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How to Join Pak Army as an ICTO Officer ? : Apply Online Registration
The Pakistan Army offers exciting career opportunities for civilians through the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC). One of the most sought-after roles is the Information & Communication Technology Officer (ICTO), where IT professionals can serve in the military with their technical expertise.
Pakistan Army is has grown herself with advance equipment as well as with the advance technology by enrolling ICTOs. In this way, Pakistan Army has been enrolling Information and Communication Technology Officers to look into the technology matter in depth and for better performance through Direct Short Service Commission.
Those candidates who have their expertise in computer technology and done their degrees in BS Software Engineering, BE Computer Engineering, BS-Hons in Computer Science, BE System Engineering, BS-Hons in Information Technology, BS-Hons in Information Security and BS-Hons in Cyber Security, they can join Pakistan Army as ICTO Officer.
If you want to join the Pakistan Army as an ICTO under DSSC, this guide covers the eligibility criteria, selection process, training, benefits, and step-by-step application procedure.
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What is DSSC (Direct Short Service Commission)?
DSSC is a short-term service commission (initially 5 years, extendable up to 10 years) designed for professionals like engineers, doctors, and IT experts. Unlike the Permanent Commission (PC), DSSC officers serve for a limited period but can later apply for permanent roles based on performance.
ICTO Role in Pakistan Army
As an Information & Communication Technology Officer (ICTO), you will:
Manage military IT systems, cybersecurity, and networks.
Work on software development, AI, and communication technologies.
Support strategic military operations with technical expertise.
Eligibility Criteria for DSSC ICTO
To apply for DSSC as an ICTO, you must meet the following requirements:
A. Educational Qualifications
16 years of education in a relevant IT/Computer Science field:
BS/MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, AI, Cybersecurity, or related disciplines.
Degrees from HEC-recognized universities.
B. Age Limit
Male Candidates: 23 to 28 years
Female Candidates: 23 to 28 years (age relaxation may apply)
C. Physical Standards
Requirement
Male
Female
Height
5’4″ (162.5 cm)
5’0″ (152.4 cm)
Weight
As per BMI standards
As per BMI standards
Running
1.6 km in 9 minutes
1.6 km in 12 minutes
Push-Ups
15 in 2 minutes
–
Sit-ups
20 in 2 minutes
10 in 2 minutes
D. Nationality & Marital Status
Pakistani citizen (dual nationals must surrender foreign citizenship).
Married males can apply; females must be unmarried.
Selection Process for DSSC ICTO
The selection involves multiple stages:
A. Online Registration
Visit Join Pakistan Army and apply when DSSC ICTO registrations open.
Submit academic documents, CNIC, and photos.
B. Initial Tests
Intelligence Test: MCQs on IT, general knowledge, and analytical skills.
BS/BE in BE Software Engineering / BE Computer Engineering / BS-Hons in Computer Science / BE System Engineering / BS-Hons in Information Technology / BS-Hons in Information Security / BS-Hons in Cyber Security
More Academic Requirements:
HEC/PEC recognized with 16 years of Education
Required CGPA 2.5/4.0
Must have grade C/ Second Division in all academic careers
Must be qualified in a 4 years programme regarding computer science
Experience must be preferred
Twice rejected from ISSB can also apply if in case of having higher qualification.
A candidate who has been rejected for PMA long course courses or equivalent courses and rejected for entry to postgraduate courses can take a second chance only for postgraduate courses.
An applicant can likewise enlist yourself by applying “Hope Certificate” that must be attested by the Head of the institution/ university. Nevertheless, such candidates must submit their final degree transcript or else their final merit will not be considered.
C. Physical & Medical Tests
Running, push-ups, sit-ups (as per standards).
Medical exam at an Army Selection & Recruitment Center (AS&RC).
D. ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board)
5-day ISSB tests (psychometric, group tasks, interviews).
Only shortlisted candidates proceed.
E. Final Selection & Merit List
GHQ reviews ISSB recommendations.
Selected candidates receive joining letters.
Training for DSSC ICTOs
Basic Military Training (BMT) at PMA Kakul (6 months).
Specialized IT training in military systems and cybersecurity.
Benefits & Career Growth
A. Salary & Allowances
Starting Salary: Around PKR 80,000 – 120,000 (with increments).
Allowances: Housing, medical, travel, and risk pay.
B. Career Progression
Promotions: Captain → Major → Lieutenant Colonel (based on performance).
Permanent Commission: Top performers may get a permanent role.
C. Post-Service Opportunities
Work in defense IT sectors, cybersecurity firms, or government agencies.
Higher education opportunities with military support.
2:Apply Online at Join Pakistan Army when registrations open.
3:Prepare for Tests (academic, physical, ISSB).
4:Appear for AS&RC Tests (written, medical, physical).
5:Clear ISSB (5-day evaluation).
6:Final Selection & Joining (PMA Kakul training).
Required documents at AS&RC for ICTO
Original detailed mark sheets with 05 attested copies of each educational degree
NOC for the candidates serving in a Government institute
02 Attested photo copies of domicile
02 Copies of CNIC with verification slip obtained by NADRA
06 colored photographs attested ( 01 front and 05 from the back)
Degrees verified by HEC/PEC
Final Remarks
Joining the Pakistan Army as an ICTO through DSSC is a prestigious opportunity for IT professionals. With competitive salaries, career growth, and specialized training, it’s an excellent way to serve the nation while utilizing technical skills.
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Last date of Online Registration: 06 July, 2025
|Apply Here for Online Registration|
Online Practice Tests of ICTOs - DSSC (Direct Short Service Commission)
Note: You can learn more about in detail Verbal Intelligence Tests and Non-Verbal Intelligence Tests through our YouTube Channel of “Shaheen Forces Academy” and moreover install our mobile app of “Shaheen Forces” for online practice and Notes of different subject. Complete notes of ISSB are also available in Mobile app. In case of any query, contact at Skype. For more preparation click below:
Answer: DSSC is a short-term commission (usually 5-10 years) for professionals like doctors, engineers, and IT experts to serve in the Pakistan Army.
2. Who is eligible for DSSC?
Answer: Pakistani citizens (male/female) with relevant degrees (MBBS, Engineering, IT, etc.), age 28-35 years, and required physical/medical standards.
3. What is the duration of DSSC?
Answer: Typically 5 years (extendable up to 10 years) based on performance and service requirements.
4. Can DSSC officers become permanent?
Answer: Yes, top-performing DSSC officers may be offered a permanent commission based on merit and vacancies.
5. What benefits do DSSC officers get?
Answer: Salary (as per rank), free medical, accommodation, pension (if service exceeds 10 years), and other military perks.
6. How to apply for DSSC?
Answer: Apply online via Join Pakistan Army website when registrations open for your specific field.
7. Is there any training for DSSC officers?
Answer: Yes, a short training course at PMA Kakul or relevant military schools before commissioning.
8. Can females apply for DSSC?
Answer: Yes, females can apply for medical, engineering, and IT corps under DSSC but it depends on available vacancies.
9. What is the selection process for DSSC?
Answer:
Initial online application
Written/Intelligence tests
Medical & Physical tests
Interview by GHQ Selection Board
10. What happens after DSSC tenure ends?
Answer: Officers may return to civilian life, pursue other careers, or apply for extension/permanent commission if eligible.
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