Each year the sacred precincts of the Indian Military Academy [IMA] Dehradun host an occasion that reeks of pride, bravery and unflinching patriotism – the passing out parade [POP]. And 2025 has seen this legendary event carves its place in the history books of Indian military heritage once more.

IMA POP 2025: 419 brave soldiers became part of the Indian Army, 32 cadets from nine friendly countries also passed out

The IMA POP 2025 was not merely a military function. It was a commemoration of determination, grit, and the melding of cadets into gentleman officers of the Indian Army- heroes who will now defend our borders, command men into combat and treasure the values of duty, honor and country.

The IMA, established on 1 October 1932, has trained over 65,000 cadets, including those from 34 friendly foreign countries. Its legacy continues to inspire generations of military leaders with its focus on discipline, honour, and leadership.

What is the IMA POP?

Passing Out Parade is the culmination of intense training in the Indian military academy. After 18 months of relentless physical, academic and tactical training; the cadets pass out formality and get commenced into the Indian army as officers. This is not merely a ceremonial day – it is an existential milestone. Every step that one takes along the parade echoes with the blood, sweat, and determination that these young men have out in to become the country’s future warriors.

IMA POP 2025: A Day to Remember

The prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun witnessed a grand ceremonial Passing Out Parade (POP) on Saturday, marking the culmination of the rigorous training for the Spring Term 2025.

A total of 451 Gentlemen Cadets (GCs), including 419 Indian cadets and 32 foreign cadets from friendly countries, proudly marched on the historic drill square, stepping into the ranks of commissioned officers in their respective armies.

[GENERAL VIKUM LIYANAGE LASANTHA RODRIGO, THE CHIEF OF THE SRI LANKAN ARMY]

The Parade: A Display of Discipline and Glory

The passing out parade is not merely a march – it’s an orchestration of discipline. The crisp salutes, choreographed steps and ringing commands present months of honed drills. The parade started with the presentation of the sword of honour which goes to the most well rounded cadet.

Key honours awarded during POP 2025:

• • Sword of Honour: Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra

• • Gold Medal: Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak (1st in Order of Merit)

• • Silver Medal: Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra (2nd in Order of Merit)

• • Bronze Medal: Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma (3rd in Order of Merit)

• • Silver Medal (TGC): Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya (Topper, Technical Graduate Course)

• • Silver Medal (TES-45): Wing Cadet Quarter Master Kapil (Topper, Technical Entry Scheme)

• • Foreign Cadet Medal: Foreign Officer Cadet Nishan Balami (Nepal) (1st in Order of Merit among foreign trainees)

The Chief of Army Staff Banner for the best performing company was awarded to Keren Company, standing first among the 12 companies for Spring Term 2025.

Behind the Scenes: The Journey of a Cadet

The road to the IMA POP is not easy. Cadets undergo:

• • Physical training including long-distance runs, obstacle courses, and route marches

• • Tactical exercises in mock battlefields and jungles

• • Weapon handling, live firing drills, and field engineering

• • Leadership modules, map reading, and group tasks

• • Academic classes in military history, geography, and strategy

A typical day starts at 4:30 a.m. and ends late into the evening. The academy transforms boys into men who are ready to lead troops in real-world operations across terrains—be it the icy Siachen, desert stretches, or insurgency-hit jungles.

The Emotional Moment: The Antim Pag (Final Step)

The most moving part of the parade is the Antim Pag. At the last step the cadets take outside the drills quire they are no longer cadets but commissioned officers. It is a symbol a powerful moment – a combination of pride, emotion and responsibility. Parents cry, seeing their sons realize a dream only a select few have the courage to pursue.

The caps are tossed into the air by the cadets as a reminder that they have finished and all cameras on the field attempt to record that precise second – one that speaks volumes.

Significance of IMA POP for India

The ima pop is not only a military tradition but a national holiday. In a nation where the military inspires huge amounts of respect, every officer who passes out from IMA becomes an icon of national pride and faith.

