329 cadets have been formally commissioned into the Indian Armed Forces after successfully passing through the National Defence Academy‘s rigorous tri-service training programme. The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 149th Course took place this morning at Khetrapal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, Pune, with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi reviewing the ceremonial parade. The event commenced at 06:30 AM with the iconic march of uniformed cadets representing the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, drawing families, military personnel, and citizens who witnessed the grand spectacle either in person or through live YouTube streaming.
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, presiding as Reviewing Officer, emphasised technology as the armed forces’ greatest future asset and commended the cadets for embodying the discipline and determination required to lead the nation’s defence. His address reverberated across the parade ground, delivering a powerful message about India’s strategic ambitions and the pivotal role of military leadership in the nation’s march towards becoming a global power.
The parade concluded with prestigious medal ceremonies recognising exceptional cadets. Cadet Deepak Kandpal received the President’s Gold Medal for outstanding performance and leadership qualities. Cadet Siddharth Singh, who commanded the entire parade with military precision, secured the Silver Medal, while Cadet Siddhi Jain was awarded the Bronze Medal. The Chief of Staff Banner, given to the best-performing squadron, went to Golf Squadron, a recognition that highlights collective excellence and teamwork.
The 149th Course Convocation Ceremony occurred yesterday at Habibullah Hall, where 328 cadets were conferred degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The academic breakdown includes 72 cadets from the Science Stream, 92 from Computer Science, and 52 from the Arts Stream. Additionally, 18 cadets from friendly foreign nations received degrees, reinforcing India’s defence partnerships and international military cooperation. Another 112 cadets from the B.Tech programme (Navy and Air Force) received three-year course completion certificates and will earn their full B.Tech degrees upon finishing training at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala or the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.
UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar served as Chief Guest during the Convocation Ceremony, congratulating the passing-out cadets and acknowledging the families who motivated their wards to join India’s premier military institution. Academic excellence was celebrated with special recognitions: Cadet Kartik Maheshwari topped Science with an FGPA of 8.11, Cadet Ananya led Computer Science with 8.36, Cadet Anurag Gupta achieved highest marks in Social Sciences with 7.44, and Cadet Vishwesh Bhalerao topped B.Tech with a CGPA of 8.05.
The parade ground, named after Param Vir Chakra recipient Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, provided the majestic backdrop against the Sahyadri Hills as these future officers took their “Antim Pag“—their final ceremonial walk as cadets before transitioning to the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The event was streamed live on YouTube, allowing millions across India and abroad to witness the nation’s youth stepping forward to serve with honour and valour. Defence Ministry sources confirmed that the NDA continues its commitment to producing world-class military leaders who will safeguard national maritime interests and contribute to India’s security apparatus in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
