inter services selection board ISSB tests

How to Pass ISSB Tests: Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

The ISSB Tests play a vital role in the selection of Pak Defenders who want to become an Army Officer, Naval Officer, or PAF Officer. Commission services have different types. Nowadays, in some Short Service Commissions, ISSB is also mandatory.

Candidates can prepare for all ISSB tests here with complete practice. If you want to know about your personality traits and whether you are fit for the Pakistan Armed Forces as an Officer, our psychologists will help you see yourself in depth with all parameters observed in ISSB.

Professional Personality Assessment

Gain insights into your psychological profile with expert guidance tailored for military leadership standards.

For Personality Assessment: Contact on WhatsApp +92-334-8480890
GET IT ON Install Free ISSB Mobile App

ISSB Centers in Pakistan: Reporting Locations for Candidates

Your call letter will specify one of these four centers. Please note that you cannot change your assigned center.
ISSB Kohat Main Center, KPK
ISSB Gujranwala Punjab Cantt Area
ISSB Malir Karachi, Sindh
ISSB Quetta Balochistan Cantt

Jun 2026 – Nov 2026 (Tentative Schedule of ISSB- 2026)

ARMS/ SERVICES COURSE DURATION
ARMY 158 PMA LONG COURSE 5 Jun – 18 Sep 2026
ARMY TCC-38 5 Jun – 5 July 26
ARMY 15th Conversion 20-24 Jul 2026
ARMY EME (Avn) Offrs 14-18 Sep 2026
ARMY LCC-29 14-18 Sep 2026
NAVY PNCT/SSC PN COURSES 4 Sep – 12 Oct 2026
PAF PAF Courses / 138 CSC/PAF (F)/Offr of PC 8 Oct – 11 Nov 2026

ISSB Tests 5 Days Schedule

Arrival Phase Day 1
Reception: Reporting at ISSB Center , Mess meal, Chest #, and ID Photo.
Admin: Detailed Physical Biodata (Family/Edu).
Digital: Online Registration & Psychology form submission.
Psychology Day 2
Intelligence: 3 Verbal/Non-Verbal Online tests.
Projection: WAT, Sentence Completion, and SRTs.
Story: Picture & Pointer Stories (4 mins each).
GTO & Deputy Day 3
Discussion: English (Education) & Urdu (Child Training) sessions.
Speech: Lecturate on "Justice in Islam."
Action: Progressive Group Task (PGT) & Deputy Interview.
Leadership Day 4
Tasks: 8/9 Individual Obstacles (2-min limit).
Command: Leading group through complex obstacles.
Psych: Personality Interview & Peer Assessment.
Departure Day 5
Review: Possible Re-interviews or Command Tasks.
Finalize: Document return and TA/DA allowance.
Home: Official departure from ISSB center.

Mastering the ISSB Tests and Selection Process

Every human being is gifted with particular qualities by Almighty Allah, many of which remain undiscovered. At Pak Shaheens, we provide complete guidelines regarding your personality, helping you navigate the complex situations presented at the ISSB. If a candidate performs naturally according to their true characteristics, Recommendation by the Board is certain.

Many students worry about one major question: "How do I qualify for ISSB Tests?" The answer is simple—follow our step-by-step authentic preparation modules. We provide exact information in easy language, ensuring you understand every parameter of the selection process.

Expert Personality Assessment ISSB Tests

We provide a clear picture of your mental caliber through professional assessment tests. By following our detailed comprehension of each test, you can pass the ISSB with high marks.

Core ISSB Testing Categories

Intelligence Tests
Psychological Tests
GTO Tasks
Final Interview

Ditch the Books: The Inter Services Selection Board relies entirely on your Mental Abilities. We believe books often cause distraction and spoil your natural qualities. This website is prepared by Qualified Retd Officers of the Pakistan Air Force who have served in the forces and spent their lives understanding the military mindset. Our materials are far more authentic and produce 100% better results than any market book.

Mechanical Aptitude Tests & ISSB Selection Criteria 2026

Mechanical Aptitude Tests: These tests are conducted at ISSB to check your mental inclination. The results help the board determine which technical branch suits you best. Once you pass out, your branch allocation is decided based on these specific technical parameters.

ISSB Attempt Policy: Every candidate is allowed Total 2 Chances for ISSB. However, an extra 3rd chance can be availed after completing a Master's degree in a subject required by the different branches of the Defence Forces.

Track Your ISSB Progress

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: The ISSB pattern has been updated. Intelligence Tests are no longer being conducted during the 5-day ISSB stay.
Important Policy Update: Intelligence tests are currently optional as per the latest ISSB pattern. Candidates are now primarily evaluated through Mechanical Aptitude Tests to check mental inclination for branch allocation.

ISSB : Success Strategy

✅ Recommendation Tips

  • Be Natural (Real Self): Authenticity is key. Psychologists easily detect "artificial" personalities.
  • Initiative in GTO: Provide logical solutions in PGT/Command Tasks instead of just following others.
  • Communication: Focus on clarity and confidence in English/Urdu rather than speed.
  • Social Adaptability: Demonstrate high cooperation and team management skills.

❌ Rejection Reasons

  • Contradictory Statements: Lying in PIQ forms or interviews leads to immediate rejection.
  • Low Emotional Stability: Losing cool under pressure during SRTs or GTO tasks.
  • Over-Dominance: Being aggressive or rude in Group Discussions (GD).
  • Lack of Motivation: Displaying laziness or zero effort in physical obstacles.

