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ISSB Initial & Psychological Test 2026: 100 MCQs for Army, Navy & PAF

ISSB Initial & Psychological Test 2026: 100 MCQs for Army, Navy & PAF — SahulatHub

The Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) is the premier testing organization for the selection of commissioned officers in the Pakistan Army (PMA), Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The 5-day ISSB process is designed to test a candidate's mental agility, leadership potential, and psychological fitness.

Before reaching the ISSB, candidates must clear the Initial Test at the Army/Navy/PAF selection centers. Both the Initial Test and the ISSB feature heavily computerized MCQs that determine your success. A candidate must demonstrate rapid decision-making and strong basic knowledge.

ISSB & Initial Test Syllabus Breakdown

To help you prepare comprehensively, this practice test covers the three most critical components of the Armed Forces selection tests:

  • Military General Knowledge: Facts about Pakistan Armed Forces, Nishan-e-Haider, Ghazawat, and national history.
  • Mechanical Aptitude Test (MAT): Basic physics questions regarding gears, pulleys, speed, and levers to test your practical understanding.
  • Situation Reaction Test (SRT): Psychological questions where you are given a crisis situation to check your Officer Like Qualities (OLQ).

Interactive ISSB Mock Test (100 MCQs)

Step into the shoes of an officer! Attempt the 100 crucial MCQs below. Click "Show My Result" at the end of the test to get an instant evaluation and see the detailed explanations for the psychological and mechanical questions.

📝 Interactive Practice Test (100 MCQs)

