Looking to join PMA Long Course 2026? The PMA is Pakistan Military Academy which is based at Kakul, Abbottabad. The academy trains young men who have the capability of being commissioned army officers. This is the 159th PMA Long Course, and online registration is open right now.
So if you have always wanted to wear the uniform and lead soldiers, this is your entry point. The course leads to a two year training program at PMA Kakul. After that, you graduate as a Second Lieutenant.
About the Pakistan Military Academy
PMA Kakul is often called the Cradle of Leadership. Ever since 1947, it has produced the army leaders that lead the Pakistan Army at all ranks. Due to the high level of difficulty and standards maintained, only a tiny minority of the applicants graduate from there.
The PMA Long Course is the main route to a regular commission. Unlike short service options, a regular commission gives you a full career in the Army, not just a fixed term. As a result, this course attracts thousands of applicants every single year.
PMA Long Course 2026: Key Dates
Here are the dates you actually need to track.
| Stage | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Online Registration | September 14 to October 23, 2026 |
| Preliminary Tests | October 5 to December 15, 2026 |
| Training Duration | 2 years at PMA Kakul |
| Rank After Graduation | Second Lieutenant |
Registration runs on all days, including Saturdays and Sundays. Preliminary tests, however, skip weekends and public holidays. So plan your test date accordingly once you register.
Who Can Apply for PMA Long Course 2026
A few conditions apply before you even think about the written test.
Age. You must fall between 17 and 22 years, calculated as on May 1, 2027. This is not your age today, so work out your exact age on that specific date before you register.
Marital Status. You must be unmarried. However, serving personnel of the Armed Forces over 20 years of age can apply even if married.
Gender. This course is open to male candidates only.
Height. You need a minimum height of 5 feet 4 inches, or 162.5 cm.
Weight. Your weight must fall within the standard Body Mass Index range for your height and age.
Nationality. You must be a citizen of Pakistan, or a domicile holder of Azad Kashmir or Gilgit Baltistan. If you hold dual nationality, a Green Card, an Iqama, or any other residence permit, you can still apply. But if you get selected, you must surrender every nationality other than Pakistani before joining.
Selection Process for PMA Long Course 2026
The selection process runs in clear stages, so here is what to expect.
First, you register either online or at an Army Selection and Recruitment Centre. Then, you sit for a written and intelligence test. This test uses multiple choice questions covering English, Mathematics, Pakistan Studies, Islamiat, and General Knowledge.
Candidates who clear the written stage move on to further testing. This typically includes a medical examination and the ISSB assessment, which checks leadership qualities, physical fitness, and psychological fitness over several days. Because the Army wants officers who can lead under pressure, this stage carries real weight in the final decision.
Only candidates who clear every stage receive an offer to join the two year training at PMA Kakul.
Documents Required at AS&RCs
Before you visit an Army Selection and Recruitment Centre, prepare these documents along with one set of photocopies.
- Original CNIC or Form-B
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Domicile certificate
- Recent passport size photographs
- Character certificate from your last institution
Bring your original documents, since the centre will verify them against your online application. For the full, current document checklist, check the official Join Pak Army website — specifically its PMA Long Course course page and the Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required pages under it, since these are updated directly by the Army and take priority over any third-party summary, including this one.
How to Apply for PMA Long Course 2026
Here is the exact process, step by step.
- Visit the official website at joinpakarmy.gov.pk
- Select the PMA Long Course option from the available courses
- Fill in your personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload the required documents and your photograph
- Submit your application before October 23, 2026
- Download and print your registration slip once it confirms
- Report to your allotted Army Selection and Recruitment Centre on your scheduled test date
Otherwise, you can also visit one of the Army Selection and Recruitment Centres available within some selected cities physically. The centres in Pakistan for army recruitment where you can visit for registration are situated in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, Quetta, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Multan, D.I. Khan, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Khuzdar, Pano Aqil, and Turbat.
Some Things to Know Before Applying
Candidates registering through the internet need basic computer skills, since both registration and the written test run on computers at the centre. So if you are not confident with computers, practice beforehand.
Also, those who have been previously found medically ineligible by the Appeal Medical Board cannot apply again. This is also true of cadets/recruits who have been expelled from any military academy training program due to disciplinary action.
If you are currently living outside your country, you can apply for the program as a Pakistani citizen. However, make sure to go through the instructions for overseas applicants on the Overseas Applicants page of the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does PMA stand for?
PMA stands for Pakistan Military Academy, located in Kakul, Abbottabad. It is the premier training institution for Army officers in Pakistan.
Q2: What is the last date to register for PMA Long Course 2026?
Online registration closes on October 23, 2026. Preliminary tests then run from October 5 to December 15, 2026.
Q3: What is the age limit for PMA Long Course 2026?
You must be between 17 and 22 years old, calculated as on May 1, 2027.
Q4: Can married candidates apply for PMA Long Course 2026?
Generally no. However, serving Armed Forces personnel over 20 years of age can apply even if married.
Q5: How long is the training at PMA Kakul?
The training runs for two years. After graduation, you get commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Pakistan Army.
Q6: Can overseas Pakistanis apply for PMA Long Course 2026?
Yes. Pakistan nationals residing abroad can apply, though they should check the specific guidance on the Overseas Applicants page of the official website.
Anti-Scam Warning: No processing fee is mentioned in this notice. Register only through joinpakarmy.gov.pk or at an official Army Selection and Recruitment Centre. If anyone asks for money to guarantee your selection, report it and do not pay.
Source: Official PMA Long Course 159 notification. Apply at joinpakarmy.gov.pk.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
