President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on June 13, 2026. This milestone event marked the commissioning of 515 officer cadets, including 34 cadets from 16 friendly foreign nations. Most notably, the parade witnessed the historic induction of the first batch of nine women officer cadets from the National Defence Academy into the Indian Army with direct permanent commissions.
Historic Milestones of the 158th Course
The graduation ceremony represented a watershed moment for gender integration in the Indian Armed Forces. The nine women officer cadets who graduated were part of the pioneering cohort of 17 female cadets who joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, in August 2022. After completing three years of rigorous training at the NDA, they underwent their final year of specialized pre-commission military training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA).
Unlike their predecessors who entered through the Short Service Commission (SSC) and had to apply for permanent status later, these officers are the first female graduates to receive direct permanent commissions upon graduation. This transition represents a major policy shift toward long-term career parity in the combat support arms and services of the Indian Army. The broader NDA batch also achieved tri-service integration, with five women officers commissioned into the Indian Air Force at Dundigal and three into the Indian Navy at Ezhimala.
In addition to domestic milestones, the course emphasized India’s growing role in international defense diplomacy. The academy trained 34 international cadets from 16 friendly foreign countries, fostering regional security cooperation and mutual trust. Junior Under Officer Zaif Sadid Alvy of Bangladesh was recognized as the Best Foreign Officer Cadet for his outstanding performance during the training term.
Outstanding Achievers and Awards
The Passing Out Parade featured the presentation of prestigious institutional awards to cadets who demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic brilliance, and physical endurance during their training.
Lieutenant Vishal Kumar, who served as the Academy Cadet Adjutant, emerged as the most decorated cadet of the graduating course. He was awarded both the Sword of Honour and the President’s Gold Medal after standing first in the overall Order of Merit. Kumar, who hails from Patna in Bihar, is the son of a retired Sepoy from the 4 Bihar Regiment, making him the first commissioned officer in his family.
Other key honors included the Silver Medal awarded to Academy Under Officer Prince Raj for standing second in the Order of Merit, and the Bronze Medal presented to Senior Under Officer Tejas Bhatt for securing the third position. Special training entries were also recognized during the ceremony. Officer Cadet Hrishabh Mishra received the Silver Medal for topping the Technical Graduate Course, and Officer Cadet Bodh Raj Thapa was awarded the top prize for the Special Commissioned Officers Course. The Imphal Company was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Banner for being the Champion Company of the Spring Term 2026.
| Award | Recipient | Course or Category | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sword of Honour | Lieutenant Vishal Kumar | 158th Regular Course | Best overall and all-round officer cadet |
| President’s Gold Medal | Lieutenant Vishal Kumar | 158th Regular Course | First position in the overall Order of Merit |
| Silver Medal | Academy Under Officer Prince Raj | 158th Regular Course | Second position in the overall Order of Merit |
| Bronze Medal | Senior Under Officer Tejas Bhatt | 158th Regular Course | Third position in the overall Order of Merit |
| Silver Medal (TGC) | Officer Cadet Hrishabh Mishra | 141st Technical Graduate Course | First position in the Technical Graduate Course |
| Top Performer (SCO) | Officer Cadet Bodh Raj Thapa | Special Commissioned Officers Course | First position in the Special Commissioned Officers Course |
| Chief of Army Staff Banner | Imphal Company | Spring Term 2026 | Awarded to the Champion Company for overall excellence |
| Best Foreign Cadet Trophy | Junior Under Officer Zaif Sadid Alvy | Bangladesh | Best performing cadet among international students |
History and Legacy of the Indian Military Academy
The Indian Military Academy is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious military training institutions. It was established on October 1, 1932, following the recommendations of the Indian Sandhurst Committee in 1925, which was chaired by Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode. The committee was tasked with investigating the feasibility of training Indian officers in India, rather than sending them to Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
The academy began operations with a pioneer batch of 40 gentlemen cadets who started training under the guidance of the first commandant, Brigadier L.P. Collins. This first batch produced legendary military commanders including Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who led India during the 1971 war, and General Muhammad Musa, who later commanded the Pakistan Army.
The central building of the campus is the historical Chetwode Building, named after Field Marshal Chetwode. Inside the Chetwode Hall, the Chetwode Credo is inscribed. It states that the safety, honor, and welfare of the country come first, always and every time. The honor, welfare, and comfort of the commanded troops come next. An officer’s own ease, comfort, and safety come last, always and every time. The institutional motto of the academy is Veerta Aur Vivek, which translates to Valour and Wisdom, representing the dual pursuit of military courage and intellectual capability. Located in the Doon Valley of Dehradun, the academy has trained thousands of officers for both the Indian Army and several friendly foreign armies.
Key Takeaways
- The Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy took place on June 13, 2026.
- The event marked the historic commissioning of the first batch of nine women officer cadets from the National Defence Academy into the Indian Army with direct permanent commissions.
- Lieutenant Vishal Kumar received the prestigious Sword of Honour and the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the overall Order of Merit.
- A total of 34 international cadets from 16 friendly foreign countries graduated during the parade.
- The Indian Military Academy was established on October 1, 1932, following the recommendations of the Indian Sandhurst Committee of 1925.
- The institutional motto of the Indian Military Academy is Veerta Aur Vivek, which translates to Valour and Wisdom.
