Pune, July 11, 2026 — A 17-year-old first-term cadet at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, tragically passed away on Friday morning following a medical emergency during routine physical training. The incident occurred during what was the cadet’s first official PT parade after joining the academy.
The deceased has been identified as Cadet Abhinav Bajpai from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He had joined the prestigious tri-service officer training academy on June 24, 2026, approximately two weeks prior to the incident.
Sequence of Events
According to an official statement issued by the Defence Public Relations Office in Pune and corroborated by the Ministry of Defence:
“During the routine morning physical training session, following the first official PT parade after joining the Academy, he complained of uneasiness and suddenly became unconscious. The cadet was immediately evacuated to the Military Hospital, Khadakwasla, where intensive resuscitative efforts were undertaken by the medical team. Despite the best possible medical care and sustained efforts to revive him, he could not be saved and was declared deceased.”
The academy acted swiftly, transporting the cadet to the on-campus Military Hospital for emergency care. Despite exhaustive medical intervention, the cadet could not be revived.
Official Response and Investigation
The National Defence Academy has ordered a Court of Inquiry (CoI) to ascertain the precise facts and circumstances leading to the incident. The next of kin of the deceased cadet have been informed, and local police authorities have also been notified.
In its statement, the NDA expressed its “deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time.”
Context
The National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla is India’s premier joint services institution responsible for training officer cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Physical training forms a core component of the rigorous curriculum designed to build endurance, discipline, and operational fitness.
This incident marks the third reported cadet death at the NDA since October 2025, according to reports citing academy records. Previous cases involved different circumstances, including one during swimming practice. The current Court of Inquiry will examine all relevant factors specific to this case.
Ongoing Developments
As of the latest reports, the inquiry is underway. No further official findings have been released. Defence authorities have maintained that all standard protocols were followed in the immediate response to the medical emergency.
The Indian Armed Forces and the NDA community have expressed profound sorrow over the loss of a young cadet who had only recently embarked on his journey to serve the nation.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as official information from the Court of Inquiry or the Ministry of Defence becomes available.
