Join Pakistan Marine Academy (Session 2026-27) – Deck & Engineering Cadets

Pakistan Marine Academy Admissions (Session 2026-27) – Deck & Engineering Cadets

Pakistan Marine Academy admissions are now open for the Session 2026-27, inviting young, ambitious men to join two-year cadet training programs in Marine Navigation (Deck) and Marine Engineering disciplines. This Marine cadet training program will enroll a total of 64 cadets (seats broadly divided between Deck and Engineering streams) at the Pakistan Marine Academy, Karachi. Applicants must be Pakistani male citizens, aged between 20 and 21 years by 31 December 2025, holding F.Sc (Pre-Engineering / Pre-Medical) or I.Com (General Science) credentials with at least 55% marks (60% in Part I for F.Sc). Successful candidates will graduate with an internationally recognized Bachelor’s degree (BS) from a World Maritime Organization (IMO)-accredited institution. Selected cadets will receive both theoretical instruction and hands-on seamanship training, including competitive Physical Endurance Tests (PET), to prepare them for careers as Deck Officers or Marine Engineers in the merchant navy.

To apply, download the application form from www.marineacademy.edu.pk, submit completed documentation with a PKR 4,000 bank draft drawn on NBP (Account #0239) in favor of Pakistan Marine Academy, and sit the written and PET examinations scheduled for 10 August 2025. The last date to submit forms is 25 July 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance in a rewarding nautical officer career with full academic support, scholarships, and professional cadet life at one of South Asia’s premier maritime institutes.

1. Programme Overview & Seat Allocation

¹ Note: A combined total of 64 seats is available for Deck and Engineering cadets. Of these, 33% scholarship seats (approx. 21 seats) are reserved according to provincial quotas:

• Balochistan: 15 seats
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK): 06 seats
• Punjab: 06 seats
• Sindh: 06 seats

2. About Pakistan Marine Academy

Established in 1962 under the Government of Pakistan, the Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) is a premier, world-class maritime training institution located in Karachi. Accredited by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), PMA provides:

• Two-year cadet training programs leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
• A rigorous blend of classroom instruction, practical laboratory work, and hands-on seamanship aboard training ships.
• Specialized faculties in Navigation (Deck), Marine Engineering (Mechanical / Electrical), Maritime Law, and Seamanship.
• A residential campus with fully stocked libraries, state-of-the-art simulators (Bridge Simulator, Engine Room Simulator), and physical fitness facilities.
• Graduates who routinely join national and international shipping companies (including PNSC, private ship owners, and offshore oil & gas firms) as Deck Cadets, Third Officers, Engine Cadets, and Electrical Cadets.

Over its history, PMA alumni have become leaders in the merchant navy, shipping management, and port operations. By joining PMA, cadets begin a rewarding nautical officer career that balances academic achievement, physical preparedness, and sea-going experience.

3. Eligibility Criteria & Essential Requirements ✅

To qualify for Pakistan Marine Academy admissions, candidates must meet all of the following conditions:

1. Citizenship & Gender
   • Must be an unmarried male citizen of Pakistan.
   • Valid CNIC or B-Form (for candidates under 18) is required.
2. Age Requirements (as of 31 December 2025)
   • Minimum Age: 20 years.
   • Maximum Age: 21 years.
   • No relaxations beyond one year (i.e., must not have attained 22 years by the cut-off date).
3. Academic Qualifications
   • F.Sc (Pre-Engineering / Pre-Medical) or I.Com (Computer Science / General Science) from a recognized Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education.
   • Minimum Marks: 55% aggregate (equivalent to 2.75 CGPA) in F.Sc or ICS / I.Com Final Examination.
     • For F.Sc candidates, at least 60% marks are required in Part I (First-Year F.Sc).
   • Equivalence Certificate from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) is required if the candidate holds any foreign-based intermediate equivalent qualification.
4. Physical & Medical Standards
   • Height: Minimum 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm).
   • BMI Range: 18.5 – 25.
   • Vision: 6/6 in each eye (naturally or corrected with soft contact lenses only; no color blindness).
   • General Health: Medically fit, free from chronic illnesses, as confirmed by an IMO-approved medical fitness certificate (gross physical examination at an authorized Armed Forces Hospital or PMA Medical Center).
   • Drug-free: No history of narcotics or psychotropic substance use; candidates must submit a negative DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) screening report.
5. Character & Conduct
   • Candidates must submit a Character Certificate / Police Clearance Certificate issued by the District / Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) stating no criminal record.
   • No disciplinary action or expulsion from any educational institution (public or private) on grounds of misconduct, cheating, or malpractice.

