WEBDESK: Pakistan Army has commenced the registration for the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course 153, inviting applications from eligible candidates aspiring to join as commissioned officers.
The two-year course, divided into four six-month terms, is a pathway to achieving a reputable position in the army. The registration process begins online from October 9, 2023, and ends on November 4, 2023. The course is a gateway for individuals aspiring to serve their nation as commissioned officers in one of the world’s recognized armed forces.
Candidates must be male, unmarried, though exceptions are made for married personnel of the Armed Forces over 20 years of age. Age limits vary with the level of education, ranging from 17 to 25 years. Applicants must meet physical standards including a minimum height of 5’4″ (162.5 cm). Educational qualifications require a minimum of 55% marks in Intermediate or equivalent, with higher education garnering more age relaxation. Citizens of Pakistan, along with domicile holders of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are eligible to apply.
The journey starts with registration, either online or at Army Selection and Recruitment Centres. This is followed by an initial test encompassing verbal, non-verbal, and general knowledge segments. Successful candidates proceed to physical and medical examinations. An Inter-Services Selection Board (ISSB) test evaluates candidates over 5 days. The final medical examination and an interview by a National Security and War Course (NSWC) qualified brigadier determine the candidates’ suitability for service. Merit-based final selection occurs at General Headquarters (GHQ), with notifications sent to the selected individuals via email.
The documentation phase requires submission of educational certificates, a computerized National Identity Card (for those 18 and above) or a Form B with a guardian’s ID (for those below 18). Attested copies of these documents, three passport-sized photos, and for repeater candidates, the ‘NOT RECOMMENDED’ letters from ISSBs are to be submitted. It’s noted that old National Identity Cards are not accepted.
Certain conditions render candidates ineligible: ISSB rejections, certain test failures, being dismissed, removed, or debarred from government service or armed forces, certain legal convictions, permanent medical unfitness, dismissal from armed forces institutions, withdrawal or resignation from military academies, certificate tampering, positive drug tests, and training in private coaching centers for ISSB tests.
For candidates abroad, preliminary selection isn’t required. However, Defense Attaches will assess their general suitability. Applications, with a postal order of Rs. 100/- and a bank draft of Rs. 500/-, should be submitted to Pakistani embassies. The applications should include Pakistani addresses for ISSB examinations/interviews correspondence.
To join the PMA Long Course, candidates need to register online at joinpakarmy.gov.pk
