Pak Army Jobs: How to Join as Soldier, Officer or Lady Cadet
Pak Army jobs are open to young Pakistanis through three main routes: joining as a soldier after matric, becoming a commissioned officer through the PMA Long Course after intermediate or graduation, and, for women, the Lady Cadet Course after a 16-year degree. All registration is done on the official website joinpakarmy.gov.pk or at an Army Selection and Recruitment Centre (AS&RC). This guide explains each route, the eligibility rules and the selection process in simple steps.
PK Portals is an independent information site and is not linked to the Pakistan Army, ISPR or any recruitment office. The details below are based on recent official advertisements and major news reports; age limits, standards and dates change with every intake, so always read the latest advertisement on joinpakarmy.gov.pk before applying.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official website | joinpakarmy.gov.pk |
| Walk-in registration | Army Selection and Recruitment Centres (AS&RCs) in major cities |
| Soldier entry | Matric for most trades, age about 17.5 to 23 |
| Officer entry (PMA Long Course) | Intermediate with 60% or graduation, age 17 to 22 (up to 24 for 4-year graduates) |
| Women officers | Lady Cadet Course, 16 years of education |
| Officer selection board | Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) |
| Fee for selection | Only the official registration or prospectus charges stated in the advertisement |
Pak Army jobs for soldiers (sipahi and other trades)
Soldier recruitment usually opens once or twice a year. In the intake announced at the end of August 2026, registration was reported to run from 1 September to late November 2026. The main trades and minimum standards in that advertisement were:
| Trade | Education | Age | Minimum height (male) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Duty soldier | Matric | 17.5 to 23 | 5 ft 6 in |
| Technical soldier | Matric (Science), at least B grade | 17.5 to 23 | 5 ft 6 in |
| Driver | Matric | 17.5 to 23 | 5 ft 6 in |
| Military Police | Matric | 17.5 to 23 | 5 ft 8 in |
| Clerk | Intermediate, at least C grade | 17.5 to 23 | 5 ft 3 in |
| Cook | Middle | 17.5 to 23 | 5 ft 3 in |
| Sanitary worker | Primary | 17.5 to 35 | 5 ft 3 in |
Relaxations in age, education or height are usually given to candidates from Balochistan, the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, and to children of martyrs. The exact relaxation is written in each advertisement.
Soldier selection steps
- Register online on joinpakarmy.gov.pk or visit the nearest AS&RC or regimental centre with your documents.
- Appear in the written test on the date given to you.
- Pass the physical test and the initial medical examination.
- Attend the interview and final medical check.
- If selected on merit, report for basic training at the regimental centre named in your call letter.
How to join Pak Army as an officer through PMA
The PMA Long Course is the main route to a regular commission. Cadets train for two years at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, and pass out as Second Lieutenants. Registration for the 159th PMA Long Course was reported to be open from 14 September to 23 October 2026, so check the website quickly if you plan to apply in this intake.
| Category | Education | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | FA or FSc with at least 60% (55% for some areas such as AJK and GB) | 17 to 22 |
| 2-year graduate | BA or BSc | 17 to 23 |
| 4-year graduate | BS, BBA or equivalent | 17 to 24 |
| Serving soldier | As per advertisement | 17 to 25 |
- Gender and status: Male, unmarried Pakistani citizens (AJK and GB domicile holders included). Dual nationals must give up the other nationality if selected.
- Height: At least 5 ft 4 in (162.5 cm), with weight according to Body Mass Index.
- Attempts: Candidates rejected twice by the ISSB or GHQ are not eligible again.
Officer selection steps
- Register online at joinpakarmy.gov.pk and choose a test date and AS&RC.
- Take the computer-based written and intelligence test (English, Maths, general knowledge, Pakistan Studies and Islamiat).
- Pass the initial medical examination and the physical test, which includes a timed run, push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups and a ditch crossing.
- Face the initial interview at the AS&RC.
- Attend the ISSB, a multi-day assessment with psychological tests, group tasks and interviews.
- If recommended, complete the final medical at a Combined Military Hospital and wait for GHQ final selection and your joining instructions.
Other officer routes, such as the Technical Cadet Course, Graduate Course, Army Medical Corps for doctors and short service commissions, open at different times with their own rules. Each one is advertised separately on the same website.
Lady Cadet Course: Pak Army jobs for women officers
Women can join the Army as commissioned officers through the Lady Cadet Course (LCC). Selected candidates are commissioned as Captains in branches such as Engineers, Signals, EME, Army Education Corps and Army Service Corps. In the 2025 intake, the main conditions were:
- Female, unmarried Pakistani citizen (AJK and GB domicile holders included).
- 16 years of education from an HEC or PEC recognised institution, with at least 60% marks or a CGPA of 2.5 out of 4. Private degrees were not accepted.
- No third division in the academic career, and an MPhil or MS was given preference.
- Maximum age around 28 years on the cut-off date, and minimum height 5 ft (152.4 cm).
The selection steps are similar to PMA: online registration, written and intelligence tests at an AS&RC, medical checks, interview, ISSB and GHQ selection.
Documents you will need
- Original educational certificates with attested copies.
- CNIC, or Form-B for under-18 candidates.
- Domicile certificate (State Subject Certificate for AJK candidates).
- Recent passport-size photographs as stated in the advertisement.
- Certificates for any age, height or education relaxation you claim.
How to avoid fake Pak Army job ads
- Apply only through joinpakarmy.gov.pk or an AS&RC. The Army does not recruit through private agents or WhatsApp groups.
- Never pay anyone who promises a “sure selection” or a seat at ISSB. Selection is on merit only.
- Check that every advertisement is also listed on the official website before you travel for a test.
- Keep your test slips and call letters safe, and do not share your login details with anyone.
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- PPSC jobs: how to register and apply
- Punjab Tourism Force jobs
- More trending topics in Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official website for Pak Army jobs?
The official website is joinpakarmy.gov.pk. You can also register in person at an Army Selection and Recruitment Centre.
What is the age limit to join Pak Army as a soldier?
For most soldier trades the age limit is about 17.5 to 23 years, with relaxations for some regions and categories as stated in each advertisement.
Can I join Pak Army after matric?
Yes. Matric pass candidates can apply as General Duty, Technical, Driver or Military Police soldiers if they meet the age and height standards.
What percentage is needed for the PMA Long Course?
Intermediate candidates usually need at least 60% marks, with 55% allowed for some areas such as AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Can girls join Pak Army?
Yes. Women can join as officers through the Lady Cadet Course after a 16-year degree, and through other routes such as the Army Medical Corps when advertised.
What is the minimum height for PMA?
The minimum height for male PMA Long Course candidates is 5 ft 4 in (162.5 cm).
Last updated: 18 October 2026. Eligibility, dates and standards change with every intake, so confirm the latest advertisement on joinpakarmy.gov.pk before you apply.
