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ISSB preparation guide: process, guidance and documents

Understand what ISSB says about its ISSB selection process for officer applicants, how to prepare responsibly and where to find official instructions and forms.

On this page

The Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) assesses applicants for officer training in the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force. ISSB is one part of the selection process for some officer entries. It is not used for every service job.

Your call letter gives your instructions.

Dates and activities can change. Check the official ISSB website and follow your own call letter.

What ISSB says it looks for

The official selection system says its activities can change. It uses individual and group activities to learn about each person. ISSB says psychologists, Group Testing Officers (GTOs) and Deputy Presidents take part in the four-day selection process.

The official guide names clear thinking, calm behaviour, teamwork, willingness to take part, study ability, confidence, communication, motivation and general knowledge. It asks applicants to be honest and warns against false behaviour and unfair help.

For a simple guide to the common group tasks, see ISSB GTO tasks and interviews.

Prepare in a useful way

  • Read the official ISSB candidate guide.
  • Practise talking about your real interests, experiences and reasons for applying.
  • Join normal group, sports, school, community or work activities. Practise listening as well as speaking.
  • Keep up with English and maths. The official guide mentions both.
  • Do not memorise a made-up personality or trust promises of selection. ISSB advises applicants not to join private ISSB coaching centres.
  • Follow your call letter for travel, reporting, documents, clothing and items you may not bring.

Documents and travel

ISSB lists forms and downloads and a schedule that may change. An older official joining instructions PDF is dated 2022. Use it only for background. Follow your current call letter for your document list and schedule.

ISSB lists centres in Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir and Quetta. Your call letter tells you where to report. For the earlier service test, read selection steps.

Sources checked 12 November 2026. Information can change. Check the official source for current dates, rules and instructions.