IMA POP 2025: A March of Honour, Courage and Legacy
Every year, the sacred grounds of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, witness a spectacle drenched in honour, patriotism, and sheer determination—the Passing Out Parade (POP). In 2025, the IMA once again stood as a symbol of India’s military excellence, hosting an event that not only marked a transition but carved yet another glorious chapter in the academy's legendary history.
What is the IMA POP?
The Passing Out Parade at IMA is the culminating event of an arduous journey that turns young men into leaders of the Indian Army. After 18 months of intense physical, academic, and tactical training, cadets march in ceremonial grandeur, ready to be commissioned as officers. But this day is far more than a ritual. It symbolizes triumph, sacrifice, and transformation.
Each step on the Drill Square echoes months of sweat, perseverance, and silent sacrifices. The parade stands as a testimony to the cadets’ undying spirit, embodying the transition from civilian life to the esteemed life of a commissioned officer.
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is set to hold its prestigious Passing Out Parade (POP) on June 14, 2025.
This year’s parade will witness Sri Lanka’s Army Chief, General Vikum Liyanage Lasantha Rodrigo, as the Chief Guest.
[GENERAL VIKUM LIYANAGE LASANTHA RODRIGO, THE CHIEF OF THE SRI LANKAN ARMY]
IMA POP 2025: A Day Etched in Pride
The prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun witnessed a grand ceremonial Passing Out Parade (POP) on Saturday, marking the culmination of the rigorous training for the Spring Term 2025. A total of 451 Gentlemen Cadets (GCs), including 419 Indian cadets and 32 foreign cadets from friendly countries, proudly marched on the historic drill square, stepping into the ranks of commissioned officers in their respective armies.
The Parade: Marching into Glory
Far more than a ceremonial march, the POP is a visual symphony of discipline and precision. Choreographed steps, sharp salutes, and thunderous commands come together to showcase months of rigorous drills.
Key honours awarded during POP 2025:
- Sword of Honour: Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra
- Gold Medal: Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak (1st in Order of Merit)
- Silver Medal: Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra (2nd in Order of Merit)
- Bronze Medal: Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma (3rd in Order of Merit)
- Silver Medal (TGC): Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya (Topper, Technical Graduate Course)
- Silver Medal (TES-45): Wing Cadet Quarter Master Kapil (Topper, Technical Entry Scheme)
- Foreign Cadet Medal: Foreign Officer Cadet Nishan Balami (Nepal) (1st in Order of Merit among foreign trainees)
The Chief of Army Staff Banner for the best performing company was awarded to Keren Company, standing first among the 12 companies for Spring Term 2025.
- These honours celebrate the cadets who excelled across academics, physical endurance, and leadership skills.
The Journey of a Cadet: Sweat behind the Salutes
Life at IMA is intense and transformative. A cadet's day begins at 4:30 a.m. and is packed with:
- Gruelling physical drills, long-distance runs, and obstacle courses
- Tactical war simulations, jungle training, and route marches
- Weapon training, firing exercises, and field engineering
- Classes in military history, geography, and national strategy
- Leadership modules, communication drills, and OLQ development
Every moment at IMA is crafted to create leaders capable of commanding men in the most hostile terrains—be it Siachen’s icy heights, the scorching deserts of Rajasthan, or insurgency-affected zones.
Antim Pag: The Final Step
The most emotional highlight of the POP is the Antim Pag or the "Final Step." As cadets step beyond the Drill Square, they are no longer cadets—they are officers of the Indian Army. The tears in the eyes of parents and mentors reflect pride, sacrifice, and dreams realised. The traditional tossing of caps into the sky captures the spirit of liberation and new beginnings.
More Than a Tradition: A National Moment
The IMA POP is not just a military affair—it is a national celebration. In a country where the armed forces evoke immense respect, these newly commissioned officers become symbols of integrity, discipline, and strength.
These officers will go on to lead men into battle, carry out strategic operations, and uphold India’s sovereignty. They embody the courage, intellect, and ethics that form the backbone of our defence forces.
Global Unity at IMA
IMA's role isn’t limited to Indian cadets. The Academy trains officers from over 40 friendly nations. The POP 2025 witnessed the proud participation of cadets from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Tajikistan.
This multicultural environment not only enriches the learning experience but also reinforces India’s role as a global military training partner. These foreign officers return home as ambassadors of Indian values, discipline, and camaraderie.
The Chetwode Motto: A Way of Life
Every IMA cadet is bound by the sacred Chetwode Motto:
“The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time.
The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next.
Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time.”
These words are not mere phrases etched in stone. They are principles deeply ingrained in every cadet's heart, shaping their identity and guiding every decision they make as officers.
Conclusion: The Journey Begins Now
IMA POP 2025 was more than an event—it was a declaration of duty, a celebration of excellence, and a promise to the nation. As the newly commissioned officers salute the Tricolour and take charge of their units, they carry the hopes of a billion citizens and the legacy of countless warriors before them.
To those who stood proud at the Drill Square this year—India salutes you. You are not just graduates of an academy. You are now the guardians of the nation’s soul.
Jai Hind!
To every dreamer with courage in their heart, the Drill Square awaits.
