The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, commissioned 141 medical graduates into the Armed Forces Medical Services during the ceremonial passing-out parade of its 60th batch on 10 July 2026.
Held at the Capt Devashish Sharma, Kirti Chakra Parade Ground, the ceremony was marked by precision drill, exemplary military bearing and a deep sense of pride as the graduating cadets formally began their careers as Medical Officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
The newly commissioned officers will now serve across the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, providing medical care to soldiers, sailors and air warriors in some of the country’s most demanding operational environments.
141 Medical Officers Join the Three Services
According to Lt Gen Pankaj P Rao, Director and Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College, a total of 141 medical graduates were commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Of the newly commissioned officers:
- 112 joined the Indian Army
- 12 joined the Indian Navy
- 17 joined the Indian Air Force
The commissioning marked the culmination of years of rigorous medical education, clinical training, physical conditioning and military instruction at one of India’s most prestigious medical institutions.
Dressed in the uniforms of their respective services, the officers marched past the Saluting Dais with confidence and precision, symbolising their transition from medical cadets to commissioned military doctors.
Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin Reviews Commissioning Parade
The ceremony was reviewed by Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, who attended the event as the Chief Guest.
She inspected the impressive parade and congratulated the graduating officers on becoming part of the Armed Forces Medical Services, an organisation renowned for delivering high-quality healthcare during military operations, emergencies, humanitarian missions and public health crises.
Addressing the newly commissioned Medical Officers, the DGAFMS emphasised the importance of professional competence, ethical medical practice, compassion and an unwavering commitment to duty.
She urged the young officers to uphold the highest standards of military medicine and remain prepared to serve the nation under all conditions, whether during peace, armed conflict, humanitarian-assistance missions or disaster-relief operations.
Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin also reminded the graduates that military medicine requires not only sound clinical knowledge but also courage, leadership, adaptability and empathy.
Lt Nikhil Kumar Jha Commands the Parade
The Commissioning Parade was commanded by Lt Nikhil Kumar Jha, who led the 60th batch with distinction.
The parade was characterised by immaculate turnout, synchronised movements and strict military discipline. The newly commissioned officers marched in formation amid an atmosphere filled with honour, tradition and emotion.
As the contingents passed the Saluting Dais, proud parents, faculty members, senior military officers and invited guests witnessed the young doctors take their first formal steps as officers of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The ceremony reflected the unique character of AFMC, where medical excellence is combined with the discipline, leadership and ethos of the Armed Forces.
Families Recognised for Their Support and Sacrifices
The commissioning ceremony also acknowledged the significant contribution made by the parents and families of the graduating cadets.
Their encouragement, sacrifices and steadfast support played an important role in helping the cadets successfully complete the demanding academic and military training programme at AFMC.
For the families, the ceremony represented the fulfilment of a long and challenging journey. The commissioning of their sons and daughters as military doctors was a moment of immense pride and emotion.
The occasion celebrated not only the accomplishments of the graduates but also the collective effort of their families, instructors, faculty members and mentors.
Flg Offr Ananya Phadke Wins President’s Gold Medal
Following the Commissioning Parade, AFMC conducted the Academic Awards Presentation Ceremony to recognise students who had demonstrated exceptional performance in academics, leadership, sports and extracurricular activities.
The prestigious President’s Gold Medal, awarded to the best all-round outgoing medical graduate, was presented to Flg Offr Ananya Phadke.
She was also awarded the coveted Kalinga Trophy, marking her outstanding overall performance during her training at AFMC.
Several other medals, trophies and prizes were presented to meritorious students for excellence in different fields.
The awards reflected AFMC’s emphasis on developing well-rounded military medical officers who combine clinical expertise with leadership, discipline, physical fitness and a commitment to service.
A New Chapter of Service Begins
The newly commissioned officers will now proceed to different military hospitals, medical units, field formations, naval establishments and Air Force stations across the country.
During their careers, they may be called upon to serve in high-altitude areas, deserts, remote islands, maritime environments, forward military posts and active operational zones.
Their responsibilities will extend beyond providing routine medical treatment. They will also be involved in emergency care, trauma management, preventive medicine, aviation and maritime medicine, casualty evacuation and healthcare support during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
Military Medical Officers are often required to work under challenging conditions where resources may be limited and immediate medical decisions can directly affect operational effectiveness and save lives.
The training received at AFMC equips them to combine professional medical knowledge with the resilience and leadership required for military service.
AFMC’s Legacy in Military Medicine
Established as a premier institution for military medical education, the Armed Forces Medical College has remained the cornerstone of the Armed Forces Medical Services’ training system.
Over the decades, AFMC has produced generations of doctors who have served with distinction during wars, counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping missions, public health emergencies and humanitarian-assistance operations.
Its alumni have provided medical support in some of the most difficult and inhospitable regions of the country, including high-altitude operational areas, remote border regions and maritime deployments.
AFMC is widely recognised for combining world-class medical education with military training and a strong emphasis on discipline, leadership and service before self.
The institution’s curriculum is designed to prepare medical professionals not only for conventional hospital practice but also for the unique medical challenges faced by personnel serving in the Armed Forces.
Upholding the Tradition of Service Before Self
The commissioning of the 60th batch represents the continuation of AFMC’s proud tradition of producing competent, compassionate and professionally committed military doctors.
As the officers begin their service with the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, they inherit a legacy built by generations of Armed Forces medical personnel who have served the nation with honour and dedication.
Their commissioning comes with the responsibility of safeguarding the health and operational readiness of India’s military personnel, often while serving far away from their families and under demanding conditions.
The 141 newly commissioned Medical Officers now stand ready to uphold the finest traditions of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
With the knowledge gained at AFMC, the values instilled during their military training and the support of their families and mentors, the young officers begin a distinguished journey devoted to healing, leadership and service to the Nation.
