Last updated: 9 November 2026
Quick answer: Pakistan Navy took online registrations for PN Cadet Term 2027-A (Permanent Commission) from 13 September to 11 October 2026 on joinpaknavy.gov.pk. Candidates must be unmarried, 16½ to 21 years old on 15 May 2027, at least 5 feet 4 inches tall, with 60% in Matric and FSc (or O/A Level). Selection runs through a computer-based test, medical and interview at a Pakistan Navy Recruitment and Selection Centre, then ISSB, a final medical and Naval Headquarters merit. Missed it? The next term, PN Cadet 2027-B, is expected around March 2027, because 2026-B opened in March 2026.
Of the three services, the Navy gets the fewest applications per seat, so a well-prepared candidate has a better shot here than many people think. Selected cadets train at the Pakistan Naval Academy, Manora (Karachi) and are commissioned as Sub-Lieutenants.
PN Cadet 2027-A at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Entry | PN Cadet, Permanent Commission, Term 2027-A |
| Registration | 13 September to 11 October 2026 (closed) |
| Apply at | joinpaknavy.gov.pk |
| Who | Male Pakistani citizens |
| Age | 16½ to 21 on 15 May 2027 (serving personnel 17 to 23) |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (162.5 cm) minimum |
| Training | Pakistan Naval Academy, Manora, Karachi |
| Next term | 2027-B, expected around March 2027 |
Eligibility in detail
Age
Civilians must be between 16½ and 21 years old on 15 May 2027. Serving naval personnel can be 17 to 23. This cut-off date is the one that matters, not your age on the day you register. Use an age calculator and put 15 May 2027 as the “age at” date to check yourself in ten seconds.
Education and subjects
You need at least 60% marks in both Matric and FSc (or equivalent). The subjects decide which branch you can go to:
| Branch | Required subjects |
|---|---|
| Operations and Supply | Physics, Mathematics and one of Chemistry, Computer Science or Statistics |
| Engineering (Marine, Weapon, Electrical) | Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry only |
- Pre-medical students can apply if they complete additional Mathematics before 15 March 2027.
- FSc Part-2 appearing: need at least 65% in Part-1 and a hope certificate, and must finish FSc with 60% or more before 15 May 2027.
- O/A Level students must submit an IBCC equivalence certificate.
Other conditions
- Unmarried (for civilians).
- Physically and medically fit to naval standards, with weight in line with height.
- Must be able to swim, or be willing to learn quickly. Water confidence is tested and trained hard at the academy.
Selection process step by step
1. Registration and test schedule
After you submit the online form, the portal shows your test date and centre. Pakistan Navy Recruitment and Selection Centres (PNR&SC) are in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Abbottabad, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, Gwadar, Kharian, Sialkot, Swat, Rahim Yar Khan and Shaheed Benazirabad.
2. Computer-based entrance test
The test has an intelligence section and an academic section in English, Mathematics and Physics at FSc level. Intelligence is a pass-or-go-home screen. Academic marks count toward merit, so Physics and Maths revision is worth more here than in the Army test.
3. Preliminary medical and interview
Successful candidates get a preliminary medical (height, weight, eyesight, colour vision, hearing, general fitness) and a short interview by a naval officer at the same centre. Wear formal clothes and be ready to answer one simple question confidently: “Why the Navy and not the Army or Air Force?”
4. ISSB
Recommended candidates are called to ISSB at Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir or Quetta for the four-day assessment. Read our ISSB day-by-day guide before you go. It covers WAT, SCT, GTO tasks and the interview.
5. Final medical and NHQ merit
ISSB-recommended candidates go for a full medical at a CMH or naval hospital. Final selection is done at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad on overall merit and branch vacancies, and joining letters are issued for PNA Manora.
How to prepare for the Navy initial test
- Physics: motion, forces, work and energy, electricity and waves. These come up again and again.
- Mathematics: functions, trigonometry, quadratics, sequences, basic calculus.
- English: synonyms, antonyms, sentence correction and short comprehension.
- Intelligence: one timed set of verbal and non-verbal questions every day.
- Fitness: start running 2 km daily and learn to swim properly if you can’t already.
Missed 2027-A? What to do before 2027-B
Pakistan Navy runs two PN Cadet terms a year. In 2026, the B-term registration opened in March. So 2027-B should open around March 2027, though the Navy will confirm exact dates and the age cut-off in its advertisement. Use the gap to raise your FSc marks if you are still in Part-2, check your age, and get your fitness and swimming sorted.
Also look at the Navy’s other entries: Short Service Commission for graduates (2026-B was announced in May 2026), and sailor/marine entries for Matric and Intermediate students. And if you want to keep options open, read our guides on PMA Long Course and PAF GD Pilot. Many candidates apply to all three in the same year.
Note: Dates and criteria above are from the 2027-A advertisement. Always check joinpaknavy.gov.pk before you apply. Navy recruitment is free and no agent can guarantee selection.
Frequently asked questions
What was the last date for PN Cadet 2027-A registration?
11 October 2026. Registration opened on 13 September 2026.
When will PN Cadet 2027-B registration open?
Not announced yet. Going by 2026, when the B-term opened in March, expect it around March 2027.
What is the age limit for PN Cadet 2027-A?
16½ to 21 years on 15 May 2027 for civilians, and 17 to 23 for serving personnel.
What marks are required to join Pak Navy as PN Cadet?
At least 60% in Matric and FSc or equivalent. FSc Part-2 candidates need 65% in Part-1 to apply on a hope certificate.
Can pre-medical students join Pak Navy as PN Cadet?
Yes, if they pass additional Mathematics before the deadline given in the advertisement (15 March 2027 for term 2027-A).
Where is PN Cadet training held?
At the Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS Rahbar, Manora, Karachi.