Pune, 29 May 2026 — In a moment that encapsulates the enduring spirit of the National Defence Academy (NDA), General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, the 30th Chief of the Army Staff, will return to his alma mater on 30 May 2026 as the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade of the landmark 150th Course.
The occasion marks a profound homecoming. Decades ago, a young cadet of the 65th Course walked the corridors of Charlie Squadron at NDA Khadakwasla with dreams of serving the nation. Today, that cadet stands at the pinnacle of the Indian Army, poised to inspect and inspire the next generation of officers at the very grounds where his own remarkable journey began.
Early Life and Formative Years at NDA
General Upendra Dwivedi was born on 1 July 1964 in Madhya Pradesh. He completed his schooling at Sainik School, Rewa, from 1973 to 1981, before joining the National Defence Academy. As a member of the 65th Course and Charlie Squadron, he underwent the rigorous tri-service training that has produced some of India’s most distinguished military leaders.
Following his time at NDA, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, and was commissioned into the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles on 15 December 1984. The discipline, camaraderie, and leadership lessons imbibed in Charlie Squadron — known for its distinctive traditions and ethos — would profoundly shape his approach to command and soldiering throughout his career.
A Career Defined by Excellence and Versatility
Over nearly 42 years of distinguished service, General Dwivedi has held a wide array of command, staff, instructional, and operational appointments across diverse terrains and theatres.
He has commanded his battalion during counter-insurgency operations in the Kashmir Valley and in the deserts of Rajasthan. In the North East, he served as Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East), contributing significantly to border management. His command tenures include IX Corps and, most notably, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command (2022–2024), where he drove technological modernisation, including the induction of indigenous platforms and the integration of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence.
Staff appointments have included Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Information Systems and Coordination), Director General Infantry, and instructional roles at IMA and the Army War College, Mhow. Overseas, he served with the United Nations in Somalia and as Military Attaché to Seychelles.
On 30 June 2024, General Dwivedi assumed charge as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Manoj Pande. His leadership has been marked by a strong emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, force modernisation, soldier welfare, and the development of integrated, technology-enabled capabilities.
He is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, among other decorations, and holds advanced academic qualifications, including an M.Phil. and master’s degrees in strategic studies.
The Landmark 150th Passing Out Parade
The Passing Out Parade of the 150th Course will be held on Saturday, 30 May 2026, at the historic Khetarpal Parade Ground at NDA Khadakwasla, Pune. This cohort represents a significant milestone: it includes the third batch of female cadets to graduate from the academy since women were admitted in 2022 following a landmark Supreme Court order.
As Reviewing Officer, General Dwivedi will inspect the parade, address the graduating cadets, and personally pin medals on the top performers. A convocation ceremony is scheduled for 29 May 2026, with retired IPS officer and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Dr Kiran Bedi, serving as Chief Guest. She will confer degrees (affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru University) and present awards to meritorious cadets.
Approximately 355 cadets are expected to pass out and proceed to their respective service academies — the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy — for specialised pre-commission training.
A Powerful Symbol of Inspiration
The COAS’s participation carries deep symbolic weight. In late 2025, General Dwivedi visited NDA and revisited Charlie Squadron, where he reflected on his formative years and the academy’s pivotal role in shaping generations of officers. Official visuals from that squadron have since been widely shared, highlighting the personal connection that makes this return particularly meaningful.
His journey — from a determined cadet in Charlie Squadron to the highest office in the Indian Army — stands as a compelling testament to the transformative power of NDA training. It demonstrates that extraordinary leadership often begins in the disciplined corridors of the academy and flourishes through decades of dedicated service, operational experience, and unwavering commitment to the nation.
For the young officers of the 150th Course, many of whom will witness history as the first or early batches of women to graduate alongside their male counterparts, the presence of their Chief as Reviewing Officer will serve as both validation and inspiration.
Legacy and Forward Outlook
Under General Dwivedi’s stewardship, the Indian Army continues to evolve into a more agile, technology-driven, and self-reliant force while upholding its core values of courage, integrity, and selfless service. His return to NDA on 30 May 2026 reinforces the enduring bond between the academy and its alumni who rise to the highest echelons of command.
As the nation prepares to witness this historic Passing Out Parade, one message resonates clearly: the corridors of Charlie Squadron at NDA have once again produced a leader who embodies the finest traditions of the Indian Armed Forces — and who now returns to honour and guide those who will follow in his footsteps.
The 150th Course Passing Out Parade will be reviewed by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, on 30 May 2026 at NDA Khadakwasla. It is a moment of pride, reflection, and renewed commitment to excellence in the service of the nation.
