On this page 13 sections
- ISSB call letter, date and result at a glance
- What is the ISSB call letter in Pakistan
- How to check your ISSB date
- What to do if your call letter does not arrive
- The four ISSB centres and reporting
- What to bring to the ISSB
- How to check your ISSB result
- When does the ISSB result come out
- What happens after a recommendation
- How many times you can appear in the ISSB
- ISSB scams to avoid
- Mistakes to avoid
- Frequently asked questions
ISSB call letter, date and result at a glance#
The ISSB result in Pakistan is checked on issb.gov.pk by CNIC, and it shows Recommended or Not Recommended. The call letter is checked on the same portal, on a different tab.
The call letter and the result are two different things on the same portal. The call letter comes before the ISSB, and the result comes after it.
| Check | Portal | Tab | Credential | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call letter | issb.gov.pk | Call Letter / Status | CNIC without dashes | About 20 days before the test |
| Result | issb.gov.pk | Result Status | CNIC without dashes (Batch ID where asked) | Within about a week of the ISSB |
The force portals (joinpakarmy.gov.pk, joinpaknavy.gov.pk, joinpaf.gov.pk) run registration and the initial tests. The ISSB call letter and result are checked on issb.gov.pk, for all three forces.
The ISSB process guide explains the four days of tests. This guide covers checking the call letter, date and recommendation result, which it does not.
What is the ISSB call letter in Pakistan#
The ISSB call letter, also called the call-up letter, is the formal invitation to appear at an ISSB centre. The candidate receives it only after clearing the initial tests, the initial interview and the medical examination.
The letter lists the test centre (Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir or Quetta), the reporting date and time, and the packing and document list.
It also carries the candidate’s name and roll number. The final testing roll number is printed directly on the call letter. There is no separate “ISSB slip” to download.
The letter is sent to the candidate’s postal address and by email, and it is also checked online. The candidate who has not received it by post checks the status online and downloads a duplicate copy.
Without the letter, or an official printout of the online information, the candidate is denied entry to the test centre. The call letter is proof of eligibility and the candidate’s entry document for the ISSB.
The call letter is not the registration slip.
The registration slip guide covers the entry document for the initial test at the AS&RC, PNR&SC or PAF Information and Selection Centre. The ISSB call letter is the entry document for the ISSB, and it comes after the initial tests.
The ISSB is the Inter Services Selection Board, the central officer-selection authority for the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force. It was established in 1948 and is headquartered in Kohat. Its official website is issb.gov.pk.
Only officer candidates go to the ISSB. That means PMA Long Course, PN Cadet, and PAF Permanent Commission and SSC candidates.
Sailors, soldiers and airmen do not go to the ISSB. Medical branch candidates skip it and take a personality test at their recruitment centre instead.
Three officers judge the candidate separately and agree on the final recommendation together: the psychologist, the Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Deputy President (interviewing officer).
The ISSB runs 4 testing days plus 1 arrival day, 5 days at the centre. It tests leadership, courage, honesty, teamwork and emotional stability. It does not test what the candidate knows, and no single test decides the result.
How to check your ISSB date#
The ISSB date is checked on issb.gov.pk, for all three forces. The candidate opens issb.gov.pk, clicks the “Call Letter / Status” tab (also called the Call System), enters the CNIC number without dashes exactly as on the original application form, and submits.
- Open issb.gov.pk: go to the Inter Services Selection Board website, issb.gov.pk.
- Click the “Call Letter / Status” tab: find the Call System section on the homepage.
- Enter the CNIC without dashes: enter the CNIC number without dashes, for example 3520212345678. An ISSB form number or roll number is also accepted as the credential.
- Read the status: the screen shows the name, the registration or roll number, the course, and the test centre and reporting date if the letter is issued.
- Download and print the letter: if the status is “Issued”, a Print or Download button appears. The candidate downloads the call letter as a PDF, saves it, and prints it. The printout is valid for entry.
