Every year, the prestigious Drill Square of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, hosts a spectacle that is a manifestation of the essence of the Indian Army – discipline, sacrifice, and unmoving resolve.
The 155th IMA Passing Out Parade (POP), a ceremony in which a host of young men embarked on a brand-new journey, becoming commissioned officers, is one such instance.
For the defence aspirants, parents, defence force members, and the country, this particular parade has been not only ceremonial but also emotionally significant.
155th IMA POP: From Cadets to Commissioned Officers
The 155th POP signifies the culmination of rigorous military training and the commissioning of 525 officer cadets into the Indian Army. The officer cadets belong to various prestigious entries, namely:
- 157th Regular Course
- 46th Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
- 140th Technical Graduate Course (TGC)
- 55th Special Commissioned Officers (SCO) Course
- Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023
In addition, 34 foreign officer cadets from 14 friendly nations proudly marched alongside Indian cadets, reinforcing IMA’s global stature as a premier officer-training institution.
Indian Military Academy: Where Leaders Are Forged
Established on 1 October 1932, the Indian Military Academy has been the cradle of military leadership for over nine decades. From its humble beginning with just 40 cadets, IMA today trains nearly 1,660 cadets at a time and has produced generations of battlefield leaders, strategists, and war heroes.
IMA’s training philosophy blends:
- Physical endurance
- Tactical excellence
- Moral courage
- Uncompromising leadership values
The result: officers prepared for the toughest terrains and toughest decisions.
The POP Explained: Why It Matters
The Passing Out Parade is the most significant day in a cadet’s life at IMA. After months of relentless physical drills, tactical exercises, academic studies, and leadership tasks, cadets march together for the final time as Gentlemen Cadets.
Each synchronised step reflects:
- Countless early mornings
- Gruelling obstacle courses
- Mental toughness under pressure
- Unyielding discipline
This is the moment when training ends, and responsibility begins.
Cadet Strength & Global Participation
In total, 525 officer cadets were commissioned at this event, who belonged to the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, as well as the Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023, besides 34 foreign officer cadets from 14 countries with whom India has amiable ties. This gives a glimpse into how inclusive the IMA’s training courses are.
The academy has a strong tradition of international participation. For the Spring 2025 IMA POP, a total of 32 foreign cadets from friendly countries, including Sri Lanka, Malawi, Mozambique, Bhutan, Maldives, Vietnam, Nigeria, Tajikistan, and Namibia, graduated to make a total of 451 commissioned officers.
Foreign cadets serve as representatives of India, enhancing military links and military cooperation worldwide.
The Parade of Precision: Honours & Awards
The POP was a grand display of military precision, culminating in the presentation of prestigious awards:
|
Award |
Cadet |
|
Sword of Honour & Gold Medal |
Academic Cadet Adjutant Nishikal Dwivedi |
|
Silver Medal |
Battalion Under Officer Badal Yadav |
|
Bronze Medal |
Senior Under Officer Kamaljeet Singh |
|
TES Silver Medal |
Wing Cadet Captain Abhinav Mehrotra |
|
TGC Silver Medal |
Officer Cadet Jadhav Suchit Sampat |
|
SCO Silver Medal |
Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri |
|
Best Foreign Cadet |
JUO Md. Shafeen Ashraf (Bangladesh) |
|
Chief of Army Staff Banner |
Imphal Company |
Behind the Uniform: Life Inside IMA
Life at IMA is demanding, transformative, and uncompromising.
Cadets undergo:
- Long-distance runs and route marches
- Obstacle courses and weapon training
- Tactical exercises and live firing
- Leadership tasks and group planning
- Military academics and strategy
A typical day begins at 4:30 AM and stretches late into the evening, shaping not just officers but leaders of character.
Voices of Excellence
Reflecting on the journey:
- Nishikal Dwivedi, Sword of Honour winner, said:
“Every obstacle taught me discipline, patience, and teamwork.”
- Abhinav Mehrotra, TES Silver Medalist, shared:
“IMA doesn’t just train your body, it shapes your mind and character.”
Antim Pag: The Final Step, The First Salute
The most emotional moment of the POP is the Antim Pag, the final step taken by cadets on the Drill Square. As caps are tossed into the air, cadets officially become officers of the Indian Army.
For families watching from the stands, it is a moment of tears, pride, and lifelong memories.
Army Chief to Review the Parade
The prestige of the 155th POP is further enhanced with the visit of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, who chaired a review of the parade on 13th December.
He inspected the contingents, handed over the certificates of graduation, and attended the oath-taking ceremony of young officers dedicating their lives to the nation.
The parade proclaimed the age-old "Chetwode Motto", which has been the guiding motto of all IMA officers:
“The safety, honour, and welfare of your country come first, always and every time…”
Artillery Cadets Felicitated Ahead of POP
Before being commissioned, officer cadets entering the Regiment of Artillery, ‘The Arm of Decision,’ were formally felicitated with the presentation of regimental equipment.
Cadets from:
- 157th Regular Course
- 140th TGC
- 55th SCO Course
- 46th TES
They had been inspired by Maj Gen Rajender Prakash, VSM (Retd.), as well as veteran gunners who shared experiences with them.