0 / 100 answered
Question 1 of 100
The highest military gallantry award of Pakistan is:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Nishan-e-Haider is the highest military award of Pakistan, awarded for extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy.
Question 2 of 100
General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Pakistan Army is located in:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: The General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Pakistan Army is situated in Rawalpindi, Punjab.
Question 3 of 100
Defence Day of Pakistan (Youm-e-Difa) is celebrated on:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Defence Day is celebrated on 6th September in memory of the sacrifices made by the Pakistani armed forces in the 1965 war.
Question 4 of 100
Air Force Day in Pakistan is celebrated on:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Air Force Day is celebrated on 7th September to mark the achievements of the Pakistan Air Force during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
Question 5 of 100
Navy Day in Pakistan is celebrated on:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Navy Day is celebrated on 8th September in commemoration of Operation Dwarka during the 1965 war.
Question 6 of 100
Who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army?
Correct Answer: A
Exp: General Sir Frank Messervy was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army from August 1947 to February 1948.
Question 7 of 100
Who was the first Muslim Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: General Ayub Khan became the first native Muslim Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army in 1951.
Question 8 of 100
The equivalent rank of 'Major' in the Pakistan Navy is:
Correct Answer: A
Exp: A Major in the Army is equivalent to a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy and a Squadron Leader in the Air Force.
Question 9 of 100
The equivalent rank of 'Colonel' in the Pakistan Air Force is:
Correct Answer: A
Exp: A Colonel in the Army is equivalent to a Group Captain in the Air Force and a Captain in the Navy. (Wait, let's fix options). Let's use Wing Commander vs Group Captain. Actually, Colonel = Group Captain. So A is correct. Let's make it simpler. Correct Ans: A Colonel (Army) = Group Captain (PAF) = Captain (Navy).
Question 10 of 100
How many recipients have been awarded the Nishan-e-Haider to date?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Eleven personnel have been awarded the Nishan-e-Haider. The 11th is Naik Saif Ali Janjua (awarded Hilal-e-Kashmir, declared equivalent to Nishan-e-Haider).
Question 11 of 100
The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) is located in:
Correct Answer: D
Exp: PMA Kakul is located near Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is the premier training institution for Army officers.
Question 12 of 100
PAF Academy Asghar Khan is located in:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: The Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan is located in Risalpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Question 13 of 100
Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA) is located in:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: The Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar is situated at Manora, Karachi.
Question 14 of 100
Pakistan's main battle tank 'Al-Khalid' is jointly developed with which country?
Correct Answer: D
Exp: The Al-Khalid tank was jointly developed by Pakistan and China (where it is known as MBT-2000).
Question 15 of 100
The JF-17 Thunder is a multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by Pakistan and:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: The PAC JF-17 Thunder is developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC).
Question 16 of 100
Which is the highest battlefield in the world?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: The Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range, is known as the highest and coldest battlefield in the world.
Question 17 of 100
The official motto of the Pakistan Army is:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: The motto of the Pakistan Army is "Iman, Taqwa, Jihad fi Sabilillah" (Faith, Piety, and Struggle in the path of Allah).
Question 18 of 100
Which missile is not a part of Pakistan's arsenal?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Agni is a series of ballistic missiles developed by India. Shaheen, Ghauri, and Ghaznavi are Pakistani missiles.
Question 19 of 100
Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) embraced martyrdom during the war of:
Correct Answer: A
Exp: Captain Sarwar was the first recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, martyred during the first Kashmir War in 1948.
Question 20 of 100
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti embraced martyrdom during the war of:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for his gallantry in defending the BRB Canal in Lahore during the 1965 war.
Question 21 of 100
Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas embraced martyrdom during the war of:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Rashid Minhas is the only PAF officer to receive the Nishan-e-Haider, martyred in 1971.
Question 22 of 100
Captain Karnal Sher Khan embraced martyrdom in which conflict?
Correct Answer: D
Exp: Captain Karnal Sher Khan fought bravely and embraced martyrdom during the Kargil Conflict in 1999.
Question 23 of 100
The ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) was established in:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: The ISI, Pakistan's premier intelligence agency, was founded in 1948 by British Army officer Major General R. Cawthome.
Question 24 of 100
What is the primary role of the SSG (Special Services Group)?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: The SSG is the elite special operations force of the Pakistan Army, often referred to as the "Maroon Berets".
Question 25 of 100