The candidate carries at least two printed copies, one to carry and one to keep at home, and keeps a digital copy on the phone as a backup.
What the status messages mean
The status messages tell the candidate where the call letter stands. The table below gives each status and what the candidate does next.
| Status | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pending / Under Process | The application is still being reviewed, and no decision is made yet | Check back periodically, every Monday |
| Shortlisted | The initial test is passed, and a call letter follows | Wait, usually within 15 to 20 days |
| Issued / Called | The call letter is ready with the centre and reporting date | Download and print it immediately |
| Not Called | Not selected for the ISSB stage in this cycle | No call letter follows for this cycle |
| ABSENT | Called but did not report on the given date | Contact the ISSB centre immediately by phone |
The call letter is issued about 18 to 20 days before the test date. Letters are issued in phases, with high-merit candidates first, and a “Pending” status means checking back every Monday.
A “Pending” status for 2 months is normal for PMA Long Course. Scheduling takes time when the volume of candidates is high, and the candidate keeps checking weekly.
Sharing the call letter on social media is prohibited under ISSB policy. The call letter, test content and result are not shared on social media.
What to do if your call letter does not arrive#
A candidate who has not received the letter by post checks the status online again near the expected test window. The online check is faster than waiting for postal delivery.
The candidate also checks the email inbox and the spam folder, because some letters are sent digitally.
A candidate whose reporting date is near and whose letter still has not arrived contacts the ISSB centre given in the original application acknowledgment. A printout of the online status is kept as backup, and entrants have used the electronic printout to get access.
A candidate can go to the ISSB without the posted call letter, with the online printed copy and a name on the gate list. Without a printout, entry is difficult.
A candidate whose date has passed because the letter arrived late contacts the ISSB centre immediately by phone. Late arrivals are usually accommodated in the next ongoing batch if the delay was due to the postal service.
A candidate who has not received the call letter at the postal address writes a letter with the initial test details to ISSB centre Kohat.
The ISSB is not bound to call a candidate again. A candidate who cannot attend on the given date is not guaranteed another call.
The four ISSB centres and reporting#
There are four ISSB centres: Kohat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, headquarters), Gujranwala (Punjab), Malir (Karachi, Sindh) and Quetta (Balochistan).
| Centre | Where | Contact | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kohat | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, headquarters | 0922-920085 | No pick-and-drop; the candidate reaches the centre on their own |
| Gujranwala | Punjab | 055-269-3814, 055-3866036 | From the Garrison MP Check Post, first bus 1:00 PM, last bus 1:45 PM |
| Malir | Karachi, Sindh | 021-4953810, 021-9247748 | From Karachi Cantt Railway Station, first bus 1:00 PM, last bus 1:45 PM, out-station candidates only |
| Quetta | Balochistan | 081-2300636 | Free buses run from the nearest railway stations and bus stands |
The official ISSB homepage gives the Kohat number as 0922-920085. Two other numbers are also in circulation for Kohat: 0922-9260085 and 0922-521-3808.
The centre is assigned on the call letter and cannot be changed. The centre is assigned on domicile and provincial quota. Requests to change the centre are generally not entertained.
All four centres follow the same 5-day schedule and the same evaluation standard, and there is no easier centre. A single-batch course is held at Kohat only. The Lady Cadet Course forms a single batch and its candidates are called to ISSB Kohat.
The candidate reports on the date and time shown in the call status. Candidates who fail to report before 3:00 PM on the specified date are normally not allowed to test, and the ISSB is not bound to call them again.
The date cannot be changed either. A seriously ill candidate faxes or emails the medical certificate to the specific ISSB centre immediately to request a reschedule. That is the only reschedule route.
Free messing and lodging are provided at the centre, and washing, pressing and a barber are available on payment.
What to bring to the ISSB#
Original documents only; photocopies are not accepted for certificates. A candidate without the required documents is not allowed to test and is sent back without travelling allowance.