4. Programme Curriculum & Training Highlights

Marine Navigation (Deck) Cadet Course Highlights:

• Academic Subjects:
  • Principles of Navigation, Seamanship, Chart Work, Physics of Shipping, Oceanography, Meteorology, Marine Electrical & Electronics, Ship Construction, Cargo Handling, and International Maritime Law.
• Practical Training:
  • Bridge Simulator Exercises for radar, ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids), ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display & Information System), GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System).
  • Deck Work & Seamanship: Line handling, ropemaking, knots & splicing, basic engine room familiarization, lifeboat drills, and fire-fighting exercises.
• Sea Training:
  • Sea Service on Training Ship “Nazimuddin” for two months at least—learning watchkeeping, deck maintenance, steering, anchoring, and practical shipboard routines.

Marine Engineering Cadet Course Highlights:

• Academic Subjects:
  • Thermodynamics, Ship Machinery, Marine Diesel Engines, Auxiliary Machinery, Shipboard Piping Systems, Marine Electrical Machines, Marine Electronics, and Engine Room Resource Management.
• Practical Labs:
  • Engine Room Simulator for watchkeeping, machinery fault diagnosis, and emergency drills.
  • Hands-on workshops for lathe operation, welding, and machining.
• Sea Training:
  • Sea Service on Government / Chartered Cargo Vessels to undertake practical engine room duties, maintenance schedules, and safety drills under the supervision of licensed Marine Engineers.

Upon successful completion of the two-year program, cadets are awarded a BS (Marine Science) degree (Deck or Engineering) endorsed by the University of Karachi. Graduates are then eligible to appear for STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) Certification and join shipping companies as “Third Officer” (Deck) or “Fourth Engineer” (Engineering) on board merchant vessels.

5. Registration & Application Procedure 📅

Step 1: Download & Complete Application Form

1. Visit the official PMA website at www.marineacademy.edu.pk.
2. Navigate to “Admissions → Session 2026-27.”
3. Download the PMACadet2026_Form.pdf.
4. Print the form on A4 paper and fill it out legibly in black ink.
5. Attach two recent passport-size photographs (white background).

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

• Matriculation Certificate & Detailed Marks Certificate (attested copies).
• Intermediate / F.Sc / ICS / I.Com Certificate & DMC (attested copies).
• Equivalence Certificate from IBCC (if applicable).
• Local/Domicile Certificate (issued by Tehsildar from candidate’s district).
• Character Certificate / Police Clearance Certificate (no older than 6 months).
• IMO-Approved Medical Fitness Certificate (signed & stamped by an authorized MBBS/FCPS doctor).
• CNIC / B-Form (attested copy).
• Original Bank Draft of PKR 4,000 (non-refundable processing fee) in favor of “Pakistan Marine Academy, Karachi,” drawn on National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Account #0239.

Step 3: Submission of Application Package

• By Hand / Courier: Submit the completed form, documents, and bank draft to:

  Officer-In-Charge (Admissions)
  Pakistan Marine Academy,
  East Wharf Road, Karachi-75780
  Phone: 021-99241201-05 Ext: 114
  Fax: 021-99241206
  Email: admissions@marineacademy.edu.pk
  

• By Post: Send the entire packet (form + documents + draft) via registered courier or postal service so that it reaches the PMA Admissions Office no later than 25 July 2025 (Last date). Applications received after 25 July 2025 will be rejected.

6. Selection Procedure & Key Dates 🗓️

1. Written Examination Date:
   • 10 August 2025 (Sunday).
   • Time & Center: Admit cards with test center details will be issued via SMS and posted on the PMA website. Centers include Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Mirpur (AJK), and Gilgit.
   • Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs), total 100 marks, duration 120 minutes.
     • Section A: English (Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension) – 30 marks.
     • Section B: Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics) – 30 marks.
     • Section C: Physics / General Science – 20 marks.
     • Section D: General Knowledge / Pakistan Affairs – 20 marks.
2. Physical Endurance Test (PET) & Initial Screening:
   • Candidates who secure at least 50% marks in the written test will be called for PET, tentatively scheduled in late August 2025 at PMA Karachi.
   • PET Components & Standards:
     

     Test	Requirement	Time / Reps
     1.6 Kilometer Run	Must complete the run	In 08 minutes
     Chin-Ups	Minimum 15 repetitions	No time limit
     Sit-Ups	Minimum 15 repetitions	No time limit
     Push-Ups	Minimum 20 repetitions	No time limit
     100 Meters Sprint	Complete the sprint	In 16 seconds

