For those of you who have the spirit of patriotism, the youth that wants to defend the sovereignty of Pakistan. Defence forces are the best choice for them. Usually, FSC/ICS/Pre-Medical graduates are eligible to apply for these opportunities.
1. PMA Long Course (Regular Commissioned Officer)
This is the main route for you to become a commissioned officer in the army. After the completion of this long course, you are awarded the rank of Second Lieutenant, and you successfully become a commissioned officer.
The main requirements for being eligible for this course are listed below:
Education Required: FSC/ICS/Pre-Medical, minimum 55%-60% marks, and are very flexible. Depending on your region, this can be even lower due to a lack of resources and lower-quality education.
Age Limit: The age limit, though, is strictly followed; you must be within the age category of 17-22.
Gender: The gender is also strictly followed; only males are allowed to enter this “ PMA Long Course “.
Training Duration: The training duration for this course is 2 years at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul.
2. Technical Cadet Course (TCC)
If you did FSC in Pre-Engineering or Computer Science (ICS), and if you are passionate about science and engineering but do not want to go to a traditional engineering college, you can apply for this course in the Army. The army will sponsor your degree, and you will graduate with the rank of Captain.
Education Required: The education required is Pre-Engineering or Computer Science.
Minimum Marks: 65% or above marks in intermediate
Age Limit: 17 to 21 years old
Gender: Again, the gender is strictly male.
Training Duration: This is the best opportunity, I must confess personally, being able to study engineering for 4 full years at a prestigious university like NUST leaves you with a highly respected and top-notch degree. Along with that, you spend 1 year at the PMA, so the total duration is 5 years. You graduate from this course as a Captain.
3. Army Medical Cadet (AMC)
For those of you who want to serve as doctors in the army and progress further, the Pakistan Military has the best way forward for you. The prestigious Army Medical Cadet. You must have passed your intermediate in “ Pre-Medical “. The Army finances your MBBS or BDS degree, and you graduate as a Captain.
Education Required: FSc Pre-Medical.
Minimum Marks: Minimum 70% marks in Pre-Medical
Age Limit: 17 to 21 years old.
Gender: Male and Female, while it his highly dependent on seat distribution, but both genders are entertained in this regard.
The Selection Process for Officers
While the whole process may sound ambitious, reaching this requires you to pass a list of exams and evaluations. These are very strict, and the Pakistani Army makes sure to uphold its merits, and every single evaluation is passed based on only one thing, which is merit; the thing that makes this military one of the strongest in the world and the pride of Pakistan.
1 Initial Preliminary Test:
It is a computerized test that tests your basic Maths, English, Pak Studies, and GK.
Though passing this test is not that much of a hassle, those students who lack in any of these subjects may face moderate to slight difficulty.
2 Initial Physical & Medical Test:
You are required to run 1.6 km within a given time along with push-ups, sit-ups, and chin-ups. And a Basic Medical test is also required, and these tests are very strict; even the smallest health issues can cause you to be rejected.
3 ISSB (Inter-Services Selection Board):
This is the hardest part of this exam, a 4-day rigorous evaluation where candidates are tested psychologically, they are given group tasks they have to complete, outdoor obstacle courses that require strength and proper motor functions, and part ot part coordination, and then lastly the beast, the “ Interview “. The interview tests your general knowledge, critical thinking, and mental aptitude. If you are afraid of interviews, sadly, this is a full stop for you.
4 Final Medical Board:
After passing ISSB, this is the last wall between you and your ambitions, a comprehensive medical examination held at a Military Hospital (CMH).
5 Final Merit List:
After your overall examination, the GHQ issues final call letters, and if you are selected, you have my heartfelt congratulations. Now, only the training itself is left.
Finally, if you have reached the end of this article, I wish you very good luck in your journey. All that matters is that you do what you love, and that's the rule I live by. I am Abdullah Zahid, and I will see you again in another article, in hopes that it will guide someone into doing what they love.