AFNS (Armed Forces Nursing Service) is a specialized nursing corps of the Pakistan Army that recruits female nurses for military service in hospitals across the country. It’s a golden opportunity for Pakistani women who are passionate about healthcare and want to serve the nation by joining the armed forces. This guide for 2024-2025 covers everything you need to know about AFNS, from eligibility for training and beyond.
What Does AFNS Stand for?
AFNS stands for Armed Forces Nursing Service. It is a unique branch of the Pakistan Army that enables female nurses to serve as commissioned officers. AFNS nurses work in military hospitals and are essential to the healthcare system within the armed forces. The program not only trains them in professional nursing but also develops leadership and discipline like no other institution.
The purpose of the AFNS in the Pakistan Army is to prepare nursing professionals capable of providing care in both emergency and routine situations. This career allows women to serve the nation with honor and dignity. It offers them quality medical education along with hands-on practical training. They are also trained in the values of military discipline and leadership. Within this profession, women work in a secure and respectful environment.
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AFNS 2025 Joining Process
It is important for Pakistani women aspiring to join the AFNS to be aware of the entire selection process so that they can serve the country and nation as nurses. The process involves several stages, from registration to final selection.
Candidates proceed to the nearest military recruitment and selection center to complete their registration and selection process. Initial and final medical examinations are conducted at designated military medical centers to assess the candidate’s physical and medical fitness.
Eligibility for AFNS 2025
- Candidates must be Pakistani citizens and have a domicile in Azad Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Only women can apply.
- Both married and unmarried women are eligible to apply.
- For B.Sc. For nursing, the age should be between 17 and 25 years. A Trained Nurse, the age should be between 18 and 28 years.
- For B.Sc Nursing, a minimum of 60% marks in Matriculation (Medical) and a minimum of 50% marks in F.Sc Pre-Medical are required.
- A trained nurse must be a Diploma holder in Nursing, and if the result is awaited, proof of degree completion or a certificate of hope must be submitted.
- The candidate should be at least 5 feet tall, and the body weight and height ratio should be as per the BMI.
- National Identity Card or Form “B” is mandatory for younger candidates.
- For registration, submit an online application on the official website “Join the Pak Army” and complete all the steps to join the training academy, courses, and programs.
AFNS Registration Dates 2025
The recruitment will start from 30th June 2025 and will continue till 15th August 2025.
Submit all applications on the official website, and join the Pakistan Army within this stipulated period.
Any application received after 15th August 2025 will not be accepted.
AFNS Online Test
- After registration is completed, the candidate is provided with the date of the online examination through the examination slip.
- The examination consists of two parts, the first part is an intelligence test which includes verbal and non-verbal questions.
- The second part consists of an academic test, which includes questions from the subjects of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and English Language.
- The preliminary exam also includes a few general knowledge questions, which are usually in the form of multiple-choice questions.
AFNS Preliminary Medical Test
After the online exam, the candidate is called for an initial medical examination, where a general physical health check is done. In this examination, doctors check height, weight, and vision. This stage is not very long, but after confirming a few basic aspects, the candidate is moved to the next section.
During this test, the height and weight ratio is also calculated to see whether the candidate meets the prescribed health standards or not. If, for any reason, the prescribed standards cannot be met, the candidate can be included in the disqualification list. In some cases, the facility of approaching the appeal board for re-testing is also provided.
AFNS Interview Process
After completing the initial medical examination, the candidate is invited for an interview, for which a formal call letter is sent. In this interview, most of the questions are asked from biology; however, questions from other subjects, such as physics, chemistry, and general knowledge, may also be included.
The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidate’s confidence and communication skills. The candidate who passes this stage is selected to move on to the next stage.
AFNS Final Medical Test
After passing the interview, the candidate is called to the selected military medical centers for a final medical examination. This stage is very important and detailed, in which the candidate is subjected to a complete physical examination. This includes an assessment of physical fitness, vision, hearing, dental health, and body mass index (BMI) to ensure that the candidate meets the prescribed criteria.
This stage also includes blood and urine tests, chest X-rays, and an electrocardiogram. Women who wish to join the military nursing service are required to adopt a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle before this examination to avoid any disqualification. If, for any reason, the criteria are not met, a re-examination opportunity can be provided through the Medical Appeal Board.
