NDA+for+Flip+Book

cradle of leadership

This rich shade of maroon was adopted as the 

National Defence Academy 

colour in 1956. 

It is a synthesis of Olive Green of the Army, 

Prussian Blue of the Navy, 

Sky Blue of the Air Force, and 

Red, the colour of valour and sacrifice.

the crest of the National Defence Academy 

Designed to foster the spirit of camaraderie among the Services, 

the insignia is composed of symbols that represent the 

Army, the Navy and the Air Force. 

The cross swords stand for the Army’s martial valour, 

the anchor denotes the stability of the Navy 

and the Himalayan eagle symbolises the Air Force’s aspiration 

to touch the skies with glory. 

The four Asiatic lions standing back to back, adopted from the national emblem 

and mounted on the Himalayan eagle, 

depicts pride in serving the motherland 

while the scroll at the base 

endorses the ideal of Seva Paramo Dharma or Service before Self. 

First chosen in 1948, the design of the insignia 

evolved between 1949 and 1956.

© national defence academy 

May 2016 

Executive Publisher 

Maneck E Davar 

Compiling Editor 

Commander Aman Singh Siwach 

Editorial 

Monideepa Choudhuri 

Design 

Parvez Shaikh 

Vaishali Kapadia Jhaveri 

Rohit Nayak 

Ninad Jadhav 

Photography 

Dhiman Chatterjee 

Baldev Singh, LA(PH) 

Acknowledgements: 

For their guidance and advice: 

Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, PVSM, AVSM 

Commandant, NDA 

Air Vice Marshal S P Wagle, VM 

Deputy Commandant, NDA 

Brigadier S K Rao, YSM 

Brigadier Administration, NDA 

Prof (Dr) O P Shukla 

Principal, NDA 

Captain Devanshu Rastogi 

Director Training, NDA 

For their able support: 

Commander K Nirmal 

Lieutenant Colonel B D Lenka 

Major Himani Luthra 

Captain Kartikeya Manral 

Captain Bibek Pradhan 

Mr Anand (Anand Photo Studio) 

All training teams and Adjutant’s section 

NDA Archives Section 

NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY 

Cradle OF leadership 

1 9 4 9 - 2 0 1 6 

Printed and Designed by 

No part of this book may be reproduced 

or stored in a retrieval system, or 

transmitted in any form or by any 

means, without the prior written 

permission of the copyright holder. 

2 national defence academy

contents 

Messages 08 

Foreword 10 

Preface 12 

Vision and Mission 14 

Timeline 18 

A Cadet’s Essentials 

A Cadet’s Essential 64 

Academy Prayer, Academy 

Honour Code 66 

The Training 

The Final Steps 

The Final Steps 140 

Distinguished Guests 148 

Men at the Helm 152 

our great nation can advance only if we are united. 

our army, our navy and our air force 

draw their men from all parts of the country, 

and are a symbol of our unity and homogeneity. 

i wish all of us could imbibe that spirit. 

