Understanding the Pak Army, Navy, PAF requirements is essential for anyone aiming to secure a place in Pakistan’s armed forces. The process begins with a thorough check of eligibility, where candidates must meet strict age, height, and educational criteria that differ for each branch and role. For instance, those applying to the Army as general duty soldiers need to be between 17.5 and 23 years old, with a minimum height of 5 feet 6 inches, and must have at least a Matric certificate.
The Air Force and Navy demand similar diligence, often requiring FSc or equivalent for technical and officer positions. Before starting the application, it is crucial to gather all original documents, such as CNIC, academic certificates, and domicile, to ensure a smooth registration and verification process.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the next phase involves online registration through the official portals of each force. Applicants must complete forms accurately, upload the required documents, and keep track of important dates like test schedules and roll number issuance. The selection process is competitive and multi-staged, including written, physical, and medical examinations. Written tests typically assess knowledge in English, Mathematics, General Knowledge, and science subjects relevant to the chosen branch.
Physical assessments test running, push-ups, sit-ups, and chin-ups, while medical checks evaluate vision, hearing, and overall health. To increase the chances of success, candidates should begin physical training and academic preparation well in advance, focusing on both endurance and subject knowledge. Staying updated with official announcements and deadlines is crucial to avoid missing any step in the process.
Throughout this journey, candidates often face challenges such as document discrepancies, narrowly missing height or fitness benchmarks, and anxiety during examinations or interviews. The key to overcoming these hurdles lies in early and honest preparation. Double-checking all paperwork, seeking advice from mentors or recruitment centers, and maintaining a disciplined routine for physical and academic readiness can make a significant difference.
By following each step carefully and addressing any issues proactively, candidates can avoid common pitfalls and maximize their chances of joining the Pakistan Army, Navy, or Air Force, setting the foundation for a rewarding and stable career in the armed forces
Pakistan Army
1. Age Requirements
General Duty Soldiers & Military Police
Age: 17.5 to 23 years at the time of application.
Cutoff date is strictly enforced; even a day over the limit can disqualify you.
Relaxations:
One-year relaxation for candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Two-year relaxation for children of martyrs, those wounded during service, and candidates with a valid driving license.
Special Categories:
Clerks, Cooks, Sanitary Workers: Age limit extends up to 35 years for these roles.
Technical Cadets: Usually up to 21 years.
Serving Army Soldiers: Additional relaxations may apply.
Key Details:
Age is calculated as of the official recruitment cutoff date, not your application submission date.
Proof of age (birth certificate, CNIC/B-Form) must match your educational documents.
2. Height Requirements
General Duty Soldier: Minimum 5 feet 6 inches (167.5 cm)
Military Police Soldier: Minimum 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Clerks, Cooks, Sanitary Workers: Minimum 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm)
Regional Relaxations:
Candidates from Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, FATA, and AJK may be eligible with a minimum height of 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm) for some trades.
Key Details:
Height is measured without shoes, standing straight against a wall.
Medical staff may re-measure you during the medical exam.
3. Educational Requirements
General Duty Soldiers & Military Police: Minimum Matriculation (10th grade)
Clerks: Intermediate (12th grade), with preference for computer diploma holders.
Cooks: Minimum Middle (8th grade)
Sanitary Workers: Minimum Primary (5th grade)
Technical Trades: Matriculation with Science subjects; higher qualifications preferred.
Special Quotas: Children of martyrs may get relaxation down to Middle school.
Key Details:
All certificates must be from recognized boards.
Original documents and attested photocopies are required at every stage.
Any discrepancy in names, dates, or grades can lead to disqualification.
4. Additional Physical and Medical Requirements
Physical Fitness:
Running: 1.6 km in 8 minutes (may vary by trade)
Push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups: Minimum numbers set by recruitment board
Medical Fitness:
BMI must be within normal range for age/height.
No chronic diseases, flat feet, color blindness, or severe eyesight issues.
Dental, hearing, and general health checks are standard.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF)
1. Age Requirements
General Duty Pilot (GDP): 16 to 22 years
Air Defence, Engineering, Logistics Branches: Usually 16 to 22 years
Short Service Commission (SSC): Up to 30 years for some branches
Key Details:
Age is strictly calculated as of the application closing date.
Only unmarried candidates are eligible for GDP and most officer courses.
2. Height Requirements
All Branches: Minimum 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm)
Pilots: Height and leg length must fit cockpit requirements.
Weight: Must be proportional to height (BMI standards).
Vision: 6/6 without glasses for pilots; minor corrections allowed for non-flying branches.
3. Educational Requirements
GDP & Most Officer Branches:
Minimum FSc (Pre-Engineering/Pre-Medical) or equivalent with at least 60% marks
A’Levels with Physics and either Math or Biology
FSc/ICS (Computer Science) or FSc with Physics and any two from Math, Statistics, Computer Science, or Biology
Other Trades: May require Matric or Intermediate, depending on the role.
Key Details:
All certificates must be verified by IBCC (for O/A Levels).
No grace marks or condoned failures are accepted.
Candidates must present original documents at each selection phase.
4. Additional Criteria
Physical Fitness: Running, push-ups, sit-ups, and chin-ups as per PAF standards.
Medical Fitness: Comprehensive medical, including hearing, vision, and overall health.
Selection Tests: Computerized intelligence and academic tests (Physics, English, Math).
