Historic IMA Parade Sees First Batch of Women Cadets Pass Out Alongside Men

The Indian Army welcomed 481 newly commissioned young officers on Saturday as the 158th Passing Out Parade (POP) was held with grandeur at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

The ceremony marked the culmination of months of demanding military training undertaken by the Gentleman Cadets, who displayed exceptional discipline, determination, and military precision during the parade.

Steeped in tradition and reflecting the Academy’s illustrious legacy, the event showcased the unwavering commitment of the young officers to the ideals of duty, honour, and service to the nation.

Held against the iconic backdrop of the historic Chetwode Building, a total of 515 Gentleman and Women Cadets crossed the revered “Antim Pag” (Final Step), symbolising their transition from cadets to commissioned Army officers.

Among those commissioned were 34 cadets from friendly foreign nations, who completed their training at the IMA and will now return to serve in the armed forces of their respective countries, reinforcing India’s longstanding military ties and defence cooperation with partner nations.

Historic Milestone for Women Cadets

This year’s Passing Out Parade marked a significant chapter in the Academy’s history, as nine women cadets passed out alongside Gentleman Cadets for the first time.

The landmark moment was hailed as an important step towards greater inclusion and gender representation in the armed forces.

President Droupadi Murmu, who attended the ceremony as the Reviewing Officer, described the Indian Military Academy as a symbol of “honour, courage, and service to the nation.”

She termed the commissioning of women cadets a historic and inspiring development, reflecting the country’s progress towards women-led development and equal opportunities.

President’s Message to Young Officers

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, President Murmu urged them to remain lifelong learners and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

She encouraged them to:

• Continuously enhance their knowledge and skills,
• Take courageous decisions in challenging situations,
• Demonstrate ethical leadership,
• Adapt to evolving security threats and emerging challenges.

The President emphasised that leadership in the armed forces requires not only bravery but also wisdom, compassion, and a strong moral compass.

Honours and Awards

The prestigious Sword of Honour, awarded for overall excellence during training, was conferred upon Officer Cadet Vishal Kumar.

Vishal Kumar also secured the first position in the Order of Merit and was awarded the Gold Medal for his outstanding performance.

The other top achievers included:

• Prince Raj, who secured the second position in the Order of Merit.
• Tejas Bhatt, who finished third and received the Bronze Medal.

The ceremony concluded with an atmosphere of pride and celebration as the newly commissioned officers embarked on their journey of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and upholding the proud traditions of the Indian Army.