The First Steps 

The First Steps of a Cadet 38 

Gates to the NDA 40 

President’s Drive, Ashoka Pillar and 

Habibullah Hall 68 

Cadet’s Pledge 70 

Hut of Remembrance 72 

Making of Officers and Gentlemen 76 

Academics 78 

Crucible of Discipline 82 

Physical Training 86 

Deputy Commandants 154 

Medals of Honour 156 

NDA Vision 2027 158 

Salaria Square 42 

Swimming 90 

Jawaharlal Nehru 

Sudan Block 44 

Equitation Training 92 

Battalions and Squadrons 46 

Sports as a Way of Life 94 

Quarter Master’s Fort 48 

Inter-Squadron Cross Country 98 

Training of Foreign Cadets 50 

Joint Training 102 

The Evolution 

Life Inside a Squadron 52 

Army Training 106 

Evolution of the Joint Services Wing 22 

The NDA Bike 56 

Naval Training 114 

Operation Badli 30 

The Horn of Plenty 58 

Air Force Training 124 

Why Khadakwasla 32 

The Story of a Strange Tradition 61 

Clubs and Hobbies 130 

4 national defence academy Cradle of leadership 5


messages 

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha 

Pvsm, Avsm, Vm, Adc 

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee 

and Chief of the Air Staff 

Admiral R K Dhowan 

Pvsm, Avsm, Ysm, Adc 

Chief of the Naval Staff 

chief of the army staff 

General Dalbir Singh 

pvsm, uysm, avsm, vsm, adc 

Chief of the Army Staff 

Air Marshal Ajit S Bhonsle 

avsm, vsm 

Chief of Integrated Defense Staff to 

the Chairman COSC 

The National Defence Academy has been the fountainhead for 

imparting quality training to prospective officers of the Armed Forces 

since its humble beginning at Clement Town, Dehra Dun in 1949. Over 

the years, successive Commandants and Directing Staff have lent their 

astute vision and foresight to enable the Academy to achieve and keep up 

its rightful place as a centre of excellence in military training. 

The training imparted at NDA fosters an admirable sense of honour, 

ethos and jointmanship which continues to resonate throughout the career 

of an Officer. I am happy to note that NDA has been transforming by 

modernising and upgrading its training facilities to meet futuristic goals in 

today’s competitive environment. I am sure that the knowledge and skill of 

our human resource will be a major asset vis-à-vis emergent issues. 

I would like to compliment the Commandant and the editorial team 

for publishing the new coffee table book which encapsulates the genesis, 

growth, training, infrastructure and future projections of the NDA in 

the most alluring manner. I wish the NDA fraternity the very best for all 

future endeavours. 

Jai Hind! 

Ever since its inception 66 years ago, the National Defence Academy 

has been standing tall as the premier foundational and joint institution of 

the Armed Forces of India. It is, indeed, among the best in the world. 

In developing the next generation of leaders of the Armed Forces to 

face myriad challenges and dynamics in ensuring the defence of India 

and the security of her citizens, the NDA has lived up to the vision of 

its founding fathers and the incessant efforts of its Service and civilian 

instructors across all ranks. It is their collective dedication that has given 

the NDA its unique ethos and maintained its high standards. The bonds 

of friendship formed here blossom into invaluable assets in the years ahead 

and serve to strengthen the fabric of our Armed Forces and our relations 

with armed forces of friendly countries. 

I am happy to note that the NDA has, with changing times, kept its 

training updated for both academic and leadership needs of the future. 

I am sanguine that it will remain the cradle of our military leadership, 

continuing to inculcate within its cadets the tenets of jointmanship, 

camaraderie and the spirit of Seva Paramo Dharma. 

I am sure that this pictorial essay will contribute by providing a 

repertoire of the rich and vibrant history of the institution. I wish the 

National Defence Academy all success in its future endeavours. 

The National Defence Academy is truly a unique institution and a 

source of great pride and inspiration for the entire nation. It has rendered 

yeoman service to the Armed Forces by grooming future military leaders. 

It has withstood the rigours of time as a centre of excellence for its training 

parameters and curriculum. 

The Academy boasts of a saga of six and a half decades in the service of 

the nation. With its tri-Service ethos, it has translated the dreams of the 

founding fathers into reality. Its meaningful existence and achievements 

in the past shatter the myth that joint structure is a utopian dream. It 

has indeed proved to be the nursery of the jointness of approach. Its 

effectual alumni have distinguished themselves through exemplary display 

of courage, valour and dedication to duty, both in war and peace. I am 

confident that the officer-trainees of recent times will carry forward the 

legacy and live up to the spirit of its motto, Seva Paramo Dharma. 

I am happy to note that the latest edition of the coffee table book has 

come out in a new format, documenting various aspects of the Academy’s 

multi-nuanced training. I urge everyone associated with the Academy 

to attain even greater heights and leave behind fresh trails of professional 

glory. 

Jai Hind! 

The fifth edition of the National Defence Academy coffee table book 

reflects the priceless heritage, lush green surroundings, traditions and 

history of the Academy. It prominently portrays the enthusiastic spirit with 

which the cadets are trained and also depicts the history of the Academy 

with a collection of rare photographs. 

The book will definitely motivate all and take them nostalgically 

through their unforgettable past at the iconic institution. 

I would like to commend Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, AVSM, 

VSM for compiling and producing this very comprehensive portrayal of 

the journey of an NDA cadet. It is a befitting tribute to this prestigious 

institution. 

