Join Pak Army as an Psychologist Through Direct Short Service Commission in 2025
The Pakistan Army offers a prestigious opportunity to serve as a Psychologist Officer through the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) in 2025. This role is ideal for individuals with a passion for mental health and a desire to support the psychological well-being of soldiers. With online registration open from June 23 to July 22, 2025, this is a golden chance to join the ranks as a Captain and contribute to the nation’s defense force.
Apply Now – Limited Time!
Online Registration Closes On:
22 July 2025
Eligibility Criteria for Psychologist Officer via DSSC
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizens of Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, or Gilgit-Baltistan. Dual nationals must surrender other citizenships upon final selection. |
| Gender | Male candidates only. |
| Age | Up to 28 years as of November 1, 2025. |
| Marital Status | Both married and unmarried candidates are eligible. |
| Educational Qualification | A minimum of 16 years of education with an MSc or BS in Psychology from an HEC-recognized institution. A minimum CGPA of 2.0/4.0 or 50% marks in the annual system is required, with no third division throughout the academic career. |
| Physical Standards | Minimum height of 5’4” (162.5 cm) and weight as per Body Mass Index. |
Application Process for Psychologist Officer 2025
Interested candidates can apply through two methods:
Online Registration: Visit www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk from June 23 to July 22, 2025. Candidates will receive a test date and time via email and must have an active email account.
In-Person Registration: Report to the nearest Army Selection and Recruitment Centre (AS&RC) in cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Multan, D.I. Khan, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Khuzdar, or Pano Aqil with required documents and a Rs. 500 prospectus fee.
Selection Process for Psychologist Officer in Pakistan Army
The selection process is rigorous and includes multiple stages:
Academic and Intelligence Tests: Conducted at AS&RCs, these multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests assess verbal and non-verbal intelligence, along with subject-specific psychology knowledge.
Physical Tests: Candidates must complete a 1.6 km run in 9 minutes, 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, and 2 chin-ups in 2 minutes.
Preliminary Medical Tests: Initial health checks at AS&RCs, including height, weight, vision, and general fitness.
ISSB Tests: A 4-day assessment at centers in Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir, or Quetta, evaluating psychological traits, group tasks, and interviews.
Detailed Medical Examination: Conducted at nearby Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs) for ISSB-recommended candidates.
GHQ Final Selection Board Interview: Held in Rawalpindi, this interview assesses overall performance, personality, and motivation, conducted by senior officers.
Selected candidates will undergo 6 months of Basic Military Training at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul. Upon completion, they will be commissioned as Captains and must sign a 7-year service bond, effective from the training’s end.
Perks and Benefits for Psychologist Officer in Pak Army
Psychologist Officers enjoy:
Free accommodation or housing allowance.
Free medical care for self and family.
Free utilities (electricity, water, gas).
Subsidized education for children at Army Public Schools.
Travel benefits, including free C-130 flights and discounted PIA/railway tickets.
Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Academic Certificates/Degrees/Diplomas | Original documents of Matric to MSc/BS (Psychology for Psychologist Officer) from HEC-recognized institutions, along with two sets of attested photocopies. |
| No Objection Certificate (NOC) | Required for serving applicants from their current department, with an attested photocopy. |
| Attested Photocopy of Domicile | Proof of residence from the candidate’s home district or province. |
| Photocopy of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) | A clear copy of the candidate’s CNIC. |
| Colored Passport-Size Photos | Six colored photos, properly attested on both front and back. |
| HEC Verification Evidence | Proof that degrees are verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). |
| Prospectus Fee Receipt | Receipt of Rs. 500 paid at the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) or deposited at AS&RC on the test day. |
| Application Period | June 23, 2025, to July 22, 2025, at www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk |
Ineligibility Criteria for Joining Pak Army as an Psychologist Officer
| Ineligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Exceeding Limit | Candidates above 28 years as of November 1, 2025, are ineligible. |
| Gender Restriction | Female candidates are ineligible; only males may apply for the Psychologist Officer role under DSSC. |
| Academic Ineligibility | Candidates with a third division (Grade D) or more than one second division (Grade C) from Matric to MSc/BS (Psychology) are ineligible. Degrees from non-HEC recognized institutions or foreign universities not approved by HEC also disqualify candidates. |
| Medical Unfitness | Candidates permanently declared unfit by an Appeal Medical Board, or those testing positive for Hepatitis B/C, are ineligible. Color blindness or vision below 6/6 (with/without corrective lenses) also disqualifies. |
| Previous ISSB Rejections | Candidates rejected twice by ISSB for PMA/Graduate or equivalent courses (Army, Navy, or PAF) are ineligible; no third attempt is granted for Psychologist Officer. |
| Disciplinary History | Candidates withdrawn from any Armed Forces academy/training institution or dismissed/removed/debarred from government service on disciplinary grounds are ineligible. |
| Criminal Conviction | Candidates convicted by any court of law are ineligible. |
| Dual Nationality (Unresolved) | Candidates holding dual nationality who fail to renounce other citizenship(s) upon final selection are ineligible. |
| Recent ISSB Appearance | Candidates who appeared at any ISSB within the past 120 days are ineligible, unless formally waived by DGPA. |
| Application Deadline Violation | Candidates applying after July 22, 2025, or submitting incomplete/incorrect documentation are ineligible. |
Academic TEST FOR PSYCHOLOGIST OFFICER IN PAKISTAN ARMY