They then take charge of leading men in some of the most hostile terrains, making life and death decisions. They are the representations of India’s strength, discipline and humanity.

The IMA POP therefore reminds each Indian that the nation’s defence is in the strong arms and chaste hearts of these young leaders.

Global Participation: Unity in Diversity

The Indian Military Academy has trained officers for over 40 friendly nations. The POP 2025 saw participation from cadets of Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Tajikistan, among others.

This global representation not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also underscores India’s role as a responsible defence training partner. These foreign cadets take back the values and standards of IMA, becoming ambassadors of India in their home countries.

Centurion Defence Academy: Proud Mentors of Future Warriors

Behind every successful GC at IMA is months (sometimes years) of rigorous preparation. Institutions like Centurion Defence Academy play a vital role in this journey.

Known for producing NDA and CDS toppers, Centurion provides:

• • SSB Interview Training by Ex-GTOs & Psychologists

• • Daily Current Affairs & Defence News Analysis

• • Focused Written Exam Prep (NDA/CDS/AFCAT)

• • Personal Mentorship, Mock Interviews, and Group Tasks

• • Moral & Leadership Development

In 2025, dozens of GCs at the IMA POP were trained at Centurion Defence Academy, a proud moment for both mentors and students.

History Rewritten-Centurion Legacy Continues: 20+ Centurions Commissioned Across Armed Forces in 2025! And still counting….

Dedicated to transforming potential into purpose—for the youth, for the nation, for India’s future.

We salute the unwavering spirit, discipline, and dedication of our shining stars— VIKRANT, SHASHWAT DWIVEDI, RAVI PRAKASH YADAV, SAGAR CHAHAR, and AVIJEET SINGH, AYUSH PRIYADARSHI, YASH RAMAN—for successfully completing their TRAINING tenure at the INDIAN MILTRAY ACADEMY.

From cadet to commissioned, your journey is carved in courage. You wore the uniform not merely as a symbol, but as a promise fulfilled—with pride, perseverance, and purpose. As you march ahead, remember the nation marches with you, echoing the spirit of “Nation First, Always First.” The entire Centurion family celebrates your achievement—honouring you as a true symbol of grit, glory, and greatness.

Words That Stay Forever: The Chetwode Motto

At the core of every cadet’s soul lies the Chetwode Motto, which is carved on the IMA’s building and deeply ingrained in their heart.

“The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time.
The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next.
Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time.”

It is not just a motto. It’s a code of life for every IMA graduate.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Marches Forward

The IMA POP 2025 was more than a military event—it was the start of a lifelong journey of service. As these young officers don their stars and salute the Tricolour, they carry with them the dreams of a billion Indians and the values taught at the IMA.

To all those who stood tall on the Drill Square in 2025—India salutes you. You are no longer just cadets. You are the steel in our spine, the shield at our borders, and the soul of our armed forces.

Jai Hind.
For every youth with a dream, the Drill Square awaits.

The Best NDA & CDS Coaching In India- CENTURION!

For years, Centurion Defence Academy has played a pivotal role in shaping the journeys of hundreds of defence aspirants who dream of marching through the prestigious gates of the Indian Military Academy (IMA).

Known for its rigorous academic training, real-time SSB simulations, and expert mentorship, Centurion has built a strong legacy of producing candidates who don’t just crack written exams like NDA and CDS, but also excel at the SSB interview stage with confidence, clarity, and commitment.

The foundation laid at Centurion is what transforms ordinary aspirants into extraordinary officers in the making. From personalized mentorship to mission-oriented test series, Centurion ensures that every IMA aspirant becomes thoroughly exam-ready, mentally conditioned, and leadership-oriented.

With its structured courses, exclusive mock interviews, and focused current affairs sessions, Centurion Defence Academy has become a name synonymous with success for those aspiring to wear the olive green with pride at IMA, Dehradun.

 

 

 

 

 

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