PMA Long Course ISSB Preparation Syllabus

ISSB Preparation syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for ISSB Preparation in PMA Long Course, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Intelligence Tests

   2 topics

   • Verbal Intelligence Practice
   • Non-Verbal Intelligence Practice
2. 2

   Psychological Tests

   4 topics

   • Word Association Test
   • Sentence Completion Test
   • Thematic Apperception (Picture Story) Test
   • Situation Reaction Test
3. 3

   Group Testing Tasks

   5 topics

   • Group Discussion
   • Group Planning Exercise
   • Progressive Group Task
   • Command Task
   • Individual Obstacles
4. 4

   Interview and Personality

   3 topics

   • Personal Interview Preparation
   • Officer-Like Qualities
   • Self-Description and Confidence
5. 5

   Physical Fitness Test

   3 topics

   • 1.6 km Run
   • Push-ups and Sit-ups
   • Chin-ups

ISSB Preparation flashcards for PMA Long Course

18 of 50 cards from the ISSB Preparation deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What does the abbreviation ISSB stand for?

   Inter Services Selection Board — the body that selects candidates for commission in the Pakistan Armed Forces.

2. How many days does the standard ISSB testing process last?

   Four days (a 4-day testing period after the screening/initial day), assessing candidates psychologically, physically, and on intelligence.

3. What are the three main groups of testing officers who assess a candidate at ISSB?

   The Deputy President (DS/Interviewing Officer), the Psychologist, and the Group Testing Officer (GTO).

4. In ISSB Verbal Intelligence tests, what category of question asks you to find the relationship between word pairs?

   Verbal analogies — e.g., 'Hand is to Glove as Foot is to Sock.'

5. What is the recommended time strategy for the ISSB Verbal Intelligence Test?

   It is highly speed-based; attempt easy questions first, do not dwell on any single item, and aim to attempt as many as possible within the strict time limit.

6. In number-series questions (Verbal Intelligence), what must you identify to find the next term?

   The rule or pattern governing the sequence (e.g., adding, multiplying, alternating differences) and apply it to predict the next number.

7. What does a Non-Verbal Intelligence Test use instead of words?

   Figures, shapes, patterns, diagrams and symbols — testing reasoning without language so it is unbiased by vocabulary.

8. Name three common question types in the ISSB Non-Verbal Intelligence Test.

   Figure series/analogies, odd-one-out (classification), and matrix/pattern completion; also mirror images, embedded figures, and paper folding.

9. In a Non-Verbal 'odd one out' question, what are you required to do?

   Identify the single figure that does not share the common property (shape, rotation, shading, count) held by the others.

10. What is the purpose of mirror-image and water-image questions in Non-Verbal Intelligence?

    To test spatial reasoning — recognising how a figure or character appears when reflected along a vertical (mirror) or horizontal (water) axis.

11. What is the Word Association Test (WAT) and how is it administered?

    A psychological projective test where words are flashed one at a time (about 15 seconds each) and the candidate writes the first sentence/thought that comes to mind.

12. Roughly how many words are shown in a typical Word Association Test, and how long is given per word?

    Around 80–100 words, each shown for approximately 15 seconds.

13. What does the Word Association Test (WAT) aim to reveal about a candidate?

    The candidate's subconscious thoughts, dominant personality traits, attitudes and Officer-Like Qualities through spontaneous responses.

14. What is the recommended way to respond in the Word Association Test?

    Write a short, positive, meaningful sentence reflecting action and good qualities — not just the dictionary meaning or a single word.

15. In WAT, how should a candidate ideally handle a negative word like 'fail' or 'enemy'?

    Respond constructively/positively — e.g., turning the negative into determination, learning or resolve — rather than dwelling on the negative meaning.

16. What is the Sentence Completion Test (SCT)?

    A projective psychological test giving incomplete sentences that the candidate must finish, revealing attitudes, sentiments and personality.

17. How does the Sentence Completion Test differ from the Word Association Test?

    SCT gives an incomplete sentence stem (a phrase) to complete, whereas WAT gives a single isolated word; SCT allows fuller expression of thought.

18. What kind of responses are advised in the Sentence Completion Test?

    Positive, optimistic, mature completions that reflect determination, responsibility and Officer-Like Qualities.

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