525 officer cadets commissioned at Indian Military Academy’s 157th Passing Out Parade

New Delhi, December 13. The Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, on December 13 witnessed a ceremonial display of tradition and military precision as the 157th Passing Out Parade was held at the historic Drill Square, marking the commissioning of a new batch of officers into the Indian Army.

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the parade and congratulated the officer cadets on the successful completion of their training.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the Army chief said the profession of arms was not merely a career but a solemn calling that demands unwavering commitment, selfless service and, when required, the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. He praised the IMA’s long-standing legacy of producing leaders who have upheld the highest standards of courage, honour and professionalism.

Referring to the evolving security environment, General Dwivedi said modern challenges increasingly span military, technological and societal domains. Citing Operation Sindoor, he underlined that contemporary warfare requires close coordination between diplomacy and decisive military action. He noted that the Indian Army is undergoing rapid transformation through modernisation and innovation, and said the newly commissioned officers would be central to this process. He also emphasised leadership under uncertainty, saying future conflicts would test officers’ judgement, adaptability and integrity.

The Army chief urged the young officers to lead by example, uphold ethical conduct and serve as role models for their troops. He called on them to demonstrate moral courage, creative thinking and composure during crises.

General Dwivedi also congratulated the 34 foreign officer cadets from 14 friendly countries who graduated alongside their Indian counterparts, saying the bonds forged at the Academy would strengthen long-term defence cooperation. He lauded the role of instructors and staff in shaping officers of character and resilience, and thanked parents for their sacrifices and trust in committing their sons to the nation’s service.

Invoking the teachings of Chanakya, General Dwivedi reminded the passing-out course that while material possessions and even life itself are transient, dharma – duty and righteousness – is enduring. He exhorted the officers to uphold honour, loyalty and courage, and to remain prepared, purposeful and forward-looking as custodians of India’s security.

A total of 525 officer cadets were commissioned, drawn from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme Course, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and the Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course, along with the foreign cadets. The commissioning underscored both the strengthening of India’s leadership pipeline in the armed forces and the continuity of defence ties with partner nations.

The ceremony was attended by senior Army officers, distinguished guests and proud family members. The parade concluded with the traditional ‘Antim Pag’ (final step), symbolising the cadets’ transition into commissioned service and their readiness to defend the sovereignty and honour of the nation.

During the ceremony, General Dwivedi presented awards for outstanding performance. Academy Cadet Adjutant Nishkal Dwivedi was conferred the Sword of Honour and the Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit. Battalion Under Officer Badal Yadav received the Silver Medal, while Senior Under Officer Kamaljeet Singh was awarded the Bronze Medal. Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujeet Sampat topped the Technical Graduate Course, Wing Cadet Captain Abhinav Mehrotra stood first in the Technical Entry Scheme (46), and Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri was recognised as the best Special Commissioned Officer. Junior Under Officer Mohammad Safin Ashraf of Bangladesh was awarded the medal for best foreign cadet. The Chief of the Army Staff Banner for overall performance was presented to Imphal Company.

As the newly commissioned officers embark on their military careers, the Indian Military Academy reaffirmed its role as a premier institution dedicated to producing leaders committed to service, professionalism and the defence of the nation.