Overview
The Pakistan Navy recruits officers, sailors and civilians through its recruitment portal, joinpaknavy.gov.pk, and its recruitment centres. Every applicant starts with a computer-based initial test of intelligence and academic knowledge, followed by physical, medical and interview stages. Officer candidates also go through the Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB).
This page focuses on sailor entry, which is announced in numbered batches such as B-2026(S). The Navy's own websites could not be read when this page was written, so the details come from reports of the official advertisements and from test-preparation sites. Check the official portal before you apply.
Who can apply
For batch B-2026(S), reports of the advertisement list these main sailor categories. Ages are counted on 1 January 2027, and the general categories are for unmarried male candidates.
| Category | Education | Age | Minimum height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical (A) | Matric (Science), 65% marks | 16 to 20 | 5 ft 4 in |
| Naval Police / Regulating (C) | Matric (Science or Arts), 60% marks | 16 to 20 | 5 ft 7 in |
| Marine (D) | Matric (Science) | 17 to 21 | See advert |
| Chef / Steward (F) | Matric (Science or Arts), 50% marks | 16 to 20 | 5 ft 4 in |
| Musician (G) | Matric (Science or Arts), 50% marks | 16 to 20 | 5 ft 7 in |
| PT Branch (K) | Matric, 60% marks, plus school sports record | 16 to 20 | 5 ft 6.5 in |
Reports differ on the Marine branch's minimum marks and height, so check the official advertisement for those. The batch also had categories open to married candidates, such as Naib Khateeb (up to 35) and Driver (18 to 24), and IT branch entries for holders of a Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE) at three age and experience levels.
Exam pattern
The initial test is computer-based. Test-preparation sites describe it as follows; exact question counts vary by entry and batch.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal intelligence | about 80 to 85 | 30 minutes |
| Non-verbal intelligence | about 60 to 65 | 30 minutes |
| Academic | about 40 to 50 | 25 to 30 minutes |
The intelligence test is compulsory and must be passed before the academic test opens. The result is shown on screen when you finish.
Syllabus
Intelligence: verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.
Academic: for technical sailors (and officer entries), physics, mathematics, chemistry and computer science; for marine and general categories, English, general knowledge, Pakistan studies and Islamic studies.
Selection stages
Online registration on the portal or at a recruitment centre.
Computer-based initial test (intelligence, then academic).
Physical tests, including running and a swimming or water-confidence check.
Medical examination to naval standards.
Interview and psychological assessment, then final merit.
Officers only: ISSB, a multi-day assessment.
Important dates
For batch B-2026(S), registration ran from 14 June to 5 July 2026. Watch the official portal for the next batch.
How to apply
Register online at joinpaknavy.gov.pk while a batch is open, choosing your category.
Sit the initial test, then the physical, medical and interview stages if you pass.
Preparation tips
Practise intelligence questions under time pressure; the verbal section allows roughly 20 seconds per question.
Do not neglect the intelligence test, because failing it ends your attempt before the academic test.
Start swimming and running practice early.
FAQs
What is the age limit for Pakistan Navy sailor entry?
For batch B-2026(S), most categories were 16 to 20, and Marine was 17 to 21, with ages counted on 1 January 2027. Some trades had different limits.
Is the Pakistan Navy initial test computer-based?
Yes. It is an on-screen test with an intelligence part and an academic part, and you must pass the intelligence part first.
Can married candidates apply as sailors?
Most general categories were for unmarried candidates in batch B-2026(S), but a few, such as Naib Khateeb and Driver, accepted married applicants.