Jai Hind! 

Jai Hind! 

Arup Raha 

Air Chief Marshal 

Chairman COSC & CAS 

R K Dhowan 

Admiral 

Chief of the Naval Staff 

Dalbir Singh 

General 

Chief of the Army Staff 

Ajit S Bhonsle 

Air Marshal 

Offg Chief of Integrated Defence Staff 

to Chairman COSC 


foreword 

I am indeed fortunate to be penning down an overview of this seminal book on an iconic institution like the National 

Defence Aacademy and thereby making my little mark on the history of this pride of India. Over the years, the NDA has 

evolved as an icon of national strength and character. It attracts hundreds of eager, talented young men from various parts 

of the country. Drawn by the sparkle of uniforms and the exploits of real life heroes, the greenhorns are groomed here in 

leadership, courage, camaraderie, integrity and honesty. The cadets, brimming with vitality and with a burning desire to 

tread the chosen path of a warrior, join us as young adolescents and after three years graduate as potential military leaders, 

ready to lead men beyond the call of duty. The transformation from boys to men is a complex process consisting of diverse 

training activities, be it joint, Service specific or just plain simple grooming. The essential qualities of endurance, uniformity, 

military bearing, pride in one’s self, turnout and, most importantly, implicit obedience to order are drilled, drummed and 

ingrained into the very persona of cadets through a well-structured training calendar. 

But amongst everything that we do, the most unique achievement of the NDA is perhaps fostering of jointmanship — the 

Brahma Astra of tomorrow’s warfare. The NDA, therefore, is a very unique model which focuses on developing lasting 

bonds of friendship and camaraderie to ultimately spur that elusive inter-Services cooperation that is so very essential for 

synchronisation of all components of military power in order to address a common military objective. Therefore, the entire 

training is characterised by trust and confidence in each other’s Service, mutual respect for each other’s capability and 

healthy cooperation. The cradle of leadership is also the nursery of jointmanship, such that transgresses all bureaucratic and 

turf-related hurdles during the later part of each other’s careers and facilitates synergy between the Olive Greens, Prussian 

Blues and Sky Blues — turning them all Maroon when it really matters. 

Our source of inspiration has been the alumni of this Academy, who have, time and again, proved their mettle and 

professional competence in directing the art of war on land, at sea and in the air, leading men beyond the call of duty. 

Through their exemplary service — both in war and peace — they have carved out a formidable name for themselves and 

thus brought supreme glory and fame to their alma mater. The ever-increasing number 

of names inscribed on the walls of the famed Hut of Remembrance is a reminder of the 

willingness of these gallant young men to make supreme sacrifice when the occasion 

demands. Their skills, however, are not limited to their professional field alone. They 

have done this institution proud by winning laurels and acclaim in various fields, both 

at the national and international levels. They have scaled the highest mountains, sailed 

the rough seas around the globe and even pioneered into space. Essentially, every cadet 

in the NDA epitomises the exemplary virtues displayed by their real life heroes. 

These stories and many more facets of the Academy have been captured in this new 

coffee table book. I am sure it will make interesting reading and become a starting point 

for great conversations in living rooms, besides being a source of inspiration for cadets 

and faculty alike. 

Good luck and God-speed. 

Jai Hind 

G Ashok Kumar 

Vice Admiral 

Commandant 

Commandant 

Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar 

AVSM, VSM 

A Navigation and Direction specialist, the Admiral navigated 

IN Ships Beas, Nilgiri, Ranvir and Vikrant. His other sea 

tenures include Commanding Officer of IN Ships Kulish 

and Ranvir and Executive Officer onboard INS Brahmaputra. 

His important staff appointments include Chief Staff Officer 

(Operations) of Western Naval Command, Defence Advisor 

to High Commission of India in Singapore, Head of Training 

Team (Navy) at DSSC, Wellignton and Staff Officer (Ops/ 

ND) at Indian Naval Work Up Team, Kochi. 

On promotion to the Flag rank, the Admiral has been the 

Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, Flag Officer Sea 

Training and Flag Officer Maharashtra and Gujarat Area. 

