10 Shocking Punishments Faced By Cadets at The Indian Military Academy

The Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, stands as a cornerstone of military training in India, shaping young men and, since 2025, women into disciplined officers of the Indian Army. Established in 1932, the IMA is renowned for its rigorous training regimen, which combines academic education, weapon training, field exercises, and drills. A critical, yet often controversial, aspect of this training is the disciplinary system known as "ragda."

These punishments, administered by instructors or senior cadets, are designed to instill discipline, resilience, and camaraderie. However, some of these practices are so intense that they may appear shocking to those unfamiliar with military culture. This article explores 10 such punishments, their purpose, and the debates surrounding their use.

The Role of Ragda in Military Training

Ragda, a term used within Indian military academies, refers to a range of disciplinary measures that go beyond conventional punishment. Unlike typical penalties, ragda is not solely about reprimanding cadets for infractions but about breaking down individual egos, fostering unity, and preparing them for the physical and mental demands of military service. As noted by SSBCrackExams, ragda is an integral part of the training process, often administered collectively to an entire batch, reinforcing the idea that discipline is a shared responsibility. While these practices are rooted in tradition, some have sparked debate due to their intensity and potential for harm, with critics arguing that certain methods border on hazing, while supporters view them as essential for toughening cadets.

10 Shocking Punishments at IMA

The following list details 10 punishments that stand out for their physical or psychological intensity. These punishments are categorized as either unofficial (administered by senior cadets) or official (enforced by instructors or published in the IMA gazette).

1. Swimming on the Rocks

• Description: Cadets are required to crawl on sharp gravel while wearing only their IMA swimming costume, with their arms locked behind their back. This can occur during various activities, making it unpredictable.
• Purpose: Tests physical endurance and mental toughness by exposing cadets to significant discomfort.
• Why It’s Shocking: The sharp gravel causes pain and potential abrasions, making this a physically grueling experience that tests a cadet’s ability to push through discomfort.

2. Rogering Nite (Summers)

• Description: During summer nights, cadets perform a series of front rolls, back rolls, and side rolls (10 each) after drinking two bath mugs of water post-dinner. This often leads to vomiting due to the combination of physical exertion and water intake, lasting over two hours in the billet compound.
• Purpose: Builds mental and physical resilience by pushing cadets to their limits under controlled stress.
• Why It’s Shocking: The forced consumption of water followed by intense rolling exercises creates a nauseating and exhausting experience, which can be particularly distressing.

3. Mussourie Nights (Winter)

• Description: Similar to Rogering Nite but conducted in winter, this punishment involves cadets being soaked in water and made to stand at attention while counting the lights of Mussourie, 16 km away. Additional water may be poured over them.
• Purpose: Enhances endurance in extreme cold, fostering mental toughness and discipline.
• Why It’s Shocking: Standing soaked in freezing conditions is torturous and poses risks of hypothermia, making it a severe test of physical and mental fortitude.

4. BAJRI ORDER (Type III)

• Description: Cadets carry a doubled load (a rucksack filled with gravel) and hold a cycle overhead while performing sit-stands or standing at attention. This is one of the most physically demanding variations of the BAJRI ORDER punishment.
• Purpose: Tests strength, endurance, and the ability to perform under physical strain.
• Why It’s Shocking: The combination of heavy weight and awkward positioning pushes cadets to the brink of exhaustion, making it a formidable challenge.

5. Endurance Run

• Description: Cadets run several kilometers in dungarees and ammunition boots, often after being "filled" (likely after meals or hydration). The run may involve carrying heavy backpacks or rifles.
• Purpose: Simulates the physical demands of military operations, enhancing stamina and resilience.
• Why It’s Shocking: The heavy gear and restrictive clothing make the run particularly grueling, especially when performed under time constraints or in adverse conditions.

6. Push Ups (500)

• Description: Cadets perform 500 push-ups in military style, with arms locked to the chest, often accompanied by yelling from instructors to add mental pressure.
• Purpose: Builds upper body strength and mental resilience under stress.
• Why It’s Shocking: Completing 500 push-ups is a monumental physical challenge, and the added verbal harassment increases the psychological strain.

7. Sit Ups ("infinite")

• Description: Cadets perform sit-ups with arms locked behind their head and legs stretched out, continuing until the instructor decides to stop. The term "infinite" indicates an unpredictable duration.
• Purpose: Tests both physical endurance and mental stamina, as cadets must persist without knowing when the punishment will end.
• Why It’s Shocking: The uncertainty of the duration, combined with the physical strain of continuous sit-ups, makes this punishment mentally and physically exhausting.

8. Drill Ustaad

• Description: Cadets undergo continuous drill practice, such as "Tham Khaali Ek Do!" involving precise movements, short steps, and 180-degree hand movements, often with shouting from instructors.
• Purpose: Ensures precision in drill techniques and fosters discipline under pressure.
• Why It’s Shocking: The relentless repetition and verbal pressure create a high-stress environment, testing both physical coordination and mental focus.

