Pak Army Physical Test Requirements Complete Guide
Every year, thousands of young Pakistanis dream of wearing the army uniform, but a large number fail at the very first gate due to a lack of information about the Pak Army physical test. Here is the hard truth that no one tells you: your written exam score means nothing if your body cannot pass the physical fitness standards set by the Pakistan Army.
So, what are the exact Pak Army physical test requirements? For male candidates joining through the PMA Long Course or TCC, you must complete a 1.6 km run in 8 minutes, perform 15 push-ups, 20 sit-ups, and 3 chin-ups within 2 minutes each; and successfully cross a ditch measuring 7’4″ × 7’4″ with a 4-foot depth. These standards are different by course and gender. This complete guide covers every requirement from height and weight to vision, run timings, and the full medical test process. So you walk into your Army Selection and Recruitment Center (AS&RC) fully prepared and confident.
Pak Army Physical Test Requirements
The Pak Army physical test is a mandatory fitness and medical evaluation conducted at Army Selection and Recruitment Centres (AS&RCs) across Pakistan, including centres in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and Multan. Every candidate who clears the initial written and intelligence test must then pass this physical evaluation before being considered for ISSB.
The test assesses five core fitness parameters: running endurance, upper body strength (push-ups and chin-ups), core strength (sit-ups), agility (ditch crossing), and body composition (height, weight, and BMI). Vision and medical standards are evaluated separately but are part of the same selection phase. Pak Army physical test requirements include a 1.6 km run, push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, and ditch crossing. Standards differ for males, females, and across courses such as PMA Long Course, TCC, and Lady Cadet Course (LCC).
Complete Physical Standards to Join Pak Army
Minimum Height Requirements
Height is the first physical standard checked at AS&RCs. Candidates who do not meet the minimum height requirement are rejected at the initial screening stage — before any fitness event begins.
| Gender | Minimum Height |
| Male | 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm) |
| Female | 5 feet 0 inches (152.4 cm) |
Weight and BMI Standards
The Pakistan Army does not publish a fixed weight chart. Instead, your weight must fall within a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) range of 18.5 to 24.9, calculated based on your height, age, and build. Candidates who are underweight or obese are rejected. You can calculate your BMI online before your test date to ensure you are within the acceptable range.
Pro Tip: Calculate your BMI at least 60 days before your test. If you are above 24.9, focus on controlled diet and cardio. If you are below 18.5, increase caloric intake with balanced nutrition. Do not attempt crash diets or extreme bulking — Army doctors are experienced at identifying unhealthy body composition.
Vision Standards
| Vision Type | Requirement |
| Distance Vision (with glasses) | 6/9 in one eye, 6/12 in other |
| Near Vision (with or without glasses) | J2 & J7 or N8 & N12 |
| Color Vision | Must not have color blindness |
Pak Army Physical Test — Events, Repetitions, and Time Limits by Course
This is the most critical section for every aspirant. The Pak Army physical test time limits differ by course. Study this table carefully and identify which course you are applying for.
Physical Test Standards — All Courses at a Glance
| Physical Event | PMA Long Course (Male) | TCC (Male) | ICTO/PSYCH/RV&F (Male) | LCC/Female Courses |
| 1.6 km Run | 8 Minutes | 8 Minutes | 9 Minutes | 14 Minutes |
| Push-Ups | 15 reps / 2 min | 15 reps / 2 min | 10 reps / 2 min | Not Required |
| Sit-Ups | 20 reps / 2 min | 20 reps / 2 min | 10 reps / 2 min | Not Required |
| Chin-Ups | 3 reps / 2 min | 3 reps / 2 min | 2 reps / 2 min | Not Required |
| Ditch Crossing | Applicable | Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Ditch Crossing Dimensions: 7 feet 4 inches × 7 feet 4 inches, with a depth of 4 feet.
Key Points to Note
- The PMA Long Course requires repeater candidates to undergo only the Medical and Physical Tests — they do not retake the written/intelligence test.
- Repeater candidates for TCC, Pakistan Navy (PN), and PAF must undergo the complete preliminary test again, including written, physical, and medical.
- Female candidates for LCC and other female courses must complete the 1.6 km run in 14 minutes but are exempted from push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, and ditch crossing.
How to Clear the Pak Army Physical Test — Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1 — Build Your Running Endurance (Start 30–90 Days Before)
The 1.6 km run in 8 minutes (which equals a speed of approximately 12 km/h) is the most elimination-heavy event. Most candidates who fail the physical test fail here first.
- Week 1–2: Walk/jog 2–3 km daily to build base stamina.
- Week 3–4: Increase jogging pace. Target 2 km in under 12 minutes.
- Week 5–8: Add interval sprinting — sprint 400 metres, recover, repeat.
- Final 2 Weeks: Simulate the actual test. Run 1.6 km and time yourself every 2 days.
Step 2 — Master Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, and Chin-Ups
Practice these exercises daily in strict-form repetitions — Army instructors reject reps that do not meet proper form standards.
- Push-Ups: Lower chest to near-ground level, full arm extension on the way up. Target 25+ reps to pass 15 comfortably.
- Sit-Ups: Feet can be held or anchored. Full range of motion — shoulders must touch the ground on each rep.
- Chin-Ups: Overhand grip, chin must clear the bar on each rep. This is the hardest event for most candidates. Practice daily on a pull-up bar.
