By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
The Indian Army was blessed with 491 officers after a grand Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 157th batch on Saturday at the Drill Square of the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.
This momentous occasion, steeped in pride, tradition, and military dignity, saw IMA cadets commissioned into the Indian Army after they took the “Antim Pag” (last step) before the splendid Chetwode Building at the IMA. The ceremony was a powerful testament to the academy’s motto, “Valour and Wisdom,” and the cadets’ rigorous training, discipline, and indomitable spirit.
The Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the parade and congratulated the newly commissioned officers on the successful completion of their training. He commended the young officers for their high standards of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour. In his address, Gen Dwivedi said joining the Army is not merely the end of training, but the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service to the nation.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course, including 34 foreign officer cadets from 14 friendly nations, were commissioned. This commissioning not only strengthens India’s defence leadership but also reinforces long-standing military cooperation with friendly countries.
The dignified ceremony was witnessed by proud parents, family members, senior military officers, and numerous distinguished guests. The parade concluded with the traditional ‘Final Step,’ as the young officers marched forward, resolute in their commitment to defend the sovereignty, honor, and values of the nation.
Major Awards:
The Sword of Honour and Gold Medal (First in Merit) was awarded to Nishkal Dwivedi. The Silver Medal (Second in Merit) went to Badal Yadav, and the Bronze Medal (Third in Merit) to Kamaljeet Singh. Jadhav Sujit Sampat received the Silver Medal for securing first position in the Technical Graduate Course, and Abhinav Mehrotra received the Silver Medal for securing first position in the Technical Entry Scheme – 46. The Silver Medal for the Special Commission Officer Course was awarded to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
The medal for first place in merit among foreign cadets was awarded to Mohammad Safin Ashraf of Bangladesh.
The Army Chief’s Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term 2025 was awarded to the Imphal Company.
With the 157th course, the Indian Military Academy has once again reinforced its glorious tradition of producing officers who lead the nation with courage, professional competence, and unwavering dedication, IMA officials said.
