How to Join the Pak Army

How to Join the Pakistan Army

Introduction

Many young Pakistanis dream of joining the Pakistan Army. They want to serve their country and have a career full of honor, discipline, and chances to grow. Knowing the steps and what you need to do is important whether you want to be an officer or a soldier. Here's a simple guide on how to join the Pakistan Army.

First, you need to have met the basic requirements. For example, you should be a Pakistani citizen and meet the age and education requirements for the Army. Good health and fitness are also important.

Next, you have to pass the ISSB exam. This includes written tests, medical exams, and interviews. You may also need to go through physical fitness tests to show you are ready for the job.

If you want to be an officer, you will need to go through additional training. This includes going to the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) for a rigorous training program that prepares you for leadership roles in the army.

So, if you are ready to take on the challenge, start preparing now. Focus on your studies, stay fit, and keep your goal in mind. The Pakistan Army is always looking for dedicated and passionate individuals to join.

 

Eligibility Criteria 

Before you start your journey to join the Pakistan Army, you need to meet these requirements. 

Age Requirements

• PMA Long Course: 17 to 22 years 
• Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC): 28 to 35 years.
• For soldiers: 17 to 23 years old.

Educational Qualifications

For Officers:

• You need at least an intermediate (F.Sc./FA) qualification with a minimum of 60% marks.

For DSSC:

• A bachelor’s degree is often required.

For Soldiers:

• You need a matriculation certificate (10th grade) with at least 50% marks.

 

Physical Standards

Height:

• Males: Minimum height is 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm).
• Females: Minimum height is 5 feet (152.4 cm).
• Chest Measurement (for males): At least 33 inches (84 cm) with an expansion of 1.5 inches (4 cm).

Types of Army Commissions

Joining the army offers different paths depending on how long you want to serve. 
Here are the two main types of commissions:

• Permanent commission
• Short Service Commission (SSC) 

Permanent Commission

A permanent commission is for those who want a long-term career as an Army officer. If you choose this path, you might join through the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) or cadet colleges.

Short Service Commission

The Short Service Commission (SSC) is for people who want to serve for a shorter time, usually between 3 and 5 years. You also have a chance to extend your duration if you wish. This option is ideal for professionals like doctors, engineers, and IT experts who want to use their skills in the army for a few years before returning to civilian life.

Join as an officer 

Pakistan Military Academy (PMA)

The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul is the top place to train future officers. If you want to join the army, the PMA Long Course is the best option. This tough program usually lasts for two years. After two years, you become a second lieutenant.

Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC)

The DSSC is for professionals with special skills like doctors, engineers, and IT experts. The training is shorter and focuses more on military skills. This means you get to use your expertise while also learning how to be a great soldier.

 

Joining as a Soldier

How to Join

Becoming a soldier involves a few important steps. First, you must register. Then, you take some tests to see if you're capable of serving in the Army. Next, there's a medical checkup to make sure you're healthy. Finally, you'll have interviews. You can find recruitment centers in many cities across Pakistan.

Training Programs

Once you join, you start with basic training. This training helps you become disciplined, fit, and learn basic combat skills. After that, you get special training for the job you'll do as a soldier.

Women in the Pakistan Army

Chances for Women

Women have many ways to join the Pakistan Army. They can work in medical, legal, engineering, and signaling fields. They can also become pilots in the Air Force.

Special Roles for Women

There are special roles for women, like lady officers in the medical corps and lady officers in the legal and education branches. 
The army is slowly giving more roles to women, both in fighting and non-fighting jobs.

Special Forces

Joining the Special Forces

Joining the Special Services Group (SSG) is not easy. You need to be very fit, mentally strong, and ready for tough training. Most people who join come from the army, often from the infantry.

Training and selection

The process to get in is very hard. It includes endurance tests, obstacle courses, and survival skills. Training teaches special combat techniques, parachute jumping, and how to fight against terrorism.

Fitness Requirements

To pass the fitness test, you need to meet these standards:

• Running: You must run 1.6 km in 8 minutes.
• Push-ups: You need to do 15 push-ups.
• Sit-ups: You must complete 20 sit-ups.
• Chin-ups: You have to do 3 chin-ups.

