AFMC Commissions 141 Medical Officers into Indian Armed Forces
At the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, a ceremonial passing-out parade on July 10, 2026, marked the commissioning of 141 medical graduates into the Armed Forces Medical Services as part of the institution's 60th batch.
The event took place at the Capt Devashish Sharma, Kirti Chakra Parade Ground, showcasing precision drill and military bearing, as the new graduates embarked on their careers as Medical Officers within the Indian Armed Forces.
These officers will serve in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, offering medical assistance to personnel in challenging operational settings across the nation.
141 Medical Officers Join the Three Services
Lt Gen Pankaj P Rao, Director and Commandant of AFMC, revealed that out of the 141 graduates commissioned, 112 joined the Indian Army, 12 joined the Indian Navy, and 17 became part of the Indian Air Force.
| Service | Number of Graduates |
|---|---|
| Indian Army | 112 |
| Indian Navy | 12 |
| Indian Air Force | 17 |
This commissioning ceremony was the result of extensive medical education and military training completed at one of India's top medical academies.
The newly commissioned officers, donned in their respective service uniforms, marched with precision as they transitioned from cadets to military doctors.
Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin Reviews Commissioning Parade
Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
She praised the newly commissioned officers for joining an esteemed organization known for delivering exceptional healthcare in various operations and emergencies.
In her address, she stressed the importance of professional competence, ethical practice, compassion, and commitment to duty for the new officers.
She encouraged them to maintain high standards in military medicine and stay prepared for service in various conditions.
Surg Vice Admiral Sarin also highlighted that military medicine demands clinical knowledge, courage, leadership, and empathy.
Lt Nikhil Kumar Jha Commands the Parade
Lt Nikhil Kumar Jha led the 60th batch during the Commissioning Parade, characterized by disciplined movements and a strong sense of tradition.
Proud parents, faculty, senior military officers, and guests witnessed as the officers took their first steps into the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The event underscored AFMC's unique blend of medical excellence with military discipline and ethos.
Families Recognised for Their Support and Sacrifices
The ceremony also honored the families of the graduates for their crucial support throughout the cadets' demanding journey at AFMC.
Their encouragement and sacrifices were pivotal in the cadets' successful completion of rigorous training.
For the families, witnessing their children become military doctors was a moment of great pride and achievement.
The event celebrated the collective efforts of families, instructors, and mentors in the graduates' success.
Flg Offr Ananya Phadke Wins President’s Gold Medal
Following the parade, AFMC held an awards presentation ceremony to acknowledge students with outstanding achievements in various fields.
Flg Offr Ananya Phadke received the President’s Gold Medal for being the best all-round outgoing medical graduate, along with the Kalinga Trophy.
Numerous other awards were distributed to students for excellence across different domains.
These accolades reflect AFMC’s commitment to developing well-rounded officers with clinical expertise and leadership qualities.
A New Chapter of Service Begins
The new officers will now be assigned to various military medical units across the country, facing diverse environments from high-altitude areas to desert and maritime zones.
Their duties will encompass routine medical care, emergency response, trauma management, and healthcare during crises.
Their training at AFMC equips them to handle these challenges with professionalism and resilience.
AFMC’s Legacy in Military Medicine
As a leading institution in military medical education, AFMC continues to be the backbone of the Armed Forces Medical Services’ training.
Over the years, its graduates have served in numerous challenging conditions, contributing significantly to military and humanitarian efforts.
AFMC is renowned for integrating medical education with military training, fostering discipline and service-oriented leadership.
The curriculum prepares medical professionals for both traditional and unique challenges faced in the Armed Forces.
Upholding the Tradition of Service Before Self
The commissioning of the 60th batch reinforces AFMC’s enduring tradition of nurturing skilled and dedicated military doctors.
These new officers inherit a legacy of service and commitment upheld by previous generations of military medical personnel.
They bear the responsibility of ensuring the health and readiness of India’s military forces, often under challenging conditions.
The 141 newly commissioned officers are now poised to uphold the esteemed traditions of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Armed with the knowledge and values instilled at AFMC, these young officers embark on a noble journey of service and leadership.
