Govt begins selection process for National Security and War Course 2026-27

The selection of senior bureaucratic officers for the National Security and War Course 2026-27 has been started.

According to an office memorandum issued by the Establishment Division, the National Security and War Course will begin in August 2026 at the National Defense University (NDU) Islamabad.

As the Establishment Division has started the selection process, all federal ministries, divisions and provincial governments have been directed to send the names of their eligible officers by November 25, 2025.

The Establishment Division will nominate officers from the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) and Secretariat Group, while the names of officers from other services or groups will be sent by the relevant ministries or departments.

Nominations sent directly from any department or autonomous body will not be accepted. Officers who are permanently posted in Grade 20 or its equivalent, are included in the promotion zone, and are not more than 55 years of age as on August 15, 2026, will be eligible for the course.

Nominations will be made on the basis of seniority, higher educational qualifications and a recent medical report. The Establishment Division has clarified that gender representation will be ensured in the course, and at least 6 to 8 women officers should be nominated. The National Defence University will ensure inclusion of at least four women officers.

Officers who are posted abroad, are on long leave or against whom disciplinary action is pending, will not be nominated. However, officers against whom action is pending for more than a year may be considered. It has been made mandatory to attach detailed bio data, service proforma, seniority list, medical report and disciplinary clearance certificate with the nomination.

The course fee has been fixed at Rs279,462 per person. The fee of officers of federal services will be paid by the Establishment Division, while the fee of officers of provincial governments and autonomous bodies will be paid by their respective institutions to the National Defence University.

The Establishment Division has directed that as per the approval of the Prime Minister, permission to recall an officer from the course will be given only in extremely urgent circumstances, 15 days before the commencement of the course.