Training Plan

To get ready for the test, follow this plan:

• Daily Cardio Exercises: Do exercises that get your heart pumping every day.
• Strength Training: Work on building your muscles regularly.
• Consistent Practice: Keep practicing the exercises often.

Online Application

Application Process

To apply, visit the Pakistan Army's official recruitment website and fill out the online form. You'll need to provide details like your name, education, and other important information.

Required Documents

Make sure to have these documents ready: 

•  Educational certificates
•  national ID card(CNIC)
•  Proof of residence
•  Recent photos

These are some essential for your application to be complete.

Selection Procedure

Written Tests

First, you need to take some written tests. These tests will check your knowledge in these subjects:

• English: How well do you understand and use English?
• Mathematics: Your math skills.
• General Knowledge: What you know about the world.
• Islamic Studies: Your knowledge about Islam.

Interviews and assessments

If you pass your written tests, then you will go to the next part. This part has:

• Interviews: You will talk to military officers. They will ask you questions to learn more about you.
• Psychological Assessments: These tests check how you think and handle different situations.

Training Programs 

Basic military training

This first step teaches new soldiers discipline, physical fitness, and basic military skills. Every recruit, whether they will be a soldier or an officer, must go through this training.

Advanced specialized training

After finishing basic training, recruits move on to advanced training that matches their specific job. This could be in areas like infantry, signals, engineering, or other fields.

Daily Routine

Life in the Pakistan Army is very organized and disciplined. Each day includes physical training, drills, classroom learning, and professional growth activities.

Pak-Army Salary Structure(Table)

In the Pakistan Army, soldiers' salaries depend on their ranks and years of service. Here's a simplified breakdown of the approximate monthly salaries for different ranks.

Rank	Approximate Monthly Salary (PKR)
Second Lieutenant	Rs. 60,000 - 70,000
Lieutenant	Rs. 80,000 - 90,000
Captain	Rs. 90,000 - 100,000
Major	Rs. 110,000 - 120,000
Lieutenant Colonel	Rs. 130,000 - 150,000
Colonel	Rs. 160,000 - 180,000
Brigadier	Rs. 200,000 - 220,000
Major General	Rs. 250,000 - 280,000
Lieutenant General	Rs. 300,000 - 350,000
General	Rs. 400,000 - 450,000
Naik (Corporal)	Rs. 30,000 - 40,000
Havaldar (Sergeant)	Rs. 35,000 - 45,000
Subedar (Warrant Officer)	Rs. 40,000 - 50,000
Soldier (Jawan)	Starting from Rs. 20,000 per month

Benefits and Perks

Housing

• Free or subsidized housing
• Safe and secure living environment

Medical Care

• Comprehensive healthcare for you and your family
• Access to top medical facilities and professionals

Education for Children

• Discounted or free education programs
• Scholarships and grants for military families

Pensions

• Secure pension plans for your retirement
• Financial stability in the future

Conclusion

Joining the Pakistan Army is a great choice. It offers a career filled with honor, discipline, and many chances to grow and learn. Whether you want to be an officer or a soldier, knowing the requirements and preparing will help you become an Army officer.

The Pakistan Army is known for its strong values and dedication to the country. Being a part of it means you will learn important skills and make lifelong friends. The training is tough but very rewarding, and it will help you become a better person.

To join, you need to meet certain age and education requirements. Good physical fitness is also very important. Preparing well for the entrance tests and interviews will increase your chances of being selected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What are the basic requirements to join the Pakistan Army?
Ans: You need to be 17–23 years old for soldiers and 17–22 years old for officers, with a matriculation or intermediate education. Physical fitness is essential.

2. How do I apply to join the Pakistan Army?
Ans: You can apply online at the joinpakarmy website, and then you'll need to pass some written, physical, and medical tests and interviews.

3. What kind of training will I receive?
Ans: You will undergo physical fitness, military drills, weapons training, and leadership development.

4. How can I prepare for the entrance tests and interviews?
Ans: Study general knowledge, math, and English, and exercise regularly. Practice speaking confidently.

5. What are the benefits of joining the Pakistan Army?
Ans: You get a stable career, training, medical care, housing, allowances, and the honor of serving your country.