Onlykashmir.in News Desk
In a landmark moment for the Indian Army, the 158th Passing Out Parade was held with full ceremonial grandeur at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on Saturday, with President Droupadi Murmu officiating as the Reviewing Officer. A total of 515 Gentleman and Women Cadets crossed the historic “Antim Pag” — the final step — and were commissioned as officers of the Indian Army, marking the culmination of their rigorous military training at one of Asia’s most prestigious military institutions.
The parade, held at the iconic Chetwode Building, was distinguished by a milestone that will be etched in IMA’s institutional memory: for the first time in the Academy’s history, nine women cadets passed out alongside their gentleman counterparts, earning commissions into the Indian Army. President Murmu hailed this as a defining moment, describing it as an inspiring step toward women-led development in the country.
“The Indian Military Academy is a symbol of honour, courage, and service to the nation,” the President said during the ceremony. She urged the newly commissioned officers to remain lifelong learners, take courageous decisions under pressure, and demonstrate ethical leadership as they navigate the evolving security challenges facing India.
Among the 515 cadets commissioned, 34 belong to friendly foreign nations, who will now return to their respective countries to join their national armed forces after completing their training at the IMA. This international participation reflects the Academy’s stature as a trusted partner in the defence capacity-building efforts of India’s allies.
The ceremony witnessed the conferment of the prestigious Sword of Honour — awarded for overall excellence during training — to Officer Cadet Vishal Kumar, who also secured the Gold Medal by finishing first in the Order of Merit. Prince Raj stood second in the order of merit, while Tejas Bhatt clinched third place and was awarded the Bronze Medal.
The inclusion of women cadets in the Passing Out Parade is the outcome of a historic government decision to induct women into commissioned service through the IMA — a shift that goes beyond symbolism and represents a structural transformation in the Indian Army’s approach to gender inclusion at the officer level. The nine women cadets who passed out on Saturday have not only earned their commissions but have also paved the way for subsequent cohorts of women officers who will follow in their footsteps through the IMA’s training pathway.
