Updated 27 October 2026. Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA), Karachi trains young men for careers at sea in the merchant navy. It runs two very different entries: the GP-III (General Purpose Rating) course for matric-pass candidates aged 18 to 25, which leads to work as a seaman (rating), and the two-year cadet programme in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering for FSc Pre-Engineering students, which leads to officer ranks on ships. This page explains both, with eligibility, fees, selection and the current admission status.
Pakistan Marine Academy Admission 2026: Current Status
| Cadet programme (65th batch, session 2027-28) | Applications closed; entry test held in August 2026 |
| Next cadet intake (66th batch) | Not announced yet; PMA has advertised cadet admissions in June–July in recent years |
| GP-III course | Held twice a year at the Seamen Training Wing; check PMA for the next course date |
| Contact | Pakistan Marine Academy, Hawks Bay Road, Karachi · 021-99241201-5 (Ext. 114, Admissions) |
GP-III Course at Pakistan Marine Academy
GP-III is the basic pre-sea training for ratings, the crew members who work on deck and in the engine room under the ship’s officers. The course is run by the Seamen Training Wing of Pakistan Marine Academy and is conducted twice every year. After completing it, trainees can apply for a seaman’s service book and look for jobs with shipping companies as deck or engine ratings.
GP-III Eligibility
- Education: Matric (SSC) or equivalent.
- Age: 18 to 25 years on the course start date.
- Medical: must be fit under IMO/ILO standards for seafarers; the medical is done at designated hospitals.
- Duration: about five months, residential.
Pakistan Marine Academy GP-III Course Fee
PMA does not publish the GP-III fee on its course page, and the amount changes from course to course. Before paying anyone, call the academy’s admissions office (021-99241201-5, Ext. 114) and ask for the current fee, the hostel and messing charges, and what the fee covers, such as uniform, STCW short courses and certificates. Pay only through the method PMA gives you in writing; do not pay agents who promise a guaranteed seat or a job at sea.
Cadet Programme: Nautical Science and Marine Engineering
This is the main officer-track entry. Cadets spend two years at the academy as residents and graduate with an Associate Degree awarded by NED University of Engineering & Technology, along with the IMO-recognised mandatory pre-sea certificates. Deck (nautical) cadets go on to become navigating officers and, with sea time and further exams, masters of ships. Engine cadets become marine engineers.
| Programme | Duration | Seats (65th batch) |
|---|---|---|
| Nautical Science (Deck) | 2 years | 75 |
| Marine Engineering | 2 years | 75 |
Cadet Eligibility (as per the 65th batch advertisement)
- Unmarried male Pakistani citizen.
- FSc Pre-Engineering, or A-Level with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, with at least 55% marks. O/A-Level students need an IBCC equivalence.
- Result-awaited candidates could apply with at least 60% in FSc Part-I.
- Age not more than 20 years on 31 December of the admission year, with one year’s relaxation for candidates from Balochistan, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan and the merged districts.
- Minimum height 5 feet 4 inches.
Selection Process
- Online registration and form submission with the registration fee (Rs 4,000 for the 65th batch).
- Written entrance test through NTS at centres across Pakistan; 50% is the qualifying score.
- Medical examination at designated hospitals.
- Physical efficiency test: one-mile run in 8½ minutes, 15 push-ups, 15 sit-ups and 2 chin-ups.
- Interview, then final merit based on FSc marks, test, medical, PET and interview.
GP-III or Cadet: Which Should You Choose?
If you have only matric, GP-III is your route to sea; you will start as a rating and can progress through experience and certificates. If you have done FSc Pre-Engineering with good marks and are under 20, the cadet programme is the better choice because it leads directly to officer ranks and higher pay. Both careers involve long months away from home, so talk to someone already working at sea before you decide.
What is the fee of GP-III course in Pakistan Marine Academy?
PMA does not publish it online; confirm the current fee directly with the admissions office before applying.
Can I join Pakistan Marine Academy after matric?
Yes, through the GP-III course (age 18–25). The cadet programme needs FSc Pre-Engineering.
When will Pakistan Marine Academy admissions 2027 open?
The 66th batch has not been announced. Recent cadet admissions were advertised in the summer, so watch for an advert around June–July 2027.
Is Pakistan Marine Academy part of Pakistan Navy?
No. It trains officers and ratings for the merchant navy (commercial shipping). To join Pakistan Navy, apply through the Navy’s own recruitment.
