IMA Passing Out Parade to be Held on 13 December 2025

On 13 December 2025, the Indian Military Academy (IMA), located in Dehradun, will celebrate its most cherished and emotional event: The Passing Out Parade (POP). This event represents far more than a parade. Rather, it signifies an important milestone in the development of Gentleman Cadets as they become commissioned officers in the Indian Army after months of rigorous training.

Families of the graduating Class of 2025, veterans of the Indian Armed Forces, future defence aspirants, and all proud Indians will have a significant feeling of attachment to the day.

What Makes the IMA Passing Out Parade So Special?

The IMA POP is regarded as one of the finest military parades in the country. It is a display of precision, discipline, and the spirit of soldiering that has been cultivated at the Academy over decades.

Some highlights of the parade include:

1. The Legendary Chetwode Drill Square

This is where the Gentleman Cadets, after months of rigorous training, march with flawless coordination, each step symbolising courage and commitment to the nation.

2. The Tradition of Antim Pag

Perhaps the most emotional part of the ceremony, Antim Pag marks the last step a cadet takes as a trainee. The very next moment, he steps forward as a commissioned officer. Families often watch this moment with moist eyes and hearts full of pride.

3. Cadets from Friendly Foreign Nations

To date, the IMA has trained almost 66,000 cadets, with approximately 3,000 from friendly foreign countries, making it literally an international cradle of military leadership.

4. Presentation of the Sword of Honour

The one thing everyone looks forward to at the end of every POP is the presentation of the Sword of Honour. It is given to the best all-around Gentleman Cadet in the course based on his ability to excel in all areas of leadership, academics, physical endurance, and performance overall.

It is always inspiring to watch someone receive this honour as it demonstrates how a gentleman should carry himself with dignity while performing to the highest standards.

5. Presence of Senior Leaders, Including the Army Chief

The fact that Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi will be reviewing the parade makes this event significant. His presence brings a great deal of respect to the occasion.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to Review the Parade

On 13 December, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff, will review the Passing Out Parade (POP) for cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA). The Chief of Army Staff will inspect the parade, greet and award certificates of graduation to all graduating cadets and share in their pride as they observe hundreds of cadets take their oaths of service to their country.

The IMA, established on 1 October 1932 with just 40 cadets, has grown into one of the world’s leading military academies. Today, it trains up to 1,660 cadets at a time, and over the decades, it has produced officers who have led the Indian Army with honour, courage, and professionalism.

The POP is a reminder of the Academy’s rich heritage of steadfast discipline and an eternal Chetwode Motto:

“The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time…”

Artillery Cadets Felicitated Ahead of POP 2025

The excitement is most expected among the cadets who will enter into one of the prestigious Regiments of Artillery, popularly called the “Arm of Decision.”

Ahead of the parade, officer cadets from the:

157 Regular Course
140 Technical Graduate Course (TGC)
55 Special Commission Officers (SCO) Course
46 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) Course

…were felicitated with their Artillery accoutrements in a heartfelt ceremony.

Maj Gen Rajender Prakash, VSM (Retd), as Chief Guest

The function was graced by Maj Gen Rajender Prakash, who spoke some words of inspiration to the cadets to:

Lead with courage
Demonstrate unwavering discipline
Uphold the rich traditions of the Artillery

Veteran Gunner Officers attended the occasion, blessed the soon-to-be-commissioned officers, and shared experiences that were invaluable. Such interactions inspired the young cadets and further reinforced their confidence when they head for active service.

This moment of recognition just before the POP becomes a memory to be treasured by every Artillery officer.

Dehradun’s Traffic Plan for POP Week (6–13 December)

Anticipating thousands of visitors for the ceremony, the Dehradun Police have drawn up an elaborate traffic management plan for smooth traffic flow around the IMA campus.

A whole IMA vicinity has been declared a Zero Zone, where entry of vehicles would be restricted during parade hours.

Diversion Timings

6 December: 7 AM – 11 AM
9 December: 7 AM – 11 AM
11 December: 7 AM – 11 AM & 4 PM – 7:30 PM
12 December: 4 PM – 7:30 PM
13 December: 6 AM – 12:30 PM

Key Diversion Routes

Ballupur → Premnagar: Via Rangharwala Tiraaha → Mithi Beri
Premnagar → City: Via Daru Chowk → Shimla Bypass → Niranjanpur
Heavy Vehicles (Selakui zone): Via Dhulkot → Singhniwala → Nayagaon
Doon → Vikasnagar (heavy vehicles): Via Shimla Bypass → Dharmawala

These arrangements aim to maintain safety and ease congestion during the big day.

Centurion Defence Academy Cadets to March Proudly in POP 2025

This year’s POP is also very emotional and satisfying for Centurion Defence Academy. Many of its students, once preparing vigorously under CDA’s mentorship for SSB interviews, physical tests, and written exams, are about to get commissioned as officers.

Proud CDA Cadets Walking the Drill Square:

Yuvraj Singh Chauhan
Dinku Soni
Sushant Kumar Singh
Jasmindra Singh
Alok Narayan Singh
Aditya Chaudhary

Rising from student candidates to Gentleman Cadets is an indication of the individual’s commitment, determination, and dedication to their training, as well as the academy’s broad and thorough way of training each candidate. Each one of our cadets has been given personalised mentoring by a team of expert mentors.

Amongst this team are highly qualified and experienced professionals such as former GTOs (Group Training Officers), former IOs (Interviewing Officers), and former Psychologists.

The academy takes great pride in witnessing such a proud moment as the cadets perform the last march.

Why Aspirants Trust Centurion Defence Academy

Centurion Defence Academy has earned the trust of thousands of aspirants due to its holistic preparation ecosystem and impressive success record.

What CDA Offers:

21-Day and 14-Day SSB Training Programs
Mentorship by ex-Army officers, including former GTOs, IOs, and Psychologists
A fully equipped GTO ground for realistic practice
Mock interviews and personality development sessions
Study material and test series for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, MNS, and more
Digital learning support through the Centurion Digital App

Its consistent results at IMA and other academies reflect the effectiveness of its training methodology.

A Parade That Celebrates Dreams, Discipline & the Future

As 13 December approaches, there is a special kind of energy across Dehradun and within the defence community. The IMA POP represents:

The end of a challenging journey
The beginning of a life of service
The dreams of families
The legacy of the Indian Army
The bond between trainers and cadets

From the emotional Antim Pag to the presentation of the Sword of Honour, and from the proud march of Indian and foreign cadets to the encouragement of veterans every moment at the POP is unforgettable.

For the cadets, it marks the start of their leadership journey. For their families, it is a moment of unmatched pride. For institutions like Centurion Defence Academy, it is a celebration of mentorship and hard work. And for the nation, it is the rise of a new generation of officers ready to stand on the frontline.

IMA Passing Out Parade to be Held on 13 December 2025