   • Qualified PET candidates will be issued invitation letters for the Interview & Medical Examination.
3. Interview & Final Medical Examination:
   • Candidates who pass the PET will attend a Personal Interview / Group Interview at PMA Karachi. Literature & document verification is conducted at the same time.
   • Medical Examination: Undergo a final, detailed medical examination at the PMA Health Centre or an Armed Forces Hospital. The medical panel will check for vision, hearing, chest X-ray, ECG, blood tests (including Viral Markers), orthopedic assessment, and any chronic ailment.
   • Merit List Formulation: PMA will prepare a combined merit list based on:
     • Written Test (50%)
     • PET Performance (20%)
     • Interview (15%)
     • Academic Record / DMC (15%)
4. Final Selection & Letter of Acceptance:
   • Selected cadets will receive an official Letter of Acceptance by October 2025, including details for joining PMA and the reporting date.

7. Scholarship & Fee Structure 🎓

• 33% Scholarship Seats (≈21 seats): Awarded purely on merit (combined aggregate of academic marks, written test, and PET).
  • Provincial Breakdown: Balochistan (15), KPK (6), Punjab (6), Sindh (6).
  • Full/Partial Waiver: Covers tuition fees, library fees, and basic boarding & lodging (meal plan included).
• Self-Finance / Regular Seats:
  • Tuition Fee: PKR 80,000 per semester.
  • Hostel & Mess Charges: PKR 25,000 per semester (covers shared dormitory accommodation and standard meal package).
  • Uniform & Kit Charges: PKR 15,000 (one-time payment).
  • Medical Insurance Fee: PKR 5,000 per year.
• Payment Schedule:
  • Fees are payable at PMA Karachi in two installments: at the start of Semester 1 and Semester 3.
  • Scholarship cadets are billed only for uniforms, medical insurance, and personal fees.

8. Ineligibility & Disqualification Criteria ❌

A candidate will be declared ineligible or disqualified if they:

1. Submit forged / altered documents, certificates, or false information on the application form.
2. Fail to produce original academic transcripts or equivalence certificate (when required).
3. Are found to have been expelled / rusticated from any educational institution due to disciplinary or academic violations.
4. Have a criminal record or pending criminal case, as per Police Clearance.
5. Test positive for narcotic substances in the DEA-approved screening test.
6. Fail to meet medical fitness standards (e.g., chronic medical conditions, color blindness, serious eyesight defects, heart / lung impairments).
7. Cannot achieve the minimum physical benchmarks in the PET (e.g., running above 08 minutes for 1.6 km).
8. Withdraw or fail to report by the designated joining date after final selection.

9. Key Dates & Deadlines 📅

• Online Application & Form Download: From 01 June 2025 to 25 July 2025.
• Last Date for Submission (By Post / In-Person): 25 July 2025 (Forms received after this date will not be considered).
• Written Examination: 10 August 2025 (Sunday), exact timing & center to be mentioned on Admit Card.
• PET & Initial Screening: Late August 2025 (Exact date/time to be shared via SMS, official website).
• Interviews & Final Medicals: September 2025 (by invitation only).
• Final Merit List & Acceptance Letters Issued: October 2025.
• Reporting / Joining Date (New Cadet Intake): November 2025 (Exact date to be specified in acceptance letters).

10. How to Prepare: Guidance & Resources 📝

1. Academic Preparation:
   • Focus on English & Mathematics: Review high-school level English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Practice solving algebraic equations, trigonometry, and basic statistics.
   • General Knowledge / Pakistan Affairs: Read current national news (Dawn, The News) for basic GK and updates on Pakistan’s maritime sector.
   • Physics & Science: Brush up on fundamental physics concepts (mechanics, electricity) and general science for the “General Science / Physics” section.
2. Physical Endurance Training:
   • 1.6 km Running: Practice daily runs, aiming to reduce time incrementally (target ≤ 8 minutes).
   • Chin-Ups & Push-Ups: Increase upper-body strength by doing sets of 8–12 reps at least three times per week; gradually build to minimum 15 chin-ups and 20 push-ups.
   • Sit-Ups & Core Exercises: Perform three sets of 10–15 sit-ups daily. Combine with planks and leg raises to strengthen the core.
3. Medical & Fitness Readiness:
   • Undergo a pre-screening medical check-up at a local clinic to confirm basic fitness (vision, chest x-ray).
   • Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein (lean meats, legumes, dairy) and complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables) to support training.
   • Stay hydrated and practice proper recovery (stretching, rest days) to prevent injuries.
4. Document Checklist:
   • Keep original and attested photocopies of:
     • Matriculation & Intermediate certificates (DMCs).
     • Domicile & Character Certificates.
     • CNIC / B-Form.
     • Equivalence Certificate (if educated abroad).
   • Prepare 4–6 passport-size photographs (white background, front view) for PMA file.
   • Obtain an IMO-approved Medical Fitness Certificate (valid within 6 months of submission).

