OTA Gaya Winter Term Passing Out Parade 2026

The Winter Term Passing Out Parade 2026 at the OTA Gaya was a proud and emotional moment for hundreds of officer cadets, their families, and the entire nation. The parade marked the successful completion of rigorous military training and the beginning of a new journey as commissioned officers in the Indian Army.

From perfectly synchronised drill movements to inspiring speeches and emotional final steps on the parade ground, the ceremony beautifully showcased discipline, dedication, and the spirit of service.

A Parade That Showed Discipline and Precision

The OTA gaya Passing Out Parade took place on the prestigious Captain M.V. Pranjal Drill Square, where cadets displayed outstanding drill precision and military bearing. Drill is one of the most important aspects of military training because it builds discipline, coordination, and teamwork qualities that every soldier must carry throughout their career.

The cadets marched with confidence and pride, demonstrating the months of hard training they had undergone at the academy. Their shining rifles and synchronised steps reflected the highest standards of military professionalism.

The parade was commanded by Academy Under Officer Kuldeep, who led the marching contingents with great confidence and composure.

Contingents That Took Part in the Parade

Several companies of the academy participated in the parade, each marching proudly with their respective commanders. These companies included:

Izzar Company
Gurez Company
Basantar Company
Dograi Company
Tithwal Company
Rezang La Company
Longewala Company
Hajipir Company

Each contingent represented months of hard work, physical training, weapon training, field craft, and leadership development.

As the contingents marched to the famous tune “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja,” the atmosphere on the parade ground became even more energetic and patriotic.

Distinguished Officers Present at the Ceremony

The ceremony was attended by several senior officers of the Indian Army.

The parade adjutant was Lieutenant Colonel Prakhar Dhakad, an officer with vast operational experience who has served in challenging terrains such as Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, and desert regions. He has also served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, representing India internationally.

The event was conducted under the leadership of Major General Govardhan Singh (Sena Medal), Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor of OTA Gaya.

The academy itself is commanded by Lieutenant General Vivek Kashyap, the 12th Commandant of OTA Gaya, who has had an illustrious career with command and staff appointments across the Indian Army.

Reviewing Officer for the OTA Gaya Parade

The Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade was Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army Southern Command.

During his address to the cadets, he praised the outstanding drill standards displayed during the parade and congratulated them for completing their training.

He reminded the young officers that commissioning into the army is not just a ceremonial moment but the beginning of a life dedicated to honour, duty, and service to the nation.

He also spoke about modern security challenges, such as:

Hybrid warfare
Cyber threats
Technological changes in battlefields
Increasingly complex global security situations

He emphasised that young officers must lead by example and uphold the highest standards of military leadership.

Key Awards and Medals

Outstanding cadets were recognised for their exceptional performance during training.

Gold Medal – First in Overall Order of Merit

Battalion Under Officer Ashwin Kirfai

(Commissioned into the Corps of Signals)

Silver Medal – Second in Order of Merit

Academy Under Officer Kuldeep

(Commissioned into the Rajputana Rifles)

Bronze Medal – Third in Order of Merit

Battalion Cadet Adjutant Chiranjeevi

(Commissioned into the Army Service Corps)

These awards represent excellence in academics, physical training, weapon handling, leadership, and overall performance.

Best Company Award

The Chief of Army Staff Banner for the Winter Term was awarded to Gurez Company for its outstanding performance across all training parameters, including:

Service subjects
Physical training
Weapon training
Drill
Sports

Winning this banner is considered one of the highest achievements for a company during the training term.

Emotional Final Step – The “Antim Pag”

One of the most emotional moments of the parade was the “Antim Pag” (Final Step) ceremony.

As the band played the soulful tune “Auld Lang Syne,” the cadets marched slowly past the saluting dais and took their final step out of the academy as commissioned officers.

For many parents and families present at the parade, it was a deeply emotional moment to see their sons and daughters proudly wearing the uniform of the Indian Army.

A Journey From Cadet to Officer

The passing out parade marked the successful completion of training for cadets from:

64th Short Service Commission (Technical) Course for Men
35th Short Service Commission (Technical) Course for Women

After months of intense training that included physical endurance, tactical exercises, leadership tasks, and field drills, these cadets are now ready to take on the responsibilities of leading soldiers in some of the toughest conditions.

A Tribute to Courage and Sacrifice

The academy also pays tribute to fallen heroes like Captain M.V. Pranjal (Shaurya Chakra), an alumnus who was martyred during a counter-insurgency operation in Jammu & Kashmir in 2023.

His sacrifice stands as a reminder of the ultimate commitment that military officers must be ready to make for the nation.

Start Your Journey to the Indian Army with Centurion Defence Academy

Watching a Passing Out Parade at the Officers Training Academy, Gaya is inspiring for every defence aspirant. It reminds us that every officer standing proudly on the drill square once started their journey as a young student preparing for defence exams.

If you dream of wearing the uniform of the Indian Army and marching proudly in a Passing Out Parade one day, the right guidance and preparation can make a huge difference.

Centurion Defence Academy has become one of the trusted institutes for defence aspirants preparing for exams like:

The academy provides structured classroom coaching, experienced faculty, and exam-focused study material to help students crack written defence exams with confidence.

For candidates preparing for the Services Selection Board (SSB), Centurion also offers a 21-Day SSB Training Program in Lucknow designed to build the officer-like qualities required in the selection process. The program includes:

Complete guidance for Psychological Tests
Practical Training for GTO Tasks
Personal Interview Preparation
Realistic mock SSB environment
Mentorship from experienced assessors

For aspirants who want quick preparation before their SSB interview, the academy also offers a 14-Day SSB Course in Dehradun.

Students can also access preparation from home through the Centurion Digital App, which provides online classes, practice tests, and guidance for defence exams.

Many successful candidates who are now serving in the armed forces started their journey with the right mentorship and consistent preparation. With dedication, discipline, and proper guidance, you too can take your “Antim Pag” on the parade ground as an officer of the Indian Armed Forces.