As the count comes down to May 30, 2025, the nation’s pride swells with the promise of a new generation of warriors set to defend India’s sovereignty and integrity. Their future lies with them, and they are set to lead with honor and distinction. Today we all witness of NDA 148 Course Passing Out Parade.

NDA PASSING OUT PARADE 30 May 2025 – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

The National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune, is India’s nursery of military leadership. Young cadets go through three years of gruelling academic, physical, and military training every year. Their metamorphosis from civilians to soon-to-be officers of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force reaches its climax with the Passing Out Parade (POP)—a big ceremonial event after they are found ready to serve the country. On Friday, 30 May 2025, the NDA will once again stage this historic event, but this year’s parade has added historical importance.

What Takes Place during the NDA Passing Out Parade 2025?

The NDA Passing Out Parade is held twice annually, commonly in May and November. It is the final ceremonial milestone for cadets at the NDA before they move on to specialist military academies.

KEY EVENT FACTS

• takes place on: Friday, 30 May 2025
• Venue: Khetarpal Parade Ground, NDA Campus, Khadakwasla, Pune
• Time: Begins around 6:30 AM to avoid the summer heat
• Reviewing Officer: General V K Singh (Retd)
• Course: 148th NDA Course

MAIN CEREMONIAL HIGHLIGHTS of NDA 148 Course Passing Out Parade

• Commandant’s Medal – For service excellence
• March Past and Drill – Cadets perform precision drills, including the slow and quick march, demonstrating the discipline and synchronization honed over the years.
• Oath Ceremony – Cadets undertake oath-taking to serve the country with honor and integrity—a moment of much emotional importance for them and their families.
• Piping Ceremony – Post-parade, cadets are officially “piped” with service ranks by seniors or family members, signalling their elevation to Gentlemen Cadets.
• Award Distribution – Outstanding cadets are awarded for overall excellence in academics, leadership, and sports.

President’s Gold Medal – Exceptional all-rounder cadet

Silver Medal – Second-best cadet

Bronze Medal – Third-best cadet

ABOUT THE KHETARPAL PARADE GROUND

The Khetarpal Parade Ground itself, on which the NDA Passing Out Parade takes place, bears the name of the gallant Param Vir Chakra recipient, 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, whose great valor and selflessness in combat are a living inspiration to all cadets. Located in the scenic Sahyadri Hills, the parade ground itself is a spectacular and peaceful setting that enhances the dignity and solemnity of the event.

This historical ground is steeped in military tradition and has witnessed numerous moments of discipline, dedication, and change over the course of many years. Apart from its ceremonial importance, the parade ground also houses the Hut of Remembrance, a revered memorial for the NDA alumni who made sacrifices for the country. This hut is a powerful reminder of the courage and devotion demanded of each cadet, which fosters a deep sense of respect and responsibility in those who tread this sacred ground.

SYMBOLISM AND TIME-HONOURED TRADITIONS

The NDA 148 Course Passing Out Parade is full of symbolism, representing cadets’ transformation from trainees to commissioned officers of the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Long-standing traditions such as the “Antim Pag” (Last Step) and the NDA Anthem are the emotional nucleus of the ceremony. Formal “Pipping” or commissioning typically occurs later at respective service academies.

Antim Pag is an extremely symbolic and emotional part of the parade. It is the last march step taken by the cadets as they finish their training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and become de facto commissioned officers or move on to their respective service academies (Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, or Naval Academy) to continue their training. This “last step” marks the culmination of their days as cadets and the commencement of their life as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. It’s a time of pride, contemplation, and change—frequently surrounded by much ceremony and sentimental value for the cadets and their relatives.

The NDA Anthem is the official Academy Song of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and exquisitely captures the spirit, pride, and fundamental values of the academy and its cadets. It is a rousing and patriotic song written to evoke unity, discipline, courage, and commitment among students at the NDA. The anthem emphasizes significant themes like a profound sense of commitment to the country, the profound brotherhood and camaraderie between the cadets, honor and courage in service, and the high school legacy of the NDA itself. With its strong message, the anthem instills the values that guide future Indian defence forces leaders.

FOREIGN AND WOMEN CADETS

In accordance with NDA’s ethos of global fraternity, the parade could also feature foreign cadets from friendly nations who train with Indian cadets. Apart from this, the academy has begun inducting women cadets in pilot batches and more integration is likely to happen following recommendations from the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Foreign cadets who have undergone training at India’s National Defence Academy (NDA) have typically been from friendly countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Afghanistan (earlier), Myanmar, Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius, and Oman. All these nations have close diplomatic and defence relations with India, and the exchange of cadets to NDA facilitates military cooperation, consolidates strategic alliances, and induces interoperability between their defence forces. This practice demonstrates India’s commitment to regional defence and defence diplomacy.

WHY THE NDA POP MATTERS?