| Test Component | Details | Questions & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology Fundamentals |
MCQs covering core concepts from BS and MSc in Psychology: - Introduction to Psychology: Historical perspectives, major schools (e.g., Behaviorism, Cognitive). - Research Methods: Experimental design, statistical analysis, hypothesis testing. - Developmental Psychology: Lifespan development, stages (e.g., Piaget, Erikson). - Clinical Psychology: Abnormal behavior, assessment techniques (e.g., MMPI, TAT), therapeutic approaches (e.g., CBT). |
25 questions / 30 minutes |
| Counseling and Therapy |
MCQs on advanced topics from MSc level: - Counseling theories (e.g., Person-Centered, Gestalt). - Therapeutic techniques and interventions. - Ethical considerations in psychological practice, relevant to a Psychologist Officer’s role. |
15 questions / 20 minutes |
| General Psychology Knowledge |
MCQs on broader psychological principles: - Social Psychology: Group dynamics, attitudes, prejudice. - Cognitive Psychology: Memory, perception, problem-solving. - Biological Psychology: Brain structure, neurotransmitters. |
20 questions / 25 minutes |
| Application to Military Context |
MCQs linking psychology to military settings: - Stress management and resilience training. - Psychological assessment for recruitment and deployment. - Mental health support strategies for soldiers. |
15 questions / 20 minutes |
| General Knowledge |
MCQs on: - Pakistan Studies (history, geography, culture). - Current affairs. - Basic military awareness, supporting the Psychologist Officer’s role in the army. |
25 questions / 30 minutes |
| Test Format and Passing Criteria | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) conducted at AS&RCs. Minimum passing threshold: Approximately 60% marks, with no third division in academic history (CGPA 2.0/4.0 or 50% required). | Total: 100 questions / 125 minutes |
| Application Period | June 23, 2025, to July 22, 2025, at www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk | – |
| Test Type | Details | Questions & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Test |
Conducted at AS&RCs as part of preliminary selection. Includes: - Verbal Intelligence: MCQs on sentence completion, analogies, and comprehension (e.g., significance of 14 August), tailored to academic background (Psychology for Psychologist Officer). - Non-Verbal Intelligence: Pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and logical sequences to assess problem‑solving skills. Aim: Evaluate cognitive abilities and quick thinking, with a minimum passing threshold of approximately 60% for science and 50% for arts backgrounds. |
- Verbal: 30 questions / 25 minutes - Non‑Verbal: 20 questions / 15 minutes Total: 50 questions / 40 minutes |
| English Test |
Integrated into the intelligence test at AS&RCs. Includes MCQs on: - Grammar and vocabulary. - Reading comprehension and passage analysis. - Basic essay or sentence correction exercises. For Psychologist Officers, proficiency in English is essential for documentation and communication, with emphasis on clear expression relevant to counseling and reporting. |
30 questions / 30 minutes |
| Interview (Preliminary) |
Conducted at AS&RCs after initial tests. A brief discussion with an interviewing officer to assess: - Educational background and motivation. - Basic personality traits and communication skills. For Psychologist Officers, questions probe interest in mental health and counseling approaches. |
Verbal assessment / 10–15 minutes |
| GHQ Interview (Final Selection Board) |
Held at GHQ Rawalpindi after ISSB. Led by senior officers (e.g., Lieutenant Colonel rank), this formal interview evaluates: - Overall performance across prior stages. - Leadership potential, confidence, and motivation. - Knowledge of Pakistan Studies, current affairs, and specific responsibilities in psychological assessment and counseling. Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes, requiring honest and concise responses. |
Verbal assessment / 20–30 minutes |
| ISSB Test |
A 4‑day assessment at centers (Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir, Quetta) including: - Psychological Tests: Verbal and non‑verbal intelligence plus personality assessments. - GTO Tasks: Group discussions, planning, and physical challenges. - Interview: By Deputy President, covering family background, academics, and general awareness. Aims to assess leadership, teamwork, and psychological suitability, with emphasis on counseling skills and ethical considerations. |
- Psych Tests: 50 questions / 60 minutes - GTO Tasks: – / 2–3 hours per day - Interview: – / 20–30 minutes Total: ~50 written questions / 4 days (3–4 hours daily) |
| Application Period | June 23, 2025 to July 22, 2025 at www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk | – |
Psychological test of pak army psychologist
| Test Component | Details | Questions & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Intelligence Test | Assesses language-based reasoning and comprehension skills. Includes MCQs on sentence completion, analogies, and comprehension (e.g., significance of 14 August), tailored to a psychology background to evaluate a candidate’s ability to articulate and understand psychological concepts. | 30 questions / 25 minutes |
| Non-Verbal Intelligence Test | Evaluates problem-solving and spatial reasoning without language bias. Includes pattern recognition, logical sequences, and visual puzzles, testing cognitive abilities relevant to psychological assessment tasks. | 20 questions / 15 minutes |
| Personality Assessment (Written) | Conducted during ISSB to assess traits like emotional stability, leadership, and empathy. Includes tasks such as sentence completion (English/Urdu), word association, and picture story writing, focusing on the candidate’s suitability for counseling and mental health roles. | 15 tasks / 30 minutes |
| Psychological Interview (Post-Test Probe) | A semi-formal interaction by a Psychologist Officer to validate written assessments or clarify ambiguities. Covers personal background, motivation, and psychological aptitude, tailored to the Psychologist Officer role. | Verbal assessment / 5–10 minutes |
| Total Psychological Test | Combination of written tests and interview conducted over 4 days at ISSB centers (e.g., Kohat, Gujranwala). Aims to ensure candidates possess the mental resilience and interpersonal skills required for a Psychologist Officer. | Total: 65 written / 70–80 minutes (+ interview) |
| Application Period | June 23, 2025, to July 22, 2025, at www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk | – |
