PMA Long Course Initial Test study guide
PMA Long Course Initial Test · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The PMA Long Course Initial Test is the first screening stage for candidates seeking a commission through the Pakistan Military Academy's Long Course, the main officer-cadet entry route for intermediate and graduate candidates. It is a selection event rather than a single written paper: candidates typically move through academic and intelligence testing, a physical fitness assessment, a medical examination, and an interview, with each stage able to end the process. The PMA Long Course Initial Test study guide has 8 sections and about 2,854 words.
01English
The English paper checks whether you can use the language accurately and quickly, not whether you can recite grammar rules. Expect synonyms and antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms, spelling, sentence correction, prepositions, tenses, active/passive and direct/indirect speech, plus a short comprehension passage and sentence-ordering items.
378 words, about 2 min02Mathematics
Arithmetic (percentages, profit and loss, ratio, average, speed–distance–time, work, simple and compound interest), the number system (LCM/HCF, simplification, BODMAS), elementary algebra (linear equations, factorisation), geometry and mensuration (angles, triangles, circles, area and volume), and basic trigonometric values. No calculator is allowed, so choosing a fast method matters as much as knowing the rule.
336 words, about 2 min03Physics
The physics paper is school level: concepts plus short numericals, mostly mechanics, with some heat, waves, light and electricity. Marks come from the correct formula, correct substitution and correct unit, in that order.
359 words, about 2 min04General Knowledge and Current Affairs
The GK paper mixes static Pakistan studies and geography with world affairs and recent events. Static facts can be mastered from an atlas and the constitution basics; current affairs must be revised from a dated source close to your test date, because the paper tests recent months rather than last year's news.
349 words, about 2 min05Intelligence and Verbal Reasoning
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning under strict time. Typical items: number and letter series, analogies, odd-one-out, coding–decoding, blood relations, direction sense, syllogisms, figure matrices, mirror and water images, and complete-the-series diagrams.
357 words, about 2 min06Islamic Studies / Ethics
Basic beliefs and worship, the life (Seerat) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the early Islamic period, and everyday ethics - honesty, justice, trust, respect for parents and elders, tolerance. Expect direct factual questions plus one or two applied-ethics items that ask what a person should do in a situation and why.
351 words, about 2 min07Physical Fitness Assessment
The physical test measures baseline endurance, upper-body and core strength, and agility. Components commonly used in selection include a 1.6 km run, push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups or pull-ups, and a ditch or obstacle jump.
360 words, about 2 min08Medical Examination and Interview
The medical decides whether you can serve without risk; the interview decides whether you are suitable, motivated and aware. Both are pass-or-fail gates, and no written score can compensate for failing either.
364 words, about 2 min