Original documents
The documents are the original Matric certificate issued by the board, the Matric detailed marks sheet or result card, the original Intermediate (FA, FSc, DAE or ICS) certificate and marks sheet, the CNIC, the domicile, and the ISSB call-up letter.
- Matric certificate: the original certificate issued by the board. A result card or marks sheet alone is not accepted. If the board has not issued the certificate, the candidate brings a certificate from the Secretary Board.
- Matric marks sheet: the detailed marks sheet or result card.
- Intermediate certificate and marks sheet: the original FA, FSc, DAE or ICS certificate and marks sheet.
- CNIC: the original computerised CNIC.
- Domicile: the original domicile certificate.
- Call-up letter: the ISSB call letter, printed.
- O and A level candidates: the equivalence certificate and birth certificate are compulsory.
- Part-I appearing candidates: FA and FSc Part-I appearing candidates bring the original Part-I marks sheet with a surety or hope certificate from the college.
- Repeater: a repeater brings the previous Not Recommendation Letter.
A lost original Matric or Inter certificate is replaced by a “Receipt of Certificate Issuance” from the Board or University, verified by the Controller of Exams. That is the route given for a missing original certificate.
Degrees must not be plastic-coated, except already-coated non-removable ones.
Kit and dress
The kit for males is white shorts (1 pair), canvas shoes or joggers (1 pair), white socks (1 pair), white vest or sports shirt (1 pair), and a pull-over or jersey in winter.
The kit for females is a track suit (1 pair), canvas shoes or joggers (1 pair), white socks (1 pair), white vest or sports shirt (1 pair), and a pull-over or jersey in winter.
The candidate also brings hair bands and safety pins, with finely trimmed nails and neatly tied hair, and no jewellery during obstacles and tasks.
Dress for group discussion, group planning and the interview is shalwar qameez or shirt and trousers in summer, and shalwar qameez, lounge suit, or shirt and trousers with a pullover in winter.
The candidate also brings a towel, toiletries and writing material (blue ball-point or ink).
Prohibited items
Camera of any type, audio-visual items, knife or sharp weapon, mobile phone, pets, liquor or drugs, firearms, government-banned items, valuables and large sums of money are prohibited. Mobile phones, if brought, are collected at reception and returned before departure.
The gate documents are the original CNIC, the original Matric and Inter certificates, and the call letter. Those three are checked at the gate.
How to check your ISSB result#
The ISSB result is checked on issb.gov.pk, on the “Result Status” tab. The call status tab is used before the ISSB and the result status tab after the ISSB, on the same portal.
- Open issb.gov.pk: go to the Inter Services Selection Board website, issb.gov.pk.
- Click the “Result Status” tab: the tab is used after the ISSB, on the same portal as the call status tab.
- Enter the CNIC without dashes: enter the CNIC number without dashes. The Batch ID allotted during the ISSB, or the ISSB form number, is entered alongside it where the portal asks for it.
- Read the result: the result shows Recommended or Not Recommended.
The online result status is the official result, and the result letter is also posted to the candidate’s home address later.
The result is not given by name. The online system takes the CNIC, and the Batch ID or form number where asked, and no result is available by name online.
The result is not sent by SMS. The candidate checks the result on the portal.
Recommended vs Not Recommended
Recommended means the candidate has cleared the full ISSB process. The candidate is forwarded for merit listing and further medical processing.
Not Recommended means the candidate did not meet the required standard in this attempt. The candidate checks eligibility for a re-attempt under the applicable policy.
A recommended candidate receives only the recommendation letter, and the ISSB holds the original documents. A non-recommended candidate receives the original documents back. The size of the envelope tells the candidate about a recommendation or a non-recommendation.
The signs of a recommendation do not always hold. A re-interview is generally conducted with recommended candidates, although a few candidates are still not recommended after a re-interview.