The term 'Line of Control' (LoC) refers to the military control line between Pakistan and India in which region?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: The LoC is the de facto border dividing the region of Kashmir between India and Pakistan.
Question 26 of 100
(MAT) If Gear A has 10 teeth and drives Gear B which has 20 teeth, what is the speed of Gear B compared to Gear A?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: In gears, speed is inversely proportional to the number of teeth. Since Gear B has twice the teeth, it will rotate half as fast as Gear A.
Question 27 of 100
(MAT) If a larger gear turns a smaller gear, the smaller gear will turn:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: A large gear driving a small gear increases the rotational speed (RPM) but decreases the output torque (force).
Question 28 of 100
(MAT) Which simple machine is a seesaw an example of?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: A seesaw is a first-class lever, where the fulcrum (pivot point) is in the middle, between the effort and the load.
Question 29 of 100
(MAT) To lift a heavy load using the least amount of effort, you should use a pulley system with:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: A block and tackle system uses multiple pulleys to increase mechanical advantage, significantly reducing the effort needed to lift a load.
Question 30 of 100
(MAT) If water flows through a pipe that suddenly becomes narrower, the speed of the water in the narrow section will:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: According to the principle of continuity in fluid dynamics, as the cross-sectional area of a pipe decreases, the velocity of the fluid must increase.
Question 31 of 100
(MAT) A pendulum swings back and forth. Where is its kinetic energy the highest?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: At the lowest point (the bottom of the arc), all potential energy has been converted to kinetic energy, making the speed and kinetic energy the highest.
Question 32 of 100
(MAT) If two identical springs are placed side-by-side (in parallel) to support a weight, how much of the weight does each spring hold?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: When identical springs are in parallel, the total load is distributed equally among them. So each holds half the weight.
Question 33 of 100
(MAT) When a person uses a wrench to pry open a tight bolt, holding the wrench at the very end of the handle is easier because:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Torque equals Force times Distance from the pivot. A longer handle (distance) gives greater mechanical advantage (torque) for the same effort.
Question 34 of 100
(MAT) Which shape is inherently the most structurally stable and is widely used in bridge trusses and towers?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: A triangle is rigid and stable because its angles cannot change without changing the length of its sides, unlike squares or rectangles.
Question 35 of 100
(MAT) If you want to cut a piece of wood easily with a saw, where should the wood be relative to your hand holding the saw?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Keeping the work closer to the pivot (your hand/shoulder) gives you better control and reduces the resisting torque against your muscles.
Question 36 of 100
(MAT) If wheel A turns clockwise, and it is connected to wheel B by a straight belt, which way does wheel B turn?
Correct Answer: A
Exp: With a standard (straight) belt drive, both pulleys rotate in the same direction. A crossed belt would make them rotate in opposite directions.
Question 37 of 100
(MAT) Two people of different weights are on a seesaw. For the seesaw to balance, the heavier person must sit:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: To balance a lever, Force1 × Distance1 = Force2 × Distance2. A heavier force requires a shorter distance to the pivot to equalize the torque.
Question 38 of 100
(MAT) Friction is generally helpful in which of the following situations?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Car brakes rely entirely on friction to convert the car's kinetic energy into heat, thereby slowing down the vehicle.
Question 39 of 100
(MAT) When an object is dropped from a height, what force is primarily acting upon it causing it to accelerate downwards?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Earth's gravity pulls objects towards its center, causing them to accelerate as they fall.
Question 40 of 100
(MAT) Which requires more effort to push a heavy box?
Correct Answer: A
Exp: A short, steep ramp provides less mechanical advantage. It requires more effort over a shorter distance compared to a long, gentle ramp.
Question 41 of 100
Find the missing number: 3, 6, 12, 24, ?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: The pattern multiplies each number by 2. (24 x 2 = 48).
Question 42 of 100
Book is to Reading as Fork is to:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: A book is used for reading, and a fork is used for eating.
Question 43 of 100
If CAR is coded as 3118, then DOG will be coded as:
Correct Answer: A
Exp: The letters are coded by their alphabetical position: C=3, A=1, R=18. So, D=4, O=15, G=7 -> 4157.
Question 44 of 100
Find the odd one out:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Potato is a vegetable, whereas the others are fruits.
Question 45 of 100
A man walks 5 km North, then turns right and walks 3 km, then turns right again and walks 5 km. Which direction is he facing now?
Correct Answer: D
Exp: Starts North, turns right (East), turns right again (faces South).
Question 46 of 100
If yesterday was Monday, what day will it be the day after tomorrow?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Yesterday = Monday, so Today = Tuesday. Tomorrow = Wednesday. Day after tomorrow = Thursday.
Question 47 of 100