Training: For pilots, training is approximately 3 years at PAF Academy Risalpur.
Pakistan Navy
1. Age Requirements
General Duty Sailors/Officers: 17 to 25 years (varies by branch)
Technical Branches: Usually 16 to 20 years
SSC (Short Service Commission): Up to 28 years for some branches
Key Details:
Age is strictly enforced; exceptions are rare and only for special quotas.
Age is calculated as of the last date of application submission.
2. Height Requirements
All Branches: Minimum 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm)
Specialized Roles: Divers, Marines, and Submarine Service may require higher physical standards.
3. Educational Requirements
General Duty/Technical Branches: Minimum Matriculation (Science) or Intermediate
Specialized Roles: Higher education, diplomas, or technical certifications may be required.
Key Details:
All documents must be original and attested.
No provisional or result-waiting candidates are accepted for most branches.
4. Additional Requirements
Medical Fitness: Strict standards for vision, hearing, and general health.
Physical Tests: Running, push-ups, sit-ups, and swimming (for some branches).
Vision: 6/6 required for certain roles, especially for divers and submariners.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions at Each Step
1. Age Verification Issues
Common Problems:
Mismatch between CNIC/B-Form and educational certificates.
Age exceeding the limit by days or months.
Unawareness of relaxation policies.
Solutions:
Double-check all documents for consistency before applying.
If eligible for relaxation (martyr’s child, graduate), attach supporting documents such as martyrdom certificate or degree.
Contact recruitment centers for clarification if unsure about eligibility.
2. Height & Physical Measurement Issues
Common Problems:
Height measured less at the recruitment center than at home.
Standing incorrectly during measurement.
Height below minimum due to regional differences.
Solutions:
Practice standing straight against a wall without shoes, heels together, looking forward.
If from a region with relaxed height standards, bring domicile certificate as proof.
If borderline, focus on posture and stretching exercises before test day.
3. Educational Document Issues
Common Problems:
Name or date of birth mismatch across documents.
Missing original certificates.
Results pending or provisional certificates.
Solutions:
Ensure all documents have the same spelling and date of birth; correct discrepancies before applying.
Obtain all original certificates and attested copies in advance.
Do not apply if results are pending unless specifically allowed.
4. Medical Fitness Issues
Common Problems:
Undiagnosed eyesight, color blindness, or hearing issues discovered during medical exam.
Overweight or underweight according to BMI chart.
Chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, etc.) not disclosed.
Solutions:
Get a pre-medical checkup from a certified doctor before applying.
Work on fitness and diet to reach the ideal BMI.
Disclose all medical conditions honestly; hiding them can lead to disqualification later.
5. Physical Fitness Test Issues
Common Problems:
Inability to complete running, push-ups, or sit-ups within time.
Lack of stamina or improper technique.
Not practicing on similar surfaces (for example, running track versus road).
Solutions:
Start training at least 3 months before the test, focusing on endurance and strength.
Practice the exact number of repetitions required, aiming to exceed the minimum.
Train on similar surfaces as the test location.
6. Application & Documentation Errors
Common Problems:
Incorrectly filled forms (wrong CNIC, contact info, etc.).
Missing signatures or photographs.
Not attaching all required documents.
Solutions:
Fill out forms slowly and double-check all fields.
Use recent passport-size photographs with a plain background.
Make a checklist of required documents and verify before submission.
7. Test & Interview Preparation Issues
Common Problems:
Lack of familiarity with computerized tests (for PAF or Navy).
Weak knowledge in Physics, English, or General Knowledge.
Nervousness during interviews.
Solutions:
Practice online sample tests and previous papers.
Revise subject basics, especially Physics and English.
Prepare for common interview questions and practice speaking confidently.
8. Regional and Quota-Related Issues
Common Problems:
Not aware of special relaxations for certain regions or quotas.
Not submitting domicile or proof for quota eligibility.
Solutions:
Read official advertisements carefully for regional relaxations.
Attach valid domicile and supporting documents for quota claims.
9. Final Selection and Joining Issues
Common Problems:
Missing final call due to incorrect contact details.
Delay in submitting joining documents.
Not clearing final medical or security checks.
Solutions:
Keep your phone and email active and check regularly.
Prepare all joining documents in advance.
Maintain fitness and health until joining day.
Summary Table of Key Requirements for Pak Army, Navy, PAF
| Branch | Age Range | Minimum Height | Education Requirements | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army Soldier | 17.5 – 23 years (relaxations) | 5’6″ (167.5 cm) | Matric (10th grade) | Relaxations for graduates, martyrs’ children |
| Military Police | 17.5 – 23 years | 5’8″ (173 cm) | Matric or above | Higher height standard |
| Clerks/Cooks | Up to 35 years | 5’3″ (160 cm) | Intermediate (clerks), Middle (cooks) | Age limit extended for these roles |
| PAF GDP | 16 – 22 years | 5’4″ (162.5 cm) | FSc (Pre-Engg/Pre-Med), A’Level with Physics | Vision 6/6, unmarried only |
| Navy (General) | 17 – 25 years | ~5’4″ (162.5 cm) | Matric or Intermediate with Science | Varies by trade; check official sources |
Final Tips
Always check official recruitment websites and advertisements for the latest updates.
Prepare all documents and fitness requirements well in advance.
If in doubt, visit the nearest recruitment center for guidance.
Stay persistent and focused; many successful candidates apply more than once.