faqs
1. What is the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) in the Pak Army?
The DSSC is a special entry method allowing professionals to join the Pakistan Army as Captains with a 6-month training period at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul or AMC School & Centre, Abbottabad, based on their specialized qualifications.
2. Who is eligible to apply for DSSC in 2025?
Eligible candidates are males, up to 28 years as of November 1, 2025 (21-35 for serving VASS of RV&FC), with HEC-recognized degrees (e.g., MA, MSc, MBBS, LLB) and no third division. Citizens of Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, or Gilgit-Baltistan qualify, but dual nationals must surrender other citizenships upon selection.
3. What are the physical standards for DSSC?
Candidates must meet a minimum height of 5’4” (162.5 cm) and weight per Body Mass Index. Physical tests include a 1.6 km run in 9 minutes, 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, and 2 chin-ups in 2 minutes.
4. What roles can I apply for under DSSC?
Available roles include Army Education Officer, Psychologists Officer, Law Officer (males only), Corps of Remount Veterinary Farms Officer, Army Medical Cadet, Information Communication & Technology Officer (ICTO), and Aeronautical Engineer.
5. What are the academic requirements for each role?
- **Army Education Officer**: MA/MSc/BS in Mathematics, Computer Science, Geography/GIS, etc., with 16 years of education.
- **Psychologists Officer**: MSc/BS Psychology with 16 years of education.
- **Law Officer**: LLB with 2 years of Bar experience.
- **RV&FC Officer**: DVM or equivalent registered with PVMC; MSc/MPhil preferred.
- **Army Medical Cadet**: MBBS from PMC-recognized institutions.
- **ICTO**: 4-year B.Sc/B.E in Software Engineering or IT.
- **Aeronautical Engineer**: 4-year B.Sc/B.E in Aeronautical Engineering.
- **Psychologists Officer**: MSc/BS Psychology with 16 years of education.
- **Law Officer**: LLB with 2 years of Bar experience.
- **RV&FC Officer**: DVM or equivalent registered with PVMC; MSc/MPhil preferred.
- **Army Medical Cadet**: MBBS from PMC-recognized institutions.
- **ICTO**: 4-year B.Sc/B.E in Software Engineering or IT.
- **Aeronautical Engineer**: 4-year B.Sc/B.E in Aeronautical Engineering.
6. How can I apply for DSSC in 2025?
Register online at www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk or visit nearest AS&RCs (e.g., Rawalpindi, Lahore) from June 23 to July 22, 2025. Submit a Rs. 500 fee at NBP HQ Branch and required documents (certificates, CNIC, photos).
7. What is the selection process for DSSC?
The process includes preliminary tests (academic, intelligence, physical, medical) at AS&RCs, ISSB tests, and final selection by the GHQ Selection Board.
8. Who is ineligible to join through DSSC?
Candidates twice-rejected by ISSB, medically unfit (e.g., Hepatitis B/C), with positive drug tests, or dismissed from government service are ineligible.
9. What is the training period for DSSC?
Training lasts 6 months at PMA Kakul or AMC School & Centre, Abbottabad, depending on the role.
10. What are the career prospects after joining via DSSC?
Candidates start as Captains with a salary of PKR 45,000–75,000, free benefits (accommodation, medical), and potential for promotion to Major, Lt. Colonel, or higher ranks based on performance.
11. When is the deadline for DSSC registration in 2025?
Online registration closes on **July 22, 2025**, as of the latest update.
12. Where can I get more information or preparation support?
Visit www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk or contact AS&RCs. Preparation resources are available at Shaheen Forces Academy.
