgit, and Muzaffarabad.
Required Documents
Bring these on test day. Missing even one means you will be turned away:
- Original Matric certificate and mark sheet
- Original Intermediate certificate and mark sheet (or Hope Certificate if result pending)
- Computerized CNIC if 18 or above; or B-Form with either parent’s CNIC if under 18
- Attested photocopies of all above documents
- Three attested colored passport-size photographs — attested by a BPS-17 officer or above
- If previously appeared in ISSB: original “Not Recommended” certificate and a photocopy
Physical and Medical Standards
Physical Test Requirements
- 1.6 km run in 8 minutes or less
- Minimum 15 push-ups in 2 minutes
- Minimum 15 sit-ups in 2 minutes
- Basic physical examination at the test center
Medical Test Requirements
- Eyesight: 6/6 vision in both eyes without glasses
- Normal BMI for height and weight
- No flat feet, knock-knees, or spine issues
- No color blindness
- No significant medical history affecting physical service
Complete Selection Process Breakdown
Stage 1 — Computerized Written Test
MCQ-based test covering English, Mathematics, General Knowledge, Pakistan Studies, and Islamic Studies. Conducted on computers. Only candidates who pass this move forward.
Stage 2 — Physical Test and Medical Check
Running, push-ups, sit-ups, and a preliminary medical check. Height, weight, and feet are checked here on the same day.
Stage 3 — Preliminary Interview
Brief panel interview assessing confidence and communication. You also write a short essay in English and Urdu. Interview carries 20 marks — minimum 12 out of 20 required to receive an ISSB call.
Stage 4 — ISSB (4-Day Breakdown)
ISSB is held in Kohat, Gujranwala, Quetta, or Karachi depending on your region. This is where most candidates are eliminated.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Intelligence tests, psychological testing — TAT, WAT, SRT, self-description |
| Day 2 | Group tasks — group discussions, group planning, leaderless group tasks |
| Day 3 | Individual outdoor tasks — command tasks, individual obstacles, individual planning |
| Day 4 | Final one-on-one interview with a senior army officer |
Stage 5 — Final Medical and Merit List
GHQ Rawalpindi prepares a final merit based on written test score, ISSB performance, medical clearance, and available vacancies. Getting ISSB recommended does not guarantee selection — vacancies are limited.
Common Registration Mistakes That Get Students Rejected
- Name mismatch with CNIC: If your CNIC says Muhammad Ali but you write M. Ali, you will face rejection at the test center
- Wrong test center selection: Test dates are fixed after selection. You cannot change them later
- Using someone else’s email or mobile: All communication including your exam slip comes through the registered contact. If it belongs to someone else, you may miss everything
- Applying without confirming age eligibility: If your age does not fall in the required bracket, your application will be cancelled
- Unattested or blurry photographs: Three photographs attested by a BPS-17 officer are required — mobile-printed unattested photos are rejected
- Not reading the official notification: Every course has small rule changes. Always read the official advertisement carefully when it is published
Long Course vs Short Service Commission — Quick Comparison
| Feature | PMA Long Course | Short Service Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Career Type | Permanent Commission | Fixed-term (8 years, extendable) |
| Qualification | FSc onwards | Graduates only (usually) |
| Rank at Commissioning | Second Lieutenant | 2nd Lt or Captain (by qualification) |
| Career Growth | Full promotion ladder to General | Limited to fixed term unless converted |
| Pension & Benefits | Full retirement benefits | Limited based on service length |
| Selection Process | Written, Physical, ISSB | Written, Physical, ISSB |
Tips to Prepare Right Now
- Start running daily. Build up to 1.6 km in under 8 minutes — this takes weeks of consistent training
- Practice MCQs for English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge — the written test is the first elimination round
- Read Dawn or Geo news daily — current affairs questions appear in the General Knowledge section
- Arrange your documents now. Get photocopies attested and photographs taken by the right grade officer
- If you are in FSc Part-II, focus hard on scoring 60% or above — your marks are the foundation of your eligibility
- Practice essay writing in both English and Urdu — both are tested at the preliminary interview stage
Note for Female Candidates
PMA Long Course is for male candidates only. Female students have separate entry routes as commissioned officers: Lady Cadet Course (LCC) for BS/Masters graduates, Armed Forces Nursing Service (AFNS) for FSc Pre-Medical graduates, and Medical Cadet Course for MBBS graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected PMA Long Course 159 date in 2026?
Based on the six-month pattern Pakistan Army follows between courses, PMA Long Course 159 registration is expected to open in September 2026 with a last date around October 2026. The official announcement will be made on joinpakarmy.gov.pk.
What is the last date to apply for PMA Long Course 159?
The PMA Long Course 159 last date to apply has not been officially announced yet. Based on previous courses, the registration window typically stays open for six to eight weeks. Watch joinpakarmy.gov.pk for the official date.
What are the eligibility criteria for PMA Long Course 159?
You must be an unmarried Pakistani male aged 17–22 (for Inter) or up to 24 years (for 4-year graduates), with minimum 60% marks in Intermediate or graduation. Height minimum is 5 feet 4 inches with a normal BMI.
How do I register online for PMA Long Course 159?
When registration opens, go to joinpakarmy.gov.pk, click on PMA Long Course 159, create an account with your CNIC or B-Form, fill the form with exact document details, select a test center, and submit. Your exam slip will be ready within 5 to 7 working days.
Can I appear in ISSB more than once?
Yes. You can appear in ISSB a maximum of two times. If you are declared “Not Recommended” twice, you cannot apply again.
Conclusion
PMA Long Course 159 is expected to open registrations around September 2026, with a last date somewhere in October 2026 and initial written tests following shortly after. If joining the Pakistan Army as a commissioned officer is your goal, there is no better time to start preparing than right now.
Get your documents in order, start your physical training today, and keep joinpakarmy.gov.pk bookmarked. When the PMA Long Course 159 notification date is officially announced, you should be ready to apply on day one — not scrambling in the last week.
The competition is tough. But the students who prepare early are the ones who get through.
Official Website: joinpakarmy.gov.pk