AFNS Training and Job Opportunities
After completing the final medical examination, the candidate is issued a formal letter of induction into the Pakistan Army as a nurse. This letter is usually received within two weeks of the final examination, with instructions to join the training program.
This phase of training not only enhances professional nursing skills but also teaches military discipline, the ability to work in an ambulance, and high standards of patient care. After completion of the training, the candidate is allowed to perform practical services in various medical centers and hospitals of the Pakistan Army.
AFNS Training Stipend and Facilities
During AFNS training, the candidate is provided with a monthly stipend of about twenty-five thousand to thirty-five thousand rupees. After the completion of the training period and getting the commission, this income increases to sixty thousand to ninety thousand rupees per month. The salaries of officers holding higher positions are fixed even higher than the rank of captain. All these amounts are given under a structured salary structure.
Along with salary, various facilities are also provided, including free medical treatment, accommodation, mess, and travel allowance. In addition, annual leave and paid rest days are also provided. After completion of service, financial security is provided in the form of pension and gratuity, which ensures financial stability in the future
Ranks of AFNS
Women who join the AFNS are given the rank of commissioned officer, and their promotion is based on performance, professional skills, and academic qualifications. After completing training, the candidate is usually commissioned as a lieutenant or captain, and opportunities for advancement are provided over time. Nursing officers serving in military hospitals are promoted to the next ranks by Army regulations.
The ranks of female officers in the AFNS are as follows:
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- Major General (the highest rank in the AFNS)
AFNS Uniform for Trainees
During AFNS training, candidates are dressed in simple and formal attire. During this time, a white shalwar kameez with a dupatta and black shoes is permitted, but no ranks. After completion of training, officers are issued a khaki uniform. With rank and relevant badges embroidered on the shoulders, black boots are worn.
There are some differences in the uniforms of field nurses and administrative officers. Field nurses wear khaki trousers and a green cap. It is appropriate for ward and clinical duties, while administrative officers also wear khaki uniforms, but their caps are also green. At official functions, a burgundy dupatta or scarf is worn with white formal wear, and ranks and badges are fully displayed.
The complete information about the uniform is given below:
- During training, white shalwar kameez, dupatta, and black shoes
- After training, a khaki uniform with rank and badges on the shoulders
- Green cap and khaki trousers for field nurses
- Khaki uniform with green cap for administrative officers
- White formal wear and a burgundy dupatta or scarf for ceremonies
AFNS Nurse Responsibilities
AFNS nurses provide medical care to military personnel, their families, and occasionally civilians. Their primary duties include assisting physicians in operations, providing emergency medical care during war or disaster situations, and serving in critical areas such as the ICU. They also play a role in public health and medical education projects.
- Providing nursing care to military and civilian patients
- Assisting doctors in operations
- Providing emergency assistance in war or disasters
- Serving in the ICU
- Participating in public health projects
AFNS Vs Private Nursing
- Military discipline and environment: AFNS nurses work under the rules and regulations of the Pakistan Army, while private or civilian nurses perform duties according to the relatively lenient policies of general hospitals and institutions.
- Job security and benefits: Military nurses receive benefits such as pension, allowances, free treatment, and accommodation, while civilian nurses receive these benefits according to the policy of their institution or hospital.
- War and Disaster Service: AFNS nurses serve in war zones, military hospitals, and relief missions, while civilian nurses work mostly in general hospitals and clinics.
- Promotion and Rank System: Military nurses advance based on military rank (such as Captain to Major), while civilian nurses advance based on experience and skill.
- Workplace and Uniform: AFNS nurses wear military uniforms and serve in military hospitals, while civilian nurses wear nursing dresses or scrubs and work in general hospitals and nursing institutions.
FAQ’s
What is the work of AFNS?
Responsible for nursing and caring for patients in military hospitals and medical centers.
What is the qualification for AFNS?
Success in Pre-Medical F.Sc with required marks and meeting medical standards.
What is the first test for AFNS?
Online assessment of intelligence and academic ability at an early stage.
What is the salary of AFNS?
During training, you will get a monthly salary of around twenty-five to thirty-five thousand rupees and more after the commissions.