Pointing to a man, a woman said, "His mother is the only daughter of my mother." How is the woman related to the man?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: "Only daughter of my mother" is the woman herself. So, the man's mother is the woman. She is his mother.
Question 48 of 100
Find the missing number: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: These are the squares of consecutive numbers: 1², 2², 3², 4², 5², so the next is 6² = 36.
Question 49 of 100
Doctor is to Patient as Lawyer is to:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: A doctor provides professional services to a patient; a lawyer provides services to a client.
Question 50 of 100
Which word does not belong?
Correct Answer: A
Exp: A circle has no straight sides or corners, unlike the polygons.
Question 51 of 100
(SRT) You are on your way to an important ISSB interview and you see a man severely injured in a road accident. You will:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: ISSB looks for empathy, responsibility, and quick decision-making. Saving a life takes priority over personal goals. An officer takes charge.
Question 52 of 100
(SRT) You are commanding a patrol and your team runs out of water in the desert. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Shows leadership, crisis management, resourcefulness, and care for the men under command.
Question 53 of 100
(SRT) During a group task, two of your team members start fighting aggressively. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Shows conflict resolution skills, maturity, and team-building capability. An officer resolves internal conflicts.
Question 54 of 100
(SRT) You find a wallet containing Rs 50,000 and an ID card on a deserted street. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Shows extreme honesty and civic responsibility, core Officer Like Qualities (OLQ).
Question 55 of 100
(SRT) You are given a task by your commanding officer which you know is practically impossible. You will:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Shows obedience, determination, and practical problem-solving. An officer attempts the impossible before giving up.
Question 56 of 100
(SRT) You discover that your close friend in the academy is using drugs. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Shows moral courage, loyalty (true loyalty means preventing a friend from ruin), and adherence to discipline.
Question 57 of 100
(SRT) While leading a night march, you lose your map and compass. You will:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Shows presence of mind, practical knowledge, and keeping cool under pressure.
Question 58 of 100
(SRT) Your juniors are exhausted and refusing to carry on during a tough physical training exercise. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: This tests the "Lead by Example" trait. An officer inspires his men rather than just commanding them.
Question 59 of 100
(SRT) You are home on leave and armed robbers break into your neighbor's house. You will:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Shows courage balanced with logic and civic sense. Courage doesn't mean foolishly getting killed; it means taking calculated, effective action.
Question 60 of 100
(SRT) During an interview, the board asks a technical question you don't know the answer to. You will:
Correct Answer: D
Exp: Shows honesty, self-awareness, and confidence. Bluffing is a highly negative trait in the armed forces.
Question 61 of 100
What is the next number: 5, 10, 20, 40, ?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Each number is multiplied by 2. 40 * 2 = 80.
Question 62 of 100
Tree is to Forest as Soldier is to:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: A collection of trees is a forest. A collection of soldiers makes an army.
Question 63 of 100
Which of the following is a Leap Year?
Correct Answer: D
Exp: A leap year is generally divisible by 4. 2024 is divisible by 4.
Question 64 of 100
Find the odd one out:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Brass is an alloy (mixture), whereas the others are pure elemental metals.
Question 65 of 100
If 3 cats catch 3 mice in 3 minutes, how many cats are needed to catch 100 mice in 100 minutes?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: 3 cats catch 3 mice in 3 minutes. This means those same 3 cats catch 1 mouse per minute. Over 100 minutes, the same 3 cats will catch 100 mice.
Question 66 of 100
A man facing East turns 180 degrees. Which direction is he facing now?
Correct Answer: D
Exp: Turning 180 degrees means facing the exact opposite direction. The opposite of East is West.
Question 67 of 100
If A is the brother of B, B is the sister of C, and C is the father of D. How is A related to D?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: A is the brother of C (since they are siblings). C is the father of D. Therefore, A is the uncle of D.
Question 68 of 100
What comes next? Z, X, V, T, ?
Correct Answer: A
Exp: The series skips one letter backward in the alphabet. Z(y)X(w)V(u)T(s)R.
Question 69 of 100
Which word does not belong?
Correct Answer: D
Exp: Run, Walk, and Jump are active physical movements. Sleep is a state of rest.
Question 70 of 100
If BAT is coded as 2120, then CAT is coded as:
Correct Answer: A
Exp: B=2, A=1, T=20. C=3, A=1, T=20 -> 3120.
Question 71 of 100
(MAT) A screw is simply a modified version of which simple machine?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a central cylinder.
Question 72 of 100
(MAT) If you apply a force to the small piston of a hydraulic system, the force exerted by the large piston is:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Hydraulics multiply force. The pressure remains the same, but the larger area of the second piston results in a larger total force.
Question 73 of 100
(MAT) When a metal ring is heated, the diameter of the hole in the center will:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Thermal expansion causes the metal to expand outward in all directions, so the hole in the middle also gets larger.
Question 74 of 100
