Frequently Asked Questions


Q. How many Candidates are selected out of a group/batch?

Ans.  No definite number or limit is laid down about the selection of candidates out f a group/batch. If all the candidates in a group/batch come up to the required standards, all will be selected, likewise, if no-one comes up to the required standards  none may be selected from a particular batch. Therefore, have faith in your abilities and put in your best in each test you undertake.

Q. What happens If I become sick or get injured?

Ans.  Free medical facilities are provided to candidates at ISSB. They try their best to ensure that you do not fall sick or get injured during your stay/tests.
Ø In case of severe injury or illness you will be taken to CMH for the treatment. You may also get admitted depending upon severity of the injury or illness.
Ø If you have missed complete tests due to illness or injury, you will be considered as “Withdrawn” and your chance for ISSB tests will not be counted.
Ø If you have appeared in ISSB tests but have missed a portion of GTO’s tests or interview then it is likely that you are considered as “Not Full Boarded”. In this case also, your chance for ISSB will not be counted. The condition of “not to appear at ISSB within 120 days” will not apply to you if you are declared ‘Not Fully Boarded’. Therefore, you can appear as soon as you are well and fit.

Q. Does prior coaching/training has any effect during ISSB tests?

Ans. ISSB discourages candidates to undergo coaching for the reasons that it hinders the spontaneity of an individual. Candidates who undergo coaching present a stereotype behavior that hides his/her originality. Besides, coached candidates are prone to becoming single tracked.

Q. In there any difference in the assessment system for the three services?

Ans. No. The assessment system for all three services is the same. However, in order to suit the requirement of services, for few courses, the candidates are tested in two dimensions i.e. Psychologist Tests and Interview only but there are no variations in the technique of these tests.

Q. Can I appear for ISSB tests for two services in the same half of the year?

Ans. Not Exactly. You can appear in ISSB for any course if following in complied with:
You could not appear in ISSB within 120 days of your last   appearance.
You have not exhausted your two chances for appearance at the ISSB.

Q. Are there any concessions for the female candidates?

Ans. There is no difference in selection standard, but there are some variations in the tests and field events. Female candidates are normally tested in two dimensions (Psychologist tests, interview and some of the GTO Tasks) except for those applying for GD(Pilot) or CAR Who are tested in all tests of three dimensions i.e. Interview. GTO Tasks and Psychologist Tests. Please remembers that such arrangements may change when service requirements demand so.

Q. If I am recommended from ISSB, does it mean that I  will definitely be selected and be instructed to join the academy?

Ans. Generally true but not always correct. ISSB only recommends the candidates for various course but final merit list is prepared by the concerned services only if number of recommended candidates is more than the vacancies for the particular course. In most of the cases, a candidate recommended by the ISSB makes his/her way to the academy but it may not always happen. Your name may not appear in the final merit list and his you thus you may not be called for the training.

Q. What is the period of validity of Recommendation of ISSB for a particular courses?

Ans. If you were recommended for a particular  course but not included in the final merit list and you want to re-appear in the ISSB for the same or any other courses, then you can only appear after one year from the date of your previous recommendations of ISSB as if it most likely that your name is already included in the waiting list for the next serial/batch of that course.

Q. I could not come for the test, can my test dates e delayed?

Ans. It is very much possible that the test dates mentioned in your call Letter coincide with your other examinations of some other institutions. ISSB always tells our candidates to immediately inform us of such possibilities and write to by post for an adjustment which is most of the cases is made. Please inform us immediately if your test dates coincide with some other examination that you are taking. You are required to send an application by post and also send copy of your examination schedules as a proof. Please remember that ISSB is not bound to call you again. Re-calls is only issued when it is clearly established that your reason for not appearing was based on solid grounds.

W. I did not receive my call letter but I have seen my call letter on the website, what should I do?

Ans. Your call letter is issued some 20 days in advance to the actual date of your tests. It is a rare possibility that you may not receive your call letter at all. If you have seen your name in the online call up database then you should take a print out of the same page which shows your name and report for the ISSB. The concerned ISSB staff has been instructed to accept the same as a call and let you in. Please remember that you must be in possession of other educational documents required from you to be eligible for the tests.
For any more information:

Please feel free to visit ISSB Pakistan