For all NDA aspirants throughout the country, the Passing Out Parade (POP) is a motivating, aspirational landmark that provides inspiration as well as a crisp sense of direction. It represents the change of cadets who undergo a life-altering experience, from being mere civilians to being disciplined and confident prospective officers set to serve the country. The POP is also an intensely emotional moment of family pride, as loved ones see the fruition of years of toil and sacrifice, watch their children and sons come forward and assume the noble task of national service.

A HISTORIC MILESTONE: GRADUATION OF FIRST BATCH OF WOMEN CADETS

It’s a historic milestone for the Indian Armed Forces as the National Defence Academy (NDA) is all set to graduate its first-ever batch of women cadets on May 30, 2025. This trailblazing batch of 17 women, who have been trained along with almost 300 male cadets, marks a revolutionary step towards gender inclusion and military training in India.

The cadets received tough academic and physical training equal to their male peers, taking part in every aspect of the curriculum—ranging from parade drill and horse riding to swimming and strategy games. Among them is Ishita Sharma, who comes from a non-military background and was pursuing economics when the NDA welcomed women into its fold. Her performance and leadership got her the rank of Division Cadet Captain.

The cadets emphasized the intense but enriching experience of their journey and how there was a sense of unity that formed as a result of facing challenges together. A few mentioned arriving at the academy as introverts but departing with lifetime friends and a newfound purpose. These 17 cadets are soon to enter Indian military annals as path-breakers. Their successful graduation ushers in a new era—one where women are not only welcomed but expected to lead from the front in the country’s armed services.

 MEDIA COVERAGE AND PUBLIC ACCESS

The Passing Out Parade is broadcast on Doordarshan and other digital media under a traditional live telecast, allowing the public and families to see their loved one participating in this momentous occasion. Details of viewing and links for streaming will be posted as the date gets closer, still garnering extensive national attention.

The NDA Passing Out Parade on 30 May 2025 is not a ceremony—it’s a national celebration of unity, service, and dedication. It’s the proudest moment in the life of cadets. It’s a look at what courage and commitment can achieve for aspirants. Whether you watch it lives or online, allow the spirit of the POP to inspire your dream of serving India with honor.

The legacy in the making champions

In a moment etched in history, the National Defence Academy (NDA) witnessed the grand Passing Out Parade (POP) of its 148th course today, with the first-ever batch of 17 women cadets marching shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts. A total of 338 cadets took part in the ceremonial parade held at the iconic Khetrapal Ground, against the majestic backdrop of the Sahyadri hills.

The parade was reviewed by General V.K. Singh (Retd), former Chief of the Army Staff and current Governor of Mizoram, who congratulated the cadets for their perseverance and excellence. He awarded medals to the top-performing cadets of the batch:

President’s Gold Medal: BCA Prince Raj (Charlie Squadron)

President’s Silver Medal: ACC Udayveer Singh Negi (Golf Squadron)

President’s Bronze Medal: BCC Tejas Bhat (November Squadron)

Chiefs of Staff Banner: Golf Squadron.

The parade concluded with the emotional tune of Auld Lang Syne, symbolizing the cadets’ farewell to their alma mater. A day earlier, on May 29, the Convocation Ceremony was held at NDA, where 339 cadets, including 17 women, were awarded degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Among the academic achievers was Division Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh, who topped the Arts stream, becoming the first woman cadet to achieve this distinction at NDA.

This Passing Out Parade was especially significant as it marked the culmination of a landmark journey that began in August 2021, when the Supreme Court paved the way for women to be admitted into the NDA.
The first batch of women cadets joined the academy in July-August 2022 as part of this 148th course, ushering in a new era of gender inclusivity in India’s premier tri-services military training institution.

After completing their rigorous three-year training at NDA, the cadets will now move to their respective service academies for specialized pre-commissioning training: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – for Army cadets Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – for Navy cadets Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal – for Air Force cadets The 148th POP stands not just as a celebration of excellence but as a defining moment in the transformation of India’s military leadership landscape.

CENTURION DEFENCE ACADEMY’S CONTRIBUTION

Centurion Defence Academy has been at the forefront of guiding and grooming India’s first batch of women cadets to be qualified to join the National Defence Academy. With its individualised guidance, personalized mentoring courses, and best-ever faculty, the academy has played a key role in enabling some deserving female candidates to clear NDA written examination and SSB interview.

The academy’s integrated approach—balancing academic excellence, physical fitness, and leadership development—helped young women of both military and non-military backgrounds meet the challenge and earn a spot in the historic pilot batch of women cadets at NDA.

Centurion had sent 10 female candidates for the 27 seats that are going to walk the Antim Pag.

This success not only speaks of the aspirants’ sincerity but also of Centurion Defence Academy’s persistent quest for inclusive defence education. With specialized NDA Foundation Courses such as NDA PRAGATI BATCH [for defence aspirant girls only], specially designed for women candidates, the academy was instrumental in moulding their transformation from aspirants into cadets. Their success is a testament to Centurion’s integrated training model that continues to empower a new generation of women leaders committed to serving the country with valor and vision.

It is with great pride that we mention the medal winner at the NDA Passing Out Parade.