ISSB Core Testing Domains

🧠

Psychological Tests

Analyzing the subconscious through WAT, TAT, and Sentence Completion to assess mental caliber.

🏗️

GTO Tasks

Observing leadership and teamwork through group planning and outdoor obstacle courses.

🤝

Deputy Interview

One-on-one professional evaluation of confidence, knowledge, and character stability.

Official Instructions for ISSB Psychological, GTO & Interview Domains

🧠 Psychological Domain
Bio Data Form
Ensure your profile is brief and comprehensive. This is your first impression on the Psychologist.
Sentence Completion
Urdu & English: 26 sentences each. Time: 6 Minutes per paper.
Story Writing
Picture & Pointer: Complete stories in 4 Minutes each. Pointers require finishing a half-line sentence.
WAT
100 Words: Only 10 Seconds per word to write a natural sentence.
🏗️ GTO Tasks Domain
Group Discussion
Choose between two topics. Focus on logical contribution and teamwork.
Individual Obstacles
Total time: 02 Minutes. Repeating tasks adds to your total merit and final recommendation chances.
Group Planning
Execute the plan exactly as directed by the GTO to show leadership and adherence to orders.
🤝 Deputy Interview
Core Areas
Questions cover Personal Life, Islamiat, Quranic MCQs, and Current Affairs.
World Knowledge
Expect queries on international relations and global geography to test mental alertness.
Personality Assessment
Always write your Merits and Demerits carefully as they are verified during this face-to-face session.

Psychological Tests & Personality Assessment

Conducted by the Psychologist, these tests assess your subconscious traits. From the Bio Data Form, which must be brief yet comprehensive, to Urdu and English Sentence Completions (26 sentences in 6 minutes), every response matters. You will also face Picture and Pointer Stories (4 minutes each) and the Word Association Test (WAT) with only 10 seconds per word.

Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

GTO tests evaluate teamwork and leadership. This includes Group Discussions (choosing between two topics), Group Planning, and the rigorous Individual Obstacles. In obstacles, you have 2 minutes to complete tasks; repeating them adds to your merit in the final list.

ISSB Deputy President Interview

The interview is a crucial phase where the Deputy President assesses your personal life, General Knowledge, Islamiat (Holy Quran), and Current Affairs. Preparation here is key to demonstrating confidence and mental stability.

آئی ایس ایس بی کال لیٹر اور رابطہ کی معلومات (ISSB Call Letter Info)

ویب سائٹ کی تازہ کاری کے فوراً بعد، آپ کے کال لیٹرز کو ٹیسٹ کی تاریخ سے کم از کم 20 دن قبل جاری کر دیا جاتا ہے۔ عام طور پر آپ کو ایک ہفتے کے اندر بذریعہ ڈاک (Mail) اپنا کال لیٹر موصول ہو جانا چاہیے۔

اگر آپ کو ڈاک کے ذریعے کال لیٹر موصول نہیں ہوتا ہے، تو پریشان ہونے کی ضرورت نہیں۔ آپ اسی صفحے پر دی گئی ویب سائٹ سے اپنے نام اور ٹیسٹ کی تاریخ والا پرنٹ آؤٹ حاصل کر سکتے ہیں اور اسے مرکز پر دکھا کر ٹیسٹ میں شامل ہو سکتے ہیں۔
اپنا کال لیٹر چیک کرنے کے لیے یہاں کلک کریں
Mailing Address

GSO-2 (Selection), ISSB Kohat Cantt

Telephone Support

0922-9260085

Official Email

gso2@issb.com.pk

Join the Pak Shaheens Community

Connect with us on our official social platforms for real-time ISSB updates, preparation materials, and success stories from recommended candidates.

ISSB Preparation: Most Frequently Asked Questions

The total stay at ISSB centers (Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir, or Quetta) is 5 days. Candidates arrive on Day 0 and depart on the afternoon of Day 4 after their results or final interviews.
No. According to the latest policy, Intelligence Tests (Verbal and Non-Verbal) are conducted at the Initial Selection Centers. At ISSB, the focus has shifted toward Psychological, GTO, and Interview assessments.
The Mechanical Aptitude Test (MAT) is used to judge your technical inclination. While there is no fixed "passing percentage" revealed publicly, candidates scoring high are usually considered for technical branches like Engineering or GD(P).
A candidate has 2 standard chances for ISSB. However, a 3rd "extra" chance is granted if the individual completes a Master’s degree (16 years of education) in specific required subjects.
GTO tasks include Group Discussions, Group Planning Exercises, Progressive Group Tasks (PGT), Half Group Tasks (HGT), Command Tasks, and Individual Obstacles.
Dates can only be changed in extreme emergencies (medical or exam clashes). You must contact the GSO-2 Selection at the respective ISSB center with documented proof well in advance.
Be honest and realistic. Merits should reflect leadership and integrity, while demerits should be genuine weaknesses that you are actively working to improve. Avoid "fake" demerits like "I work too hard."
English is the preferred medium of communication at ISSB. However, if you get stuck, you may use Urdu briefly, but you must switch back to English as soon as possible to show proficiency.
Failing one or two obstacles isn't an automatic rejection, but completing all 9 obstacles within 2 minutes significantly boosts your "Physical Stamina" and "Guts" rating in the final merit.
Results are typically sent via mail, but you can check your status on the official ISSB website or the Pak Shaheens result portal by entering your CNIC and Batch ID.
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