Chennai, September 5, 2026 — Lieutenant Gurkeerat Singh Hora has been awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, marking an outstanding culmination of his journey from an NCC cadet and student of Daly College, Indore, to a commissioned officer of the Indian Army.
Lieutenant Hora passed out from OTA Chennai during the Passing Out Parade held on September 5, 2026. The Sword of Honour, regarded as one of the academy’s highest distinctions, is presented to the officer cadet adjudged the best all-round performer of the course.
His achievement carries special significance given the highly competitive nature of training at OTA, where officer cadets are assessed across several dimensions, including leadership, military training, physical fitness, discipline, academics and overall officer-like qualities.
From Daly College Indore to OTA Chennai
Gurkeerat Singh Hora studied at Daly College, Indore, one of the country’s prominent residential schools. His journey towards becoming an Army officer was strengthened through his involvement with the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
He subsequently pursued his ambition of joining the Indian Army through the NCC Special Entry scheme, a route available to eligible NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders seeking a commission in the Armed Forces.
Hora secured All India Rank 45 through the NCC Special Entry selection process, clearing the Services Selection Board (SSB) and earning his place at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.
Rising to the Top at OTA Chennai
Entering the academy was only the beginning. During his rigorous training at OTA Chennai, Hora distinguished himself among his coursemates through consistent performance, leadership and military bearing.
His performance ultimately earned him the coveted Sword of Honour, placing him among the academy’s most distinguished graduating officer cadets.
The award represents more than excellence in a single aspect of training. It recognises the officer cadet who demonstrates exceptional all-round qualities expected of a future military leader.
With the Passing Out Parade and the crossing of the academy’s symbolic “Antim Pag”, Gurkeerat Singh Hora has now transitioned from an officer cadet to Lieutenant Gurkeerat Singh Hora of the Indian Army.
His journey from Daly College and the NCC to securing AIR 45 and eventually winning the Sword of Honour at OTA Chennai stands as an inspiring example for young NCC cadets and defence aspirants across the country.
The achievement also underlines the role of the NCC Special Entry route in providing motivated young cadets an opportunity to translate their early exposure to military discipline and leadership into a career as commissioned officers in the Indian Army.