The Flag Officer took over charge of the NDA on promotion 

to Vice Admiral on 01 April, 2015. 


preface 

The Oxford Dictionary defines a coffee table book as a large, expensive, lavishly illustrated book intended for casual reading. 

Wikipedia further elaborates that a coffee table book is an oversized book whose purpose is for display on a table intended 

for use in an area in which one entertains guests and from which it can serve to inspire conversation. 

This new coffee table book on the National Defence Academy meets all these qualifications and I hope it will strike a chord 

with the readers as it entertains, inspires conversation and evokes nostalgic reminiscences amongst NDA alumni. 

Much has already been said in the Commandant’s foreword and, therefore, I shall limit myself to only highlighting certain 

facets of the coffee table book that are particularly interesting. 

This latest avatar of the NDA coffee table book has taken nine odd months to be published, but the fruit of the labour has 

indeed been very satisfying. High resolution photography with improved quality of paper and print has added a new spark. 

We have repeated some of the iconic photographs which adorned the pages of our earlier coffee table books because of their 

historical value and also because they aptly capture the momentous occasions of this Academy’s glorious past. Also, our 

archives have only a few photographs of the early years, thereby necessitating repetition. By and large though, most of the 

photographs are new and the perspective offered is fresh. An attempt has been made to give a glimpse of the many changes 

in the Academy and offer insights into a cadet’s daily regimen today. The coffee table book pictographically brings forth the 

life of a cadet at the NDA, encapsulating also its genesis and growth, training and infrastructure, vision and future. 

Since the greater purpose of the Academy is to groom cadets into gentlemen and officers of courage and integrity, the coffee 

table book has a separate chapter on the three moral pillars of the NDA — the Honour Code, the Cadet’s Pledge and the 

Academy Prayer. It is in the routine reiteration and living of the values ensconced in them that he builds himself into a strong 

and worthy leader. 

The chapter on the vision and foreseeable future of the Academy is worth perusing for those who wish the Academy well 

and dream of greater glory for their alma mater. 

The coffee table book in this new format is an excellent account of this wonderful 

institution and its spectrum of activities. The focus has been on the cadet rather than the 

trainer because we believe that the Academy’s raison d’être is the cadet and all attention 

needs to be on the training that is imparted to him. It will not only make interesting 

reading but also serve as a source of inspiration for many young men with dreams. I 

hope the book will find pride of place in every ex-NDA’s living room as well as those 

non ex-NDAs who have been associated with this fine institution and have given it 

their very best. 

May I, therefore, exhort readers to savour the new coffee table book with may be a 

cup of coffee in hand? The 32,000 odd NDA alumni around the globe could immerse 

themselves in nostalgia, rekindling their own special memories. 

I wish you all Happy Reading. 

Jai Hind 

Sandesh P Wagle 

Air Vice Marshal 

Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor 

deputy commandant and 

chief instructor 

air vice marshal Sandesh P wagle 

VM 

A helicopter pilot and an alumnus of the 65 th NDA Course, 

the Air Marshal has flown over 6,000 hours in all kinds of 

terrain. He flew as part of Operation Meghdoot in the 

Siachen Glacier and Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. He holds 

the distinction of commanding an Attack Helicopter unit in 

the UN Mission at Congo and the oldest Helicopter Unit of 

the IAF, of which he is the Commodore Commandant. He 

has also commanded the Air Force station at Leh. 

The Air Marshal has also served in the Inspector General’s 

branch and as the Principal Director of Helicopter operations 

at Air HQ. A graduate of DSSC, Wellington, College of 

Air Warfare and National Defence College, he was Senior 

Instructor and Head of Training Team at DSSC, Welllington. 

The Air Officer took over charge on 01 December, 2015. 


The Vision 

BRIGadier ADMinistration 

principal director (training) 

PRINCIPAL 

BRIG S K RAO, YSM 

Brig Bency P Jacob 

PROF (DR) OM PRAKASH SHUKLA 

The National Defence Academy will be the premier joint training institution and centre of excellence 

in the world for producing leaders, equipped with mental, moral and physical attributes 

required to cope with the challenges of future battlefields and capable of leading troops to victory. 

