OTA Gaya Summer Term 2026 Passing Out Parade: P Shashi Kumar Wins Sword of Honour and Gold Medal

The Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, on Saturday held the Passing Out Parade of the Summer Term 2026, bringing to a close months of intensive training for Officer Cadets who are now set to join the Indian Army as commissioned officers.

The parade saw cadets of SSC (Tech) Men-65 and SSC (Tech) Women-36 march with precision on the academy grounds before crossing the symbolic “Antim Pag” — the final step that marks their transition from officer cadets to officers. For the young men and women on parade, the moment also represented their “Pehla Kadam” into a life of commissioned service, leadership and responsibility.

The ceremony displayed the drill, military bearing and discipline associated with OTA Gaya’s training standards. It also served as a formal send-off for cadets who have completed the demanding process of preparation required before being commissioned into the Indian Army.

The Reviewing Officer inspected the parade and addressed the newly commissioned officers, urging them to uphold the values, traditions and ethos of the Indian Army throughout their careers. The Reviewing Officer also congratulated the parents and families present, recognising the support they had provided during the cadets’ training journey.

Among the graduating cadets, Academy Under Officer P Shashi Kumar was the top performer of Summer Term 2026 and received both the Sword of Honour and the Gold Medal for his overall performance during training. Battalion Under Officer Deepak Singh Rawat was awarded the Silver Medal, while Academy Cadet Adjutant Navneet Singh received the Bronze Medal.

Kalidhar Company was adjudged the best-performing company and received the coveted Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Banner for its overall performance during the term.

The honours and awards presented at the parade were as follows: Sword of Honour and Gold Medal to AUO P Shashi Kumar; Silver Medal to BUO Deepak Singh Rawat; Bronze Medal to ACA Navneet Singh; and the COAS Banner to Kalidhar Company.

For the cadets and their families, the Passing Out Parade carried deep personal significance. It marked the culmination of years of aspiration, sacrifice and hard work, and the beginning of a new phase in which the newly commissioned officers will be entrusted with leading soldiers and serving the nation in uniform.