The President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. The ceremony, held at the historic Chetwode Building Drill Square, marked the commissioning of 515 officer cadets into the Indian Army, including a landmark first batch of nine women cadets.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami was also present on the occasion.
In her address to the newly commissioned officers, President Murmu emphasised the core responsibilities of military leadership. She stated that as Army officers, the officer cadets will be responsible for leading, guiding and caring for the soldiers under their command. The President underscored that the profession demands not only professional competence but also empathy, integrity and a deep commitment to the welfare of those they lead.
The President highlighted the historic significance of the nine women cadets participating in the parade. She observed that their presence represents a watershed moment in the history of the IMA. It is not only a milestone in the history of India’s defence forces but also an inspiring example of India’s march towards women-led development. The nine women officer cadets, who joined the Academy in July 2025, completed their rigorous training alongside their male counterparts and have now been commissioned into the Indian Army, reflecting the expanding role of women in combat and leadership positions.
President Murmu also acknowledged the presence of 34 foreign officer cadets from 16 friendly foreign nations who were commissioned alongside their Indian counterparts. She noted that their participation at the IMA reflects India’s commitment to fostering friendship, cooperation and peaceful relations with countries across the world. The training of foreign cadets at the premier institution has long served as a vital instrument of defence diplomacy and mutual capacity-building.
The Indian Military Academy, established on 1 October 1932, has trained more than 65,000 officers since its inception. The Passing Out Parade symbolises the culmination of intense military training encompassing physical endurance, tactical proficiency, leadership development and ethical grounding. The 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduate Course represent two key entry streams into the officer cadre of the Indian Army.
Today’s event assumes particular importance as it coincides with the commissioning of the first group of women cadets from the IMA through permanent commission. Their successful completion of training alongside male cadets demonstrates the Academy’s ability to adapt its time-honoured traditions to the evolving composition of the officer corps while maintaining the highest standards of military excellence.
The parade proceedings included the traditional march-past, the taking of the oath, and the formal commissioning. The presence of the Supreme Commander as the Reviewing Officer lent additional prestige to the occasion and served as a powerful affirmation of the nation’s trust in its future military leaders.
This Passing Out Parade will be remembered as a defining moment that blends institutional tradition with progressive change, reinforcing the Indian Army’s commitment to merit, inclusivity and operational effectiveness. The newly commissioned officers now join the ranks of those who have upheld the IMA’s motto — “Valour and Wisdom” — and will carry forward the legacy of service to the nation.
The commissioning of these 515 officers, including the historic cohort of women and the international contingent, strengthens the Indian Army’s leadership pipeline and underscores India’s growing stature in global defence cooperation.