The Mission 

Commissioned in the 20 th 

Bn of the Sikh Regiment in 

August 1983, Brigadier S K Rao 

commanded his battalion in OP 

Parakaram, Counter Terrorist, 

Insurgency Operation in J & K and OP Meghdoot. He was 

part of active operations during OP Vijay (Kargil). He has 

also commanded Siachen Brigade (102 Inf Bde), the highest 

battlefield in the world. A graduate of DSSC, Wellington and 

Army War College, Mhow, he has held various important 

staff and instructional appointments. 

An alumnus of the 66 th NDA 

course, Brigadier Bency P Jacob 

was commissioned into the Sikh 

Regiment in June 1985. He 

commanded the unit for more 

than four years in counter-insurgency operations, riverine 

terrain and high altitude area. He raised the HQ 6 Sector 

Assam Rifles and was its first Commander. A graduate of 

DSSC, Wellington, Senior Command Course and Higher 

Command Course, Army War College, Mhow, he has held 

various important staff and instructional appointments. 

Awarded the prestigious 

Commendation Certificate from 

the Chief of Air Staff for his 

valuable services to the Academy, 

Prof (Dr) O P Shukla is a member 

of the Academic Council of Jawaharlal Nehru University, 

Himachal University and the ACC Wing, Indian Military 

Academy. He has several research papers to his credit and 

is a senior resource person of the Indira Gandhi National 

Open University (IGNOU) and the Institute of Chartered 

Accountants of India (ICAI). 

We in NDA would provide the highest standards of focused training in the 

professional, intellectual, physical and leadership spheres as also moral and ethical grooming to cadets 

using innovative concepts, technologies and modern practices, with a view to providing the Armed Forces 

with competent potential leaders with high standards of integrity, 

equipped to function in the battlefields of the future and capable of leading troops to victory. 

We would maintain and further enhance the infrastructure of the Academy in consonance with training needs 

thereby providing a suitable training environment for all existing and future requirements. 

We will foster a healthy environment that encourages individual growth, promotes welfare and enhances quality of life 

for all personnel and make the NDA family happy and spirited. 

“The Administration Branch remains committed 

to providing campus wide innovative, effective 

and efficient administrative and fiscal facilities to 

support the NDA’s mission to produce officers 

capable of leading men, both in war and peace. 

It will proactively provide outstanding training 

and administrative support to ensure that 

accountability and performance are optimised. We 

will keep ourselves abreast of changing times and 

responsibly manage the financial, technological, 

physical, human resource, safety and education 

support to the Academy.” 

“The aim of the Training Branch is to 

transform young boys into intellectually enabled, 

physically fit, articulate, self-confident and 

self-disciplined officer cadets, ready for induction 

in their respective Services. The training will 

be orchestrated to equip cadets with the mental, 

moral and physical attributes required to cope 

with the challenges of future battlefields and lead 

troops to victory. We aim to retain the edge that 

the Academy training is well known for and 

thus continues to remain the cradle of leadership 

and jointmanship.” 

“Our vision is to impart vocational and Serviceoriented 

education that is relevant to both the 

Technical and Humanities domains. We aim to 

produce scholar warriors who can adopt the latest 

technologies used in the modern battlefield with 

ease. The education is intended to help cadets 

gain incisive insight into various knowledge 

domains, promote creative thinking as well as the 

ability to reason so as to be well-suited to perform 

the multifarious tasks that are expected from an 

officer of the Indian Armed Forces.” 

Cradle of leadership 15

The central facade of the 

Academy is a true Joint 

Services design. The 

majestic Sudan Block 

resembles a field gun of the 

Army. On the right, the 

Vyas Library and the Naval 

Training Team resembles 

an anchor. On the left, the 

Habibullah Hall appears 

like an aircraft. 


The Chiefs of Staff Committee 

approves introduction of B.Tech 

as a fourth stream for NDA cadets 

from July 2016. 

timeline 

16 april 2016 

Over the years, the NDA has evolved as an icon 

of national strength and character. Conceived as a 

national war memorial, the institution is the most 

cherished jewel in the Services’ crown. It attracts 

hundreds of eager, young idealists drawn by the 

sparkle of uniforms and exploits of real life heroes. 

The history of an institution can be pieced together 

by linking landmark events in their perspective. 

