Nautical (Deck) & Marine Engineering Cadets – 65th Batch Recruitment
The Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA), Karachi, a premier state-of-the-art institution under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, has officially announced admissions for its prestigious 2-year fully residential training program. Applications are invited from young, enthusiastic, and highly motivated male Pakistani citizens wishing to pursue an elite global career in the Merchant Navy as Nautical (Deck) or Marine Engineering Cadets (65th Batch).
Upon successful completion of the training, graduates are awarded an Associate Degree in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering by the NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, alongside mandatory certifications fully recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), paving the way for lucrative career opportunities on national and international commercial vessels.
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective candidates must fulfill the following mandatory demographic, age, and academic prerequisites to be considered for admission:
- Nationality: Unmarried Male citizens of Pakistan.
- Age Limit: Maximum 20 years old as of December 31, 2026.
- Relaxation: Candidates hailing from FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), and Balochistan are granted a 1-year upper age limit relaxation (up to 21 years old by Dec 31, 2026).
- Academic Qualifications:
- Higher Secondary School Certificate (FSc Pre-Engineering) or an equivalent A-Level configuration (with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) securing at least 55% aggregate marks.
- Equivalency Certificate: Candidates holding O/A-Level qualifications must submit an official Equivalence Certificate issued by the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) along with their application form.
- Hope Certificate: Students waiting for their FSc Part-II or A-Level final results can apply if they obtained at least 60% marks in Part-I. Such applications must be accompanied by a Hope Certificate signed by the head of their respective educational institution.
- Note: If a Hope Certificate applicant fails to score the minimum required 55% aggregate marks in the final results, or fails to submit the result/equivalence within the deadline, their provisional selection will be canceled immediately.
Available Seats & Branch Allocation
A total of 150 seats are available for the 65th Batch, split equally between the two core maritime disciplines:
| Discipline / Branch | Maximum Available Seats |
|---|---|
| Nautical (Deck) Cadet | 75 Seats |
| Marine Engineering Cadet | 75 Seats |
Important Rule: Branch allocation is generally based on the candidate’s personal preference and merit rank. However, the final allocation is subject to the availability of seats and specific recommendations by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD).
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Benchmarks
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a mandatory Physical Efficiency Test (PET) to evaluate their physical endurance. The test consists of the following standard exercises:
Test Exercise Prescribed Criteria Maximum Time Allowed Running 1 Mile (1.6 \text{ Km}) 8 Minutes and 30 Seconds Push-Ups 15 Repetitions 2 Minutes Sit-Ups 15 Repetitions 2 Minutes Chin-Ups 02 Repetitions 2 Minutes Complete Selection Methodology
The recruitment process is structured across multiple distinct, rigorous assessment phases:
- Entrance Test (NTS): Eligible applicants will first sit for a standardized written entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Service (NTS). Candidates must score at least 50% marks in the NTS test to qualify for the next rounds.
- Medical Examination: NTS-qualified individuals will undergo a comprehensive medical examination at designated military/naval or designated government hospitals to verify physical fitness standards.
- Visual & Color Perception Screening: Since maritime operations require high sensory awareness, candidates must pass a thorough eye examination conducted in front of a medical board. Color-blind individuals (failing the color perception tests) are completely disqualified.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates passing the initial medical screening will be summoned to complete the physical endurance tasks outlined in the PET criteria table.
- Interview: Candidates successful in the medical and physical phases will face a final panel interview to evaluate their communication skills, aptitude, and psychological suitability for a seafaring career.
- Final Merit Compilation: The provisional final merit list is synthesized based on weighted scores: FSc/A-Level academic weightage, NTS Entry Test scores, Medical fitness, and Interview performance.
Ground for Disqualification & Ineligibility
An applicant will be permanently or provisionally disqualified from the selection process under the following circumstances:
- Presenting forged, tampered, or altered academic transcripts, certificates, or identity papers.
- Suppressing vital information or submitting incomplete details in the application form.
- Dismissal, removal, or discharge from any government service, including the Armed Forces, on disciplinary or character grounds.
- Conviction by a court of law for an offense involving moral turpitude.
- Mismatch in the elective subjects (e.g., holding a DAE or non-pre-engineering background).
- Failure to achieve a minimum of 50% marks in the NTS entry test.
Step-by-Step Registration & Application Process
Interested candidates meeting the criteria should diligently execute the following registration workflow:
Step 1: Procurement of Prospectus and Forms
Download the official application form and prospectus directly from the Pakistan Marine Academy’s website at www.pakistanmarineacademy.edu.pk. Alternatively, physical copies can be obtained directly from the PMA Admission Office in Karachi.
Step 2: Payment of Application Processing Fee
Submit an application processing fee of Rs. 4,000 via a Bank Draft or Pay Order generated in favor of the Pakistan Marine Academy, Karachi. The fee can also be deposited at any branch of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) under the PMA Branch Code: 0239.
Step 3: Dispatch of Documents
Duly fill out the application form, attach the original bank deposit slip/draft, copy of CNIC/Form-B, educational certificates/transcripts (or hope certificate), domicile, and passport-size photographs. Package and mail the documents to the admission cell via registered courier.
Crucial Timeline and Contacts
- Last Date for Submission of Forms: July 23, 2026
- NTS Entry Test Date: August 9, 2026 (Sunday)
- Communication: Shortlisted candidates will be notified regarding their exact test centers, interview dates, and PET schedules via automated SMS and official updates on the PMA web portal.
Correspondence Address & Contact Details
Officer In-charge Admissions > Pakistan Marine Academy, Hawksbay Road, Mauripur, Karachi – 75780
Phone: 021-99241201-5 (Ext: 114) | Fax: 021-99241206
Email: admissions@pakistanmarineacademy.edu.pk
Official Website: www.pakistanmarineacademy.edu.pk
Notice Reference Number: PID K-3714/25 — “We provide ambassadors for Pakistan”
