Hyderabad, October 12, 2026: The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad conducted the Director’s Parade for its 78th Regular Recruits (78RR) batch of IPS officer trainees. The ceremony, held as a formal precursor to the Passing Out Parade (Dikshant Parade), featured 151 officer trainees, including 16 foreign officers.
The parade was commanded by Shri Gourav Uppal, IPS probationer of the Punjab cadre belonging to the 78RR batch. SVPNPA Director Shri Sujeet Pandey, IPS (1994 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre), inspected the parade and addressed the probationers, marking a key milestone as the batch nears the completion of its basic training phase.
Awards and Recognitions
During the occasion, the Academy conferred several training honours. IPS probationer Vijay Raghav Goyal, allotted to the Bihar cadre, received the prestigious Mehta Cup along with the Medal for Best Probationer in Musketry. The dual recognition acknowledges his performance in both overall excellence associated with the Cup and firearms proficiency, including accuracy, handling, and safe weapon use.
Ms. Kuhoo Garg, IPS probationer of the Gujarat cadre, was awarded the Medal for Best Probationer in Drill. The distinction highlights precision, coordination, discipline, and command responsiveness—core elements of outdoor training at the Academy.
Additional awards announced included the Medal for Best Lady Probationer in Physical Training to Ms. Kanika Yadav, IPS probationer of the AGMUT cadre, and the Medal for Best Gentleman Probationer in Physical Training to Shri Pema Wangdi, an officer trainee of the Royal Bhutan Police. These recognitions underscore the emphasis on physical endurance, agility, and fitness required for police service.
Separately, 31 Academy officials were awarded the Director’s Commendation Roll and Insignia for their contributions to training and institutional responsibilities.
Context of the 78RR Batch
The 78RR batch comprises the 2024 batch of IPS officers undergoing training at SVPNPA, the premier institution under the Ministry of Home Affairs for basic professional training of IPS probationers. The Academy’s programme covers academic instruction, outdoor training (including drill, physical training, equitation, and musketry), leadership development, and practical policing skills before officers proceed to district practical training in their allotted cadres.
The Director’s Parade serves as a ceremonial rehearsal ahead of the Dikshant Parade, which formally concludes the Academy phase of training. The previous batch (77RR) held its Passing Out Parade in October 2025 with a larger contingent. The participation of foreign officers continues the Academy’s longstanding role in international police training cooperation.
Director Sujeet Pandey, who assumed charge of SVPNPA in July 2026, oversaw the event. The recognitions for Goyal, Garg, and their batchmates reflect the Academy’s focus on discipline, professional competence, and physical preparedness as the 78RR probationers approach the transition to field responsibilities.
