Pune, May 30, 2026: The National Defence Academy witnessed a landmark moment in its illustrious history as the training of the 150th Course culminated with the Passing Out Parade Spring Term 2026 at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla on Saturday morning. In a grand display of military precision, discipline and pride, 353 cadets, including 18 women cadets and 24 cadets from 12 friendly foreign countries, marched past the Quarterdeck and crossed the revered Antim Pag, marking the successful completion of their training at the world’s premier tri-service academy.
The historic parade was reviewed by General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Army Staff, who served as the Reviewing Officer for the occasion. The event carried deep significance as the 150th Course represents a major milestone in NDA’s legacy of shaping future military leaders for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
A Proud Morning at Khadakwasla
The atmosphere at the Khetarpal Parade Ground was filled with emotion and pride as cadets marched with immaculate bearing and synchronised steps before a large gathering of parents, dignitaries, school children, civilians, serving personnel and retired members of the Armed Forces.
The parade reflected the hard training, discipline and character-building that define the NDA experience. For the cadets, the moment was not merely ceremonial; it marked the end of one demanding phase of military training and the beginning of a new journey at their respective Pre-Commissioning Training Academies and services.
The parade was conducted by Lt Col Avinash Pandey, SM, Adjutant, who rode his charger ‘Reliant Robin’ during the ceremony. The parade was commanded by Academy Cadet Captain Mayank Choudhary of Lima Squadron, who led the contingent with confidence and precision.
353 Cadets Cross the Antim Pag
A total of 353 cadets passed out from the Academy, including 18 female cadets, reflecting NDA’s continuing journey towards greater inclusivity in the Armed Forces. The presence of women cadets in the 150th Course added special significance to the parade, highlighting the growing role of women in India’s military leadership pipeline.
Also among the graduating cadets were 24 cadets from 12 Friendly Foreign Countries, who trained shoulder to shoulder with their Indian counterparts. Their participation reaffirmed NDA’s status as a respected global military training institution and strengthened India’s defence cooperation with partner nations.
As the cadets crossed the Antim Pag to the emotional tunes of Auld Lang Syne, the moment brought together pride, nostalgia and aspiration. For many parents watching from the stands, it was a deeply moving sight as their sons and daughters stepped into the next stage of their journey as future officers.
COAS Gen Upendra Dwivedi Reviews Parade
Addressing the occasion as the Reviewing Officer, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, witnessed the parade and reviewed the marching contingents. His presence added special importance to the historic 150th Passing Out Parade.
The Chief of the Army Staff presented the prestigious President’s Gold Medal, Silver Medal and Bronze Medal to the cadets who secured the first, second and third positions respectively in the overall order of merit. These awards recognised excellence in academics, military training, physical endurance, leadership and overall performance during the cadets’ rigorous tenure at the Academy.
The Reviewing Officer’s presence also served as an inspiration for the passing out cadets, who will now proceed to their respective service academies to continue specialised training before being commissioned as officers.
Sukhoi-30 Flypast Marks Grand Finale
The Passing Out Parade concluded with a spectacular flypast by Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft, adding a powerful and majestic finale to the historic event. The roar of the fighter jets over Khadakwasla symbolised the strength, spirit and operational excellence of the Indian Armed Forces.
The flypast drew loud applause from the spectators and served as a fitting tribute to the cadets who had successfully completed one of the most challenging and prestigious military training journeys in the country.
NDA’s Enduring Legacy
The National Defence Academy, located at Khadakwasla near Pune, has long been regarded as the cradle of jointmanship, where future officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force train together before moving to their respective service academies. The Passing Out Parade of the 150th Course stands as a historic milestone in this journey.
With the graduation of the 150th Course, NDA has once again reaffirmed its commitment to producing disciplined, courageous and capable leaders for the Armed Forces. The inclusion of women cadets and foreign cadets in the parade reflected the Academy’s evolving character while preserving its timeless values of duty, honour, camaraderie and service to the nation.
For the 353 cadets who crossed the Antim Pag, the morning of 30 May 2026 will remain etched forever as the day they became proud NDA alumni and moved one step closer to earning their commissions as officers in the Armed Forces.