(MAT) Which of these materials is a good conductor of electricity?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Copper is a highly conductive metal, widely used in electrical wiring.
Question 75 of 100
(MAT) Why do vehicles have shock absorbers (dampers)?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Shock absorbers dissipate the kinetic energy of the suspension springs (converting it to heat), stopping the car from bouncing uncontrollably.
Question 76 of 100
(MAT) If you drop a 10kg iron ball and a 1kg iron ball from a tower (ignoring air resistance), which hits the ground first?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Gravity accelerates all objects at the same rate (9.8 m/s²), regardless of mass, in a vacuum.
Question 77 of 100
(MAT) Which gear configuration changes the direction of rotation by 90 degrees?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Bevel gears are conically shaped and transmit motion between intersecting shafts, typically at a 90-degree angle.
Question 78 of 100
(MAT) A heavy object is easier to move on wheels because rolling friction is:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Rolling friction is significantly less than sliding (kinetic) friction, making wheeled transport efficient.
Question 79 of 100
(MAT) If a boat moves from a river (freshwater) into the ocean (saltwater), what happens?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Saltwater is denser than freshwater. Objects float higher in denser liquids due to greater buoyant force.
Question 80 of 100
(MAT) What prevents a fast-moving train from flying off the tracks on a curve?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Train wheels have an inner lip called a flange that keeps them guided along the rails.
Question 81 of 100
(SRT) You are alone at a railway crossing and notice that the track is broken. A train is approaching in the distance. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Shows extreme presence of mind, immediate action, and practical thinking to prevent a massive disaster.
Question 82 of 100
(SRT) You disagree strongly with your superior officer's strategy for a task, believing it will fail. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Highlights discipline, professional ethics, and respect for the chain of command while still offering constructive input.
Question 83 of 100
(SRT) While giving an outdoor presentation to troops, it suddenly starts raining heavily. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Shows adaptability, leadership, and care for troops/equipment without abandoning the mission.
Question 84 of 100
(SRT) You are a team leader. One of your best men makes a mistake that leads to task failure. You will:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: A core principle of military leadership: A leader takes the blame for failure but gives the credit for success to the team.
Question 85 of 100
(SRT) You are given 2 days leave after a long deployment, but on your way out, an emergency strikes the base. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Shows absolute dedication to duty and the principle that "Service comes before self".
Question 86 of 100
Rearrange the letters 'P A R I S' to form the name of:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Paris is the capital city of France.
Question 87 of 100
Find the missing number: 1, 8, 27, 64, ?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: These are the cubes of consecutive integers. (1³, 2³, 3³, 4³). The next is 5³ = 125.
Question 88 of 100
Which is the odd one out?
Correct Answer: D
Exp: Mumbai is a commercial city, while the others are capital cities.
Question 89 of 100
Pen is to Ink as Pencil is to:
Correct Answer: A
Exp: A pen writes using ink; a pencil writes using lead (graphite).
Question 90 of 100
If a mirror shows the time as 3:15, what is the actual time?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Subtract the mirror time from 11:60 to get actual time. 11:60 - 3:15 = 8:45.
Question 91 of 100
(MAT) A lever consists of a rigid bar and a pivot point called the:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: The pivot point of a lever is scientifically termed the fulcrum.
Question 92 of 100
(MAT) Which of the following is NOT a simple machine?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: An engine is a complex machine made of many parts. The others are classical simple machines.
Question 93 of 100
(SRT) Your neighbor's house catches fire at midnight. You will:
Correct Answer: A
Exp: Initiative, courage, and social responsibility.
Question 94 of 100
Complete the series: 3, 5, 9, 17, 33, ?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: The difference between numbers doubles each time (+2, +4, +8, +16). Next difference is +32. 33+32=65.
Question 95 of 100
Which word is the odd one out?
Correct Answer: C
Exp: See, Hear, and Taste are physical senses. Think is a mental process.
Question 96 of 100
(MAT) When an airplane wings create lift, the air pressure above the wing is:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Bernoulli's principle states that faster-moving air over the curved top of the wing creates lower pressure, resulting in upward lift.
Question 97 of 100
(SRT) You observe a fellow candidate cheating during the ISSB psychological written test. You will:
Correct Answer: C
Exp: Integrity and zero tolerance for unfair means. An officer must be honest and enforce rules.
Question 98 of 100
A mother is twice as old as her son. 20 years ago, she was 10 times as old as her son. What is the mother's present age?
Correct Answer: B
Exp: Let son=x, mother=2x. Equation: (2x-20) = 10(x-20). Solving gives x=22.5. Mother is 2x = 45 years old.
Question 99 of 100
Which is the odd one out?
Correct Answer: D
Exp: Horse is a domesticated animal, while the others are exclusively wild animals.
Question 100 of 100
(MAT) To loosen a rusted nut, you should use a spanner with a:
Correct Answer: B
Exp: A long handle provides greater leverage (torque) for the same amount of applied force.
Your Final Score
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