9. Haunching

• Description: Cadets squat in a haunching position with hands on their waist and hop like a frog, often for extended periods.
• Purpose: Strengthens leg muscles and builds endurance while enforcing discipline.
• Why It’s Shocking: The awkward position and repetitive hopping cause significant strain on the legs and lower back, making it a painful and exhausting punishment.

10. Orders Parade

• Description: For cadets holding appointments, this punishment involves writing orders while in a push-up position on their left hand, using their right hand to write. If they have doubts or questions, they must place pebbles in their mouth.
• Purpose: Enhances focus and discipline under physical and mental stress, particularly for those in leadership roles.
• Why It’s Shocking: The combination of physical strain from the push-up position and the mental challenge of writing while holding pebbles in the mouth is both humiliating and difficult.

Additional Punishments and Context

Beyond the 10 listed above, other punishments have been reported at IMA and similar academies, though some are less common or have been phased out due to controversy. These include:

• Maharaja: Cadets lift their body vertically using only their head for support, a painful exercise aimed at building discipline and brotherhood.
• Crawling in Cold Water Naked: Cadets crawl through cold water, especially in winter, described as a "nightmare."
• Kambal Parade: A controversial practice where a group of cadets covers a sleeping cadet with a blanket and beats them, supposedly to minimize injury marks and protect identities. Reports suggest this has been curtailed in recent years due to its resemblance to hazing.
• Relegation: A severe official punishment where cadets are demoted to a lower course, delaying their commissioning. In 2016, 16 cadets were relegated for beating juniors and taking objectionable photographs, highlighting IMA’s zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline.

Table of Punishments

Punishment	Type	Description	Purpose
Swimming on the Rocks	Unofficial (Seniors)	Crawling on gravel in swimming costume, arms locked behind.	Tests endurance and mental toughness.
Rogering Nite (Summers)	Unofficial (Seniors)	Rolling exercises after drinking water, often leading to vomiting.	Builds resilience under stress.
Mussourie Nights (Winter)	Unofficial (Seniors)	Standing soaked in cold, counting distant lights.	Enhances endurance in extreme conditions.
BAJRI ORDER (Type III)	Unofficial (Seniors)	Carrying doubled load and cycle overhead, performing sit-stands.	Tests strength and endurance.
Endurance Run	Official (Instructors)	Running in heavy gear, often after meals.	Simulates operational demands.
Push Ups (500)	Unofficial (Seniors)	500 military-style push-ups with yelling.	Builds strength and mental resilience.
Sit Ups ("infinite")	Unofficial (Seniors)	Continuous sit-ups until instructor stops.	Tests stamina and mental endurance.
Drill Ustaad	Official (Instructors)	Continuous drill practice with shouting.	Ensures precision and discipline.
Haunching	Official (Instructors)	Squatting and hopping like a frog.	Strengthens legs and enforces discipline.
Orders Parade	Official (Platoon Commander)	Writing orders in push-up position with pebbles in mouth.	Enhances focus under stress.

Controversies and Reforms

The use of ragda has sparked debate, with some equating it to hazing or bullying. Sources clarify that ragda is structured and supervised, unlike unregulated hazing, with the intent to build character rather than demean. However, practices like the Kambal Parade have been criticized as "barbaric" and reportedly phased out after incidents like a 2016 viral video showing cadets being beaten, prompting the Indian Army to take action against perpetrators.

In 2016, the IMA demoted 16 cadets for improper conduct, including beating juniors, signaling a strict stance on indiscipline. While there is no definitive evidence of recent changes to the punishment system as of 2025, the inclusion of women cadets since July 2025 may influence future reforms to ensure inclusivity and safety.

The Philosophy Behind Ragda

The philosophy of ragda, as articulated by sources like SSBCrackExams, is to prepare cadets for the realities of military service, where they may face life-and-death situations. By subjecting cadets to physically and mentally challenging punishments, the IMA aims to foster resilience, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. Cadets often express gratitude for these experiences, noting that they create lasting bonds and prepare them for leadership roles. However, the balance between toughening cadets and ensuring their well-being remains a point of contention.

Conclusion

The punishments at the Indian Military Academy are a testament to its commitment to producing disciplined and resilient officers. While practices like Swimming on the Rocks, Rogering Nite, and Mussourie Nights may shock outsiders, they are deeply embedded in the academy’s training culture. As the IMA evolves, particularly with the inclusion of women cadets, there may be opportunities to reassess these practices to align with modern standards of safety and ethics while preserving their developmental intent. For now, these punishments remain a challenging yet integral part of the journey to becoming a gentleman or lady cadet at IMA.