While edifices of wood, brick and stone stand 

testimony to human endeavour, personalities 

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, 

Honourable Prime Minister 

of India, laying the foundation 

stone at Khadakwasla 

6 October 1949 

Passing Out Parade of the 

10 th Course, the first POP at 

NDA Khadakwasla, 

being reviewed by 

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, 

Honourable Prime Minister 

of India 

5 june 1955 

The first NDA contingent 

at the Republic Day Parade 

26 january 1960 

His Excellency Shri 

Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, 

Honourable President of India, 

presenting the Colours to the 

NDA in recognition of 30 

years of dedicated service of its 

alumni to the nation 

The Golden Jubilee 

celebrations as the NDA 

turns 50. 

19 february 1999 

His Excellency Shri A P J Abdul Kalam, 

Honourable President of India, at the 

Passing out Parade of the 103 rd Course 

leave their imprint on institutions, altering and 

shaping history. 

16 december 1978 

30 november 2002 

16 january 1955 

7 june 1974 

6-8 december 2008 

Shri Morarji Desai, 

Honourable Chief Minister 

of erstwhile State of Bombay, 

performing the opening 

ceremony on the steps of 

Sudan Block 

30 may 1959 

His Excellency 

Rahmatullah Abdulla, 

Ambassador of Sudan, 

during his formal address 

at the unveiling ceremony 

of Sudan Block 

Admiral S N Kohli, CNS, 

addressing the cadets of the 

46 th Course at the first 

graduation ceremony 

of the NDA 

30 november 1991 

Graduates of NDA 1 st 

Course, who became Service 

Chiefs around the same time, 

reviewing the 81 st course 

Passing Out 

Her Excellency 

Shrimati Pratibha 

Devisingh Patil, 

Honourable President of 

India, releasing the first 

day cover at the Diamond 

Jubilee celebrations 


20 national defence academy 

the evolution

THE Evolution 

of THE 

Joint Services Wing 

The concept of the NDA was 

conceived at the conclusion of 

World War II. 

FACING PAGE 

Clockwise FROM 

TOP: 

The Joint Services 

Wing headquarters in 

the barracks of World 

War II prisoners of 

war at Clement Town, 

Dehradun; The first 

batch of Inter-Services 

cadets arrive in 

Clement Town; The 

first muster at Joint 

Services Wing 

TOP RIGHT: 

Members of the Chiefs 

of Staff Committee 

Six years of fierce combat during World War II 

had underlined the need for joint action 

in modern warfare and a synergy between the 

Services to provide a significant edge in times of 

conflict. 

Prior to Independence, Lord Mountbatten and 

Lord Ismay — two of the most experienced 

military leaders of their time — formed a 

committee under the chairmanship of the 

Commander-in-Chief of India, Field Marshal 

Sir Claude J Auchinleck and assigned it the task 

of examining the feasibility of establishing an 

institution for joint training of officers of the 

Indian Armed Forces. 

After research and several visits to foreign military 

training academies to study their working, a 

suitable concept for an Indian War Academy 

was evolved. However, before the blueprint 

could be presented, India gained Independence 

and Field Marshal Auchinleck ceased to be the 

Commander-in-Chief of the undivided Indian 

Armed Forces. 

The blueprint of the Academy as envisaged by 

Field Marshal Sir Claude J Auchinleck remained 

in cold storage for about eight months before 

Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the then Deputy Prime 

Minister of India, sought the report and brought 

it back to life. 


An alarming vacuum in the officer cadre demanded 

the immediate implementation of the report. So, 

it was referred to the Chiefs of Staff Committee, 

whose suggestion for the formation of an Interim 

Joint Inter Services Wing at the Indian Military 

Academy, Dehradun, was accepted. 

An action plan to commission a permanent 

war academy at Khadakwasla near Pune also 

began simultaneously and on 06 October, 1949, 

Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid the 

foundation stone. 

On 01 January, 1949, the Indian Military 

Academy was rechristened as the Armed Forces 

Academy, comprising the military wing and 

the newly-commissioned Joint Services Wing 

(JSW). On 01 January, 1950, ahead of India 

becoming a Republic, it was renamed the 

National Defence Academy. 

