NDA 149th POP to Take Place on 30 November 2025
The National Defence Academy (NDA) will conduct the Passing Out Parade (POP) for the 149th Course on 30 November 2025. This ceremony marks the completion of the cadets’ three-year training programme at the academy and is an important event for all participants, instructors, and observers associated with the institution.
The entire parade will be broadcast live on YouTube from 06:30 AM, allowing viewers from across India and abroad to witness the proceedings in real time.
Venue and Background
The Passing Out Parade will be held at the Khetrapal Parade Ground, named after Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, PVC. This ground has historically served as the site where cadets formally conclude their NDA training before moving to their respective service academies.
During their time at NDA, cadets undergo a structured curriculum that includes:
- Academic instruction
- Physical training
- Leadership development
- Tri-service exposure
- Outdoor exercises, camps, and drills
After the POP, cadets proceed to the next stage of training at:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
Overview of Ceremony Highlights
Passing Out Parade has come to be identified with high drill standards, coordination, and ceremonial conduct. Cadets take part in elaborate marching sequences with the NDA band and also form part of parade contingents.
It contains the "Antim Pag", an important part of the ceremony, which is a final step for the cadets as trainees before they are sent for professional training to their respective service academies.
The 149th Course is expected to uphold all those parade standards and traditions that have been kept alive in NDA over these years.
Live Streaming for Wider Accessibility
Recognising that not all families and interested individuals can be physically present at the event, live streaming of the POP will be facilitated by the NDA starting at 06:30 AM. This allows for:
- Parents and family members
- Staff posted at remote locations
- Defence aspirants
- Students preparing for SSB
- General viewers
to watch the ceremony remotely.
The livestream allows many people to be part of the event, but still not be physically present at the academy.
Institutional Importance
The Passing Out Parade represents more than the completion of training. It underlines:
- The academic and physical achievements of the cadets
- The collective effort of the academy's training personnel
- NDA's continuing contribution to the officer development in the Indian Armed Forces
NDA has been a consistent producer of officers, many of whom have played key leadership roles, earned gallantry distinctions, and have made highly valuable contributions towards national defence. The 149th Course joins this legacy in due course.
Relevance for Defence Aspirants
At the end of Autumn Term 2025, the POP will be a yardstick for many young aspirants striving toward Defence careers. The event is a showcase of standards and expectations, besides the level of preparation expected from the future cadets.
The ceremony reflects:
- Multi-year effort
- Challenges overcome during training
- Mental and physical growth
- Commitment to future responsibilities
It marks the beginning of advanced military training and the cadets’ formal entry into the next phase of their professional journey.
Transition to the Next Stage
The Passing Out Parade of the 149th Course, scheduled for 30 November 2025, represents a significant milestone for the cadets.
The ceremony, whether witnessed at the venue or through the webcast, promises to be a display of accomplishment of their NDA training and their metamorphosis toward specialised training at respective academies. It further reinforces the foundational values of NDA and the professional standards required of future officers of the Indian Armed Forces.
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