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the difference between Deck and Engineering Cadets?

• Deck Cadets train primarily for navigation, seamanship, cargo handling, and watchkeeping duties on the bridge of merchant vessels. They become Third Officers after obtaining STCW certification.
• Engineering Cadets learn mechanical, electrical, and automation aspects of shipboard machinery and propulsion systems, moving on to Fourth Engineer positions in engine rooms.

Q2: Can married candidates apply?

• No. Only unmarried male Pakistani citizens are eligible in this intake. If a cadet marries during training, he must inform the PMA authorities immediately; continued enrollment is at the Academy’s discretion.

Q3: Are women eligible for PMA cadet training?

• As of Session 2026-27, this particular intake is open to male candidates only. Any future separate female-only intakes will be announced on the PMA website.

Q4: What ranks and career paths are available after graduation?

• Upon passing Final Part A and Part B STCW exams, Deck Graduates are placed as Third Officers, Engineering Graduates as Fourth Engineers on merchant ships. With sea service, one can advance to Second Officer / Second Engineer, Chief Mate / Chief Engineer, and eventually Master / Captain or Technical Superintendent ashore.

Q5: Is there any job guarantee after PMA graduation?

• PMA holds Industry Liaison with PNSC, private shipping lines, offshore drilling companies, and PN prompt selection interviews. While PMA does not guarantee placement, its graduates have a >90% placement rate within six months of graduation due to strong industry links.

Q6: What happens if I fail the PET / Medical at PMA?

• Failing to meet the PET benchmarks or medical standards will result in disqualification. You may re-apply for the next intake, but you must re-sit the entire process (written, PET, interview).

12. Contact Information & Support 📞

• PMA Website: www.marineacademy.edu.pk
• Admission Office:
  • Officer-In-Charge (Admissions)
  • Pakistan Marine Academy
  • East Wharf Road, Karachi 75780
  • Phone: 021-99241201-05 Ext: 114
  • Fax: 021-99241206
  • Email: admissions@marineacademy.edu.pk
• Selection & PET Centers:
  • Karachi (Main Campus) – Pakistan Marine Academy
  • Lahore – Cantt Recruitment Center (contact via PMA website for schedule)
  • Rawalpindi – Army Selection & Recruitment Center (AS&RC)
  • Islamabad – Pak-Iran Bilateral Center (details on PMA website)
  • Mirpur (AJK) – Mirpur Cantonment Recruiting Office
  • Gilgit – Gilgit-Baltistan Recruitment Bureau
• Bank Draft / Fee Deposits:
  • All drafts to be drawn in favor of “Pakistan Marine Academy, Karachi” on National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), PMA Branch, Account #0239.
  • Any queries regarding fee payment can be addressed to nka@nbp.com.pk or via PMA’s Finance Office: 021-99241201 Ext 118.

13. Why Choose a Career at Pakistan Marine Academy?

• Globally Recognized Degree: An IMO-approved BS (Marine Science) degree opens doors to merchant navies worldwide.
• Comprehensive Practical Training: From state-of-the-art simulators (Bridge & Engine Room) to actual sea service on PMA’s training vessel “Nazimuddin.”
• Strong Industry Connections: Collaborative agreements with PNSC, private shipping lines, offshore support services, and global ship management companies.
• Scholarship Opportunities: 33% of seats are offered on full/partial scholarships, reducing financial burden for high-achieving cadets.
• Career Progression & Job Security: Graduates enjoy structured career paths, competitive starting salaries, and benefits—including free medical care, subsidized housing aboard ships, and risk-cover allowances.
• Leadership Development & Discipline: Cadet life instils discipline, teamwork, and leadership—qualities highly valued in maritime and inland sectors (ports, logistics, maritime law, and marine insurance).

Join Pakistan Marine Academy for Session 2026-27 and take the first step toward an exciting nautical officer career. Whether you see yourself on the bridge guiding a ship to its port or in the engine room maintaining mega‐machinery across oceans, PMA offers unmatched training, camaraderie, and opportunity.

Apply by 25 July 2025 to secure your place at South Asia’s leading maritime institute. For any additional assistance, refer to PMA’s website or contact the Admission Office directly. Best of luck in your application and training journey!