ISSB Pakistan

Overview

The Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) is the body that selects candidates for commissioned service in the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force. It is not a written exam with a syllabus. It is a multi-day assessment of a candidate's mental, moral, social and dynamic qualities, run by psychologists, Group Testing Officers (GTOs) and Deputy Presidents.

ISSB does not recruit by itself. Each service headquarters advertises its own courses and sets the age, education and medical rules. ISSB tests the candidates who apply to those courses and recommends those with leadership potential for training at the relevant service academy.

Its headquarters are at Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. ISSB tests are held at four centres: Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir (Karachi) and Quetta. The board was formed in 1952 by merging three Services Selection Boards inherited at independence.

Who can apply

You do not apply to ISSB directly. You apply to a course advertised by the Army, Navy or Air Force, and are then called to ISSB with a call letter. ISSB lists these baseline conditions:

• You meet the age limits notified for the entry you applied to.

• Your education matches the level required for that course.

• You meet the medical and physical standards set by the service headquarters.

• You meet the nationality and marital status conditions of that entry.

• Every personal, academic and identity detail you submitted is correct and verifiable.

You are ineligible if any of the following applies:

• You were permanently declared unfit by an Appeal Medical Board.

• You are tested again within four months (120 days) of a previous appearance after being not recommended.

• You are tested again within one year of a previous recommendation, because ISSB, GHQ and AHQ selections stay valid for one year.

• You were withdrawn from an Armed Forces academy or training institution, or from a bonded Armed Forces college on disciplinary grounds.

• You were dismissed, removed or debarred from government service, including the Armed Forces.

• You were convicted by a court for an offence involving moral turpitude.

• You were declared medically unfit because of Hepatitis B or C. An Appeal Medical Board cannot be requested in these cases.

• You were declared unfit by an Armed Forces hospital, unless cleared by an Appeal Medical Board.

The joining instructions also list candidates who do not meet the advertised course criteria, and candidates screened out or not recommended twice by ISSB.

Exam pattern

The test takes four days, not counting the day you arrive. You are allowed to leave at noon on the fourth day. The same process serves all three services. ISSB describes it as a mix of individual and group assessment methods, activities and sessions, designed so the selectors can form a complete picture of the candidate's personality. The board adjusts the structure from time to time to meet what the services need.

ISSB does not publish a list of test papers or a marking scheme, so this page does not describe them.

Marking and results

ISSB publishes no scoring scheme. Candidates with the required leadership potential are recommended for training at their service academy. A recommended candidate cannot appear before ISSB again for any course for one year. A candidate who is not recommended must wait at least 120 days before being tested again.

Important dates

The tentative ISSB schedule for June to November 2026 lists these courses and test windows. ISSB says the schedule may change, so check the site and your call letter.

How to apply

1. Watch for the advertisement of the course you want from the Army, Navy or Air Force, and apply through that service's own process. ISSB's home page links to the three services' recruitment portals.

2. If you are shortlisted, you receive a call letter naming the ISSB centre and the reporting date.

3. Report on the called date before 12 noon, with the call letter. Candidates who report late are not tested and are not guaranteed another call.

After the exam

Recommended candidates go on to training at the academy of the service they applied to. Bring a copy of your educational certificates, because these are sent to the academy after final selection.

Joining day checklist

• Bring original documents. Photocopies are not accepted. Matric result sheet and detailed marks certificate are required. Candidates in Intermediate bring their part I marks sheet or the final result when it is announced. O and A level candidates bring Form B or the CNIC and the equivalence certificate. Graduates and postgraduates also bring their Intermediate results and the documents named in the advertisement.

• Candidates from areas that were given a marks relaxation bring the original domicile certificate.

• Bring white shorts, white sports shirts, white socks, PT shoes, a blue pen, a closed-collar dress (pant, shirt and tie) and a Shalwar Kameez with waistcoat. Winter candidates also bring a sweater or track suit.

• Lodging and meals are provided at government expense. Candidates may not leave the centre in their free time, mobile phones are collected on arrival, and weapons and valuables are not allowed.

• On arrival you pay a non-refundable Rs. 105 for photographs and NADRA verification, as stated in the joining instructions. A lost brochure costs Rs. 100.

• A travelling allowance is paid for train travel from the address on your application, unless you serve in the defence forces.

Preparation tips

ISSB's own guidance says it looks for clear thinking, calm under stress, teamwork and willingness to take part. It does not want rashness, aggression or false projection. Be honest and straightforward.

• Keep your English and Mathematics sound, and keep your academic record strong.

• Build confidence and fitness through group activities, sports and positions of responsibility.

• Practise speaking clearly in Urdu and English, for example in debates and group discussions.

• Know why you want to join the armed forces and be able to say it sincerely.

• ISSB advises against joining private coaching centres for ISSB preparation. It says their training is too restricted and makes thinking rigid.

• Any recommendation or favour sought on your behalf, unfair means, or failure to follow instructions can disqualify you from commission.