A re-obstacle or re-command task is given when the candidate performs well in other tasks but fails to clear a certain number of obstacles.
The Deputy President sometimes gives hints of a recommendation to the recommended candidate, and directly conveys the message of recommendation. In the case of a non-recommendation, no hint is given.
When does the ISSB result come out#
The ISSB result is announced within about a week of the candidate appearing at the ISSB. Sometimes it is less than two days, and sometimes it takes longer, up to a few weeks.
The result is announced after the conference on the last day. After the conference, candidates are paid TA/DA and depart, and the result letter is posted to the home address later.
No specific result date is stated in this guide.
What happens after a recommendation#
After a recommendation, the candidate is called for a detailed final medical examination by the respective headquarters (GHQ, AHQ or NHQ).
The final medical is different and more thorough than the initial medical, and the candidate reports to the designated medical board centre (a Combined Military Hospital) on the given dates.
Short Service Commission candidates then face a final interview by the respective headquarters. The panel consists of very high-rank officers (Colonel and above). Most candidates pass this interview, and some are rejected in it.
The final merit list is prepared by the respective headquarters (GHQ for the Army). Those who clear the ISSB and the final medical are shortlisted for joining the respective academy.
The merit list is not displayed on print. A candidate who receives no joining instructions approaches the respective headquarters.
A candidate whose name is not on the final merit list waits patiently and may receive joining instructions or an offer from a sister armed force.
A recommendation is not final selection. The candidate still faces the final medical, and for Short Service Commission candidates a final interview by the respective headquarters, and then the final merit list.
A recommendation that does not make the merit list does not waste the ISSB chance. The candidate still has the remaining attempts if the age limit permits.
The final merit list and joining instructions take longer than the ISSB result. The final result usually takes 4 to 8 weeks after the ISSB.
How many times you can appear in the ISSB#
A candidate gets a maximum of 2 ISSB attempts in a lifetime. A second ISSB failure ends the chances. Being screened out twice also ends them. Fake documents, or being declared unfit by an Appeal Medical Board, also end them.
The 2 chances are counted combined across all commissioning courses. A candidate who was not recommended twice for one course cannot appear for another course with the same qualification.
A third attempt is available after completing graduation (16 years of education) in certain degrees.
A candidate who was not recommended twice on an FSc basis and then completes a 4-year BS or MSc can appear a third time for a post that needs that degree.
The third attempt needs the Masters degree (16 years of education) and the age and other eligibility for the chosen course.
Screening out on Day 2 counts as a full attempt. A candidate who fails the intelligence tests on Day 2 is screened out and sent home the same day, and that counts as one of the two attempts.
ISSB scams to avoid#
The only place to check the ISSB call letter and result is issb.gov.pk. PDFs sent through unverified WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages or third-party download links are old or manipulated, and third-party sites that claim quicker or leaked results are not trusted.
Nobody can sell a seat, a test date or an ISSB pass.
The Army collects its fee only through the fee challan generated from the candidate’s own registration, paid at National Bank of Pakistan branches. The Navy and PAF never charge for registration, slips or selection.
A caller or message asking for money to “confirm” a selection is reported to the Join Pak Army help desk on 051-5686225, and the GHQ Facilitation Centre is on 051-111-130-786.
Mistakes to avoid#
The mistakes below cost candidates their ISSB. Each one is avoidable with a careful read of the call letter and the status.
- Checking the wrong tab: the Call Status tab is used before the ISSB, and the Result Status tab is used after it. The two tabs are on the same portal, issb.gov.pk.
- Waiting for the postman: the letter is sent by post, but the online check is faster. A candidate who has not received the letter by post checks the status online and downloads a duplicate copy.
- Sharing the call letter or result on social media: sharing the call letter, test content or result on social media is prohibited under ISSB policy.
- Arriving after 3:00 PM: candidates who fail to report before 3:00 PM on the specified date are normally not allowed to test, and the ISSB is not bound to call them again.
- Bringing photocopies instead of originals: original documents only; photocopies are not accepted for certificates. A candidate without the required documents is not allowed to test and is sent back without travelling allowance.
- Bringing a camera or audio-visual items: cameras and audio-visual items are prohibited at the ISSB. Mobile phones, if brought, are collected at reception and returned before departure.
- Counting on a third attempt without the degree: a third attempt needs graduation (16 years of education) in certain degrees. Two failures on an FSc basis end the chances without it.
- Trusting WhatsApp or Facebook PDFs: PDFs sent through unverified WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages or third-party download links are old or manipulated. The only place to check is issb.gov.pk.
- Paying anyone for a seat, a test date or an ISSB pass: nobody can sell a seat, a test date or an ISSB pass. Anyone asking for money is running a scam.
Frequently asked questions#
How do I check my ISSB date?
The ISSB date is checked on issb.gov.pk, for all three forces. The candidate enters the CNIC number without dashes, and the screen shows the test centre and reporting date if the letter is issued.
When does the ISSB result come out?
The ISSB result is announced within about a week of the candidate appearing at the ISSB. Sometimes it is less than two days, and sometimes it takes longer, up to a few weeks.
The result letter is posted to the home address later.
Can I change my ISSB centre or date?
No. The centre is assigned on the call letter and cannot be changed, and the date cannot be changed either.
A seriously ill candidate faxes or emails the medical certificate to the specific ISSB centre immediately to request a reschedule. That is the only reschedule route.
What if my call letter does not arrive?
A candidate who has not received the letter by post checks the status online again near the expected test window, and checks the email inbox and the spam folder.
A candidate whose reporting date is near and whose letter still has not arrived contacts the ISSB centre given in the original application acknowledgment. A printout of the online status is kept as backup.
Can I go to the ISSB without the call letter?
A candidate can go to the ISSB without the posted call letter, with the online printed copy and a name on the gate list. Without a printout, entry is difficult.
Without the letter, or an official printout of the online information, the candidate is denied entry to the test centre.
What does Recommended mean?
Recommended means the candidate has cleared the full ISSB process. The candidate is forwarded for merit listing and further medical processing. A recommended candidate receives only the recommendation letter, and the ISSB holds the original documents.
What happens after a recommendation?
After a recommendation, the candidate is called for a detailed final medical examination by the respective headquarters (GHQ, AHQ or NHQ).
Short Service Commission candidates then face a final interview by the respective headquarters. The final merit list is prepared by the respective headquarters, and those who clear the ISSB and the final medical are shortlisted for joining the respective academy.
How many times can I appear in the ISSB?
A candidate gets a maximum of 2 ISSB attempts in a lifetime. The 2 chances are counted combined across all commissioning courses.
Screening out on Day 2 counts as a full attempt. A third attempt is available after completing graduation (16 years of education) in certain degrees.
What do I bring to the ISSB?
The candidate brings the original documents and the kit.
- Documents: original Matric certificate, Matric detailed marks sheet, original Intermediate certificate and marks sheet, CNIC, domicile, and ISSB call-up letter.
- Kit: white shorts, canvas shoes or joggers, white socks, white vest or sports shirt for males, and a track suit for females.
- Prohibited: cameras, audio-visual items and mobile phones.
Is the ISSB result on the force portal or on issb.gov.pk?
The ISSB result is on issb.gov.pk, on the “Result Status” tab. The force portals (joinpakarmy.gov.pk, joinpaknavy.gov.pk, joinpaf.gov.pk) run registration and the initial tests. There is no separate ISSB check on any force portal.
Is the ISSB the same for all three forces?
Yes. The ISSB is the central officer-selection authority for the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force, established in 1948 and headquartered in Kohat.
All three forces send their officer candidates to the same four centres, Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir and Quetta, and the same board and process apply.
The join Pak Army guide, the join PAF guide and the join Pak Navy guide explain each force’s entry route.
