National Defence Academy's 150th Passing Out Parade: Celebrating Historic Cadet Graduation on May 30, 2026
Pune, May 30, 2026: A significant event unfolded at the National Defence Academy as the 150th Course officially completed its training with the Passing Out Parade Spring Term 2026. Held at the renowned Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla on Saturday morning, the ceremony saw 353 cadets, including 18 women and 24 from 12 allied foreign nations, proudly march past the Quarterdeck and cross the esteemed Antim Pag, signifying the conclusion of their training at the prestigious tri-service academy.
General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Army Staff, was the Reviewing Officer for the parade, which marked a pivotal moment in the NDA's history, celebrating its legacy of grooming future leaders for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Khetarpal Parade Ground was charged with emotion and pride as the cadets, with impeccable precision and discipline, marched before an audience of parents, dignitaries, school children, civilians, and both serving and retired Armed Forces personnel.
The parade exemplified the rigorous training, discipline, and character-building synonymous with the NDA experience. For the cadets, this event marked the end of a challenging phase in their military training and the commencement of their journey to further training at Pre-Commissioning Training Academies and their respective services.
Lt Col Avinash Pandey, SM, Adjutant, conducted the parade, riding his charger 'Reliant Robin.' Academy Cadet Captain Mayank Choudhary of Lima Squadron commanded the parade contingent with confidence and precision.
This year, 353 cadets graduated from the academy, including 18 women, showcasing NDA's progress towards greater inclusivity within the Armed Forces. The presence of women cadets underscored the expanding role of women in India's military leadership.
Among the graduates were 24 cadets from 12 friendly foreign countries who trained alongside their Indian counterparts, reinforcing NDA's reputation as a global military training institution and highlighting India's defense cooperation with partner nations.
The crossing of the Antim Pag, accompanied by the emotional strains of Auld Lang Syne, was a poignant moment filled with pride and nostalgia. For many parents in attendance, it was a proud sight as their children took this significant step towards becoming future officers.
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, reviewed the parade as the Reviewing Officer, adding significance to the historic 150th Passing Out Parade.
During the event, the Chief of the Army Staff awarded the President's Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals to the top three cadets in the overall order of merit. These medals recognized exceptional achievements in academics, military training, physical endurance, leadership, and overall performance during their rigorous tenure at the academy.
The presence of the Reviewing Officer inspired the graduating cadets as they prepared to proceed to their respective service academies for specialized training before receiving their commissions as officers.
The parade concluded with a stunning flypast by Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, providing a powerful finale to the event. The thunderous roar of the aircraft over Khadakwasla symbolized the strength and spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.
The flypast received enthusiastic applause from spectators, serving as a fitting tribute to the cadets who had completed one of the nation's most challenging military training programs.
The National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla near Pune is renowned as the birthplace of jointmanship, where future officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together before proceeding to their respective academies. The 150th Course's Passing Out Parade is a historic milestone in this ongoing journey.
With the graduation of the 150th Course, the NDA reaffirms its dedication to producing disciplined, courageous, and proficient leaders for the Armed Forces. The inclusion of women and foreign cadets reflects the academy's evolving character while maintaining its timeless values of duty, honor, camaraderie, and service to the nation.
For the 353 cadets who crossed the Antim Pag, May 30, 2026, will be a day etched in memory as they become proud NDA alumni, moving one step closer to their commission as officers in the Armed Forces.