Step 3 — Practice Ditch Crossing
A ditch measuring 7 feet 4 inches wide and 4 feet deep must be crossed. Practice broad jumps at home or at a park. The technique is a running approach jump — not a standing broad jump. Build leg power through squats and explosive box jumps.
Visit official website: Physical test requirements for Pak Army
Initial Medical Test Requirements at AS&RC
After clearing the physical fitness events, candidates undergo an initial medical examination at the AS&RC. The key checks include:
- Height measurement — confirmed again with a calibrated stadiometer
- Weight and BMI verification — checked by the medical officer
- Eyesight test — Snellen chart test for both distance and near vision
- Color vision test — using Ishihara plates to detect color blindness
- General physical examination — checking for obvious physical defects, flat feet, knock knees, or other disqualifying conditions
- Hearing assessment — basic check for auditory function
Final Medical Examination After ISSB Clearance
Candidates recommended by ISSB undergo a comprehensive final medical board at the nearest Combined Military Hospital (CMH). This examination is far more detailed than the initial test.
| Medical Test | Details |
| Chest X-Ray | Lung and cardiac screening |
| Blood Test | Full blood count, pathology report |
| Urine Culture | Kidney and urinary tract screening |
| ENT Examination | Ears, nose, throat — including eardrum check |
| Surgical Examination | General surgical assessment by specialist |
| Medical Specialist Review | Cardiac, musculoskeletal, and internal medicine check |
| Vision Retest | Comprehensive ophthalmology evaluation |
General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi makes the final selection based on the candidate’s overall performance across written, ISSB, and medical evaluations.
Pro Tip: Do not hide any medical history during the Army medical board. Concealing conditions such as a previous surgery, chronic illness, or medication use is a disqualifying offence that can also result in a permanent ban from future applications.
Pak Army Physical Test Preparation Timeline
| Timeline Before Test | Action Item |
| 90 Days | Begin daily running, calculate BMI, start chinup/pushup training |
| 60 Days | Increase running intensity, add interval sprints, meet height/BMI targets |
| 30 Days | Full simulated test runs every 2–3 days, fine-tune all events |
| 14 Days | Maintain fitness, avoid injury, rest adequately |
| 7 Days | Light exercise only, focus on sleep and nutrition |
| Test Day | Arrive early, wear proper footwear, stay hydrated, warm up before events |
Frequently Asked Questions — Pak Army Physical Test Requirements
Q1. What is the minimum height to join the Pak Army?
The minimum height for male candidates is 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm). For female candidates, the minimum height is 5 feet (152.4 cm). Candidates who do not meet this requirement are disqualified before the fitness test begins.
Q2. How long do you have to complete the 1.6 km run in the Pak Army physical test?
For PMA Long Course and TCC male candidates, the time limit is 8 minutes. For male candidates in ICTO, PSYCH, and RV&F courses, the limit is 9 minutes. Female candidates have 14 minutes to complete the same distance.
Q3. How many push-ups are required for the Pak Army physical test?
Male candidates for PMA Long Course and TCC must complete 15 push-ups within 2 minutes. Candidates in ICTO and related courses must complete 10 push-ups in 2 minutes. Female candidates are not required to perform push-ups.
Q4. What are the eyesight requirements to join the Pak Army?
Distance vision with glasses must be 6/9 in one eye and 6/12 in the other. Near vision must be J2 and J7, or N8 and N12 (with or without glasses). Candidates must also have no color blindness.
Q5. What is ditch crossing in the Pak Army physical test?
Ditch crossing is a physical agility event where the candidate must jump across a ditch measuring 7 feet 4 inches in length and width, with a depth of 4 feet. It is applicable for PMA Long Course and TCC candidates. A running approach is used — it is not a standing jump.
Q6. Is the Pak Army physical test the same for all courses?
No. Physical test standards vary by course. PMA Long Course and TCC have the most demanding standards (8-minute run, 15 push-ups, 20 sit-ups, 3 chin-ups, ditch crossing). Female candidates and candidates for officer induction courses (ICTO, PSYCH, RV&F) have relaxed requirements. Always check the specific standards for your applied course.
Q7. What happens after I clear the Pak Army physical test at AS&RC?
After you clear the physical and initial medical test at the AS&RC, the ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board) will call you for tests in Kohat, Gaddafi Camp (Lahore), or Quetta. ISSB-recommended candidates then appear before a final medical board at the nearest CMH. Final selection is announced by GHQ, Rawalpindi.
Q8. Can I rejoin if I fail the Pak Army physical test?
Yes. Most courses allow candidates to reapply in the next intake. However, candidates who fail the medical test due to a permanent disqualifying condition may not be eligible for future applications. Applicants may reapply after correcting temporary fitness failures (such as being slightly over BMI).
Conclusion
The Pak Army physical test requirements are clear, measurable, and achievable — but only for those who prepare seriously and early. Whether you are applying for the PMA Long Course, TCC, Lady Cadet Course, or any other Army induction programme, your physical fitness is not just a formality — it is the foundation of your military career.
Start your preparation at least 90 days before your test date. Focus on the 1.6 km run above all other events, build upper body strength through daily push-ups and chin-ups, and confirm your BMI and height standards well in advance. Walk into your AS&RC physically ready, mentally confident, and medically prepared.
Ready to take the next step toward your Army career? Visit PakJobs24.com today for the latest Pak Army recruitment announcements, PMA Long Course registration dates, TCC openings, AFNS vacancies, and complete test preparation resources — all updated daily for Pakistani job seekers.
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