NDA Cadet Abhinav Bajpai, 17, Passes Away During Initial Physical Training Parade
Pune, July 11, 2026 — A 17-year-old cadet enrolled at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla tragically died on Friday morning after experiencing a medical emergency during routine physical training. The incident took place during the cadet's first official physical training parade since joining the academy.
The cadet has been identified as Abhinav Bajpai from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He had become part of the esteemed tri-service officer training academy on June 24, 2026, just a couple of weeks before the unfortunate event.
An official statement from the Defence Public Relations Office in Pune, supported by the Ministry of Defence, detailed the sequence of events:
“During the routine morning physical training session, following the first official PT parade after joining the Academy, he complained of uneasiness and suddenly became unconscious. The cadet was immediately evacuated to the Military Hospital, Khadakwasla, where intensive resuscitative efforts were undertaken by the medical team. Despite the best possible medical care and sustained efforts to revive him, he could not be saved and was declared deceased.”
The academy responded with urgency, transferring the cadet to the Military Hospital on campus for urgent medical attention. Despite comprehensive resuscitation efforts, the cadet could not be revived.
The National Defence Academy has initiated a Court of Inquiry (CoI) to determine the exact details and circumstances surrounding the incident. The cadet's family has been informed, and local police authorities have been alerted as well.
The NDA extended its "deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time" in their official statement.
The National Defence Academy, located in Khadakwasla, is India's leading joint services institution tasked with training officer cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Physical training is a fundamental part of the demanding curriculum aimed at building endurance, discipline, and operational fitness.
This incident is the third reported death of a cadet at the NDA since October 2025, with previous cases involving various circumstances, one of which occurred during swimming practice. The current Court of Inquiry will focus on all pertinent aspects specific to this event.
The inquiry into the incident is currently in progress, with no further official findings disclosed thus far. Defence authorities have stated that all standard emergency protocols were adhered to in the immediate response.
The Indian Armed Forces and the NDA community have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a young cadet who had just begun his pursuit to serve the nation.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as official information from the Court of Inquiry or the Ministry of Defence becomes available.