FACING PAGE Clockwise FROM 

TOP: Ceremonial parade during the formal 

inauguration of the Armed Forces Academy 

at Clement Town; Sardar Patel enjoys tea at 

Clement Town; Sardar Patel meets members 

of the Chiefs of Staff Committee; Patel 

reviews the ceremonial parade 

TOP: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laying the 

foundation stone at Khadakwasla 

The NDA was a pioneering concept, far ahead of 

its time. The cadets underwent two years of initial 

training at the JSW after which the Army cadets 

went on to the Military Wing for a further twoyear 

pre-commission training while the Naval 

and Air Force cadets were sent to Dartmouth and 

Cranwell in the United Kingdom. 

right: First NDA Principal J T M 

Gibson’s impression of the JSW 


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 

A cadet being examined by a 

doctor; A cadet writes a letter 

to his family; Cadets in their 

Clement Town domitory 

FAcing PAGE: 

Cadets learn spoken English 

on the gramophone in their 

Clement Town mess 


28 national defence academy Cradle of leadership 29 

THIS PAGE 

AND FACING: 

Vignettes of 

training sessions 

and sports in 

Clement Town

Operation Badli 

Operation Badli was the code name given 

to the historic migration from Dehradun to 

Khadakwasla. 

Dehradun which comes from the word ‘Dera- 

Drona’ or Camp of Drona is believed to have 

been the residence of Dronacharya, the legendary 

guru of the Kauravas and Pandavas in the epic 

Mahabharata. Khadakwasla is located 12 miles 

away from Pune (known earlier as Poona), the 

old administrative seat of the Peshwas and in 

the foothills of the massif in which the famous 

Sinhgarh Fort is located. It is the fort that 

Tanaji Malusare, Shivaji’s favourite general, had 

captured from the Mughals in a daring assault up 

the cliff face. It was thus quite symbolic that the 

NDA which originated in the ancient historic 

Camp of Drona migrated to Shivaji’s seat of 

Indian military revival. 

The excellent planning and execution of 

Operation Badli can be gauged from the fact that 

the total damage incurred during the migration 

was only `5. 

TOP: 

The Operation Badli team at Pune 

Railway Station 

FACING PAGE CLOCKWISE 

FROM left: 

Convoy en route from Dehradun to 

Khadakwasla; Officers supervising 

unloading and disposal of Operation 

Badli stores; Unloaded stores 

awaiting disposal 


Why Khadakwasla? 

Nestled at the foot of the Sahyadri ranges in 

the western watershed of Mula River Valley, 

Khadakwasla is located south-west of Pune city 

and north-west of Khadakwasla Lake. It was 

chosen after careful deliberations for its salubrious 

climate, suitability of terrain for military training 

and its proximity to the Arabian Sea. 

The feasibility of undertaking operational 

training in view of the presence of a combined 

training centre and mock landing ship, HMS 

Angostura, on the north bank of the Khadakwasla 

Lake lent additional leverage to Khadakwasla’s 

claims over other contenders such as Bombay, 

Bangalore, Dehradun, Belgaum, Deolali, Nashik, 

Puri, Secunderabad and Vizag. Also, with the 

awe-inspiring Sinhgarh Fort as a panoramic 

backdrop, Khadakwasla was ideal as the site for 

the prestigious National Defence Academy. 

Spread over 7,015 acres of the total 8,022 acres that 

was donated by the government of the erstwhile 

Bombay state, the NDA was formally inaugurated 

on 16 January, 1955. The name though had been 

transferred to Khadakwasla on 07 December, 1954. 

RIGHT: 

HMS Angostura, 

the mock 

landing ship at 

Khadakwasla Lake 


Edward Parry 

(Admiral) 

Commander-in-Chief 

ABOVE: Messages from the three Service chiefs on the occasion of the inauguration of the NDA 

RIGHT: An artist’s impression of the first Passing Out Parade at NDA... And thus the story begins... 


the first steps 


THE first steps 

of a cadet 

Spread over 8,000 acres, the 

NDA is a centre of excellence for 

grooming junior leaders for the 

Indian Armed Forces and armed 

forces of friendly foreign countries. 

Three formative years at the National Defence 

Academy instil in the cadets a sense of 

belonging and oneness with the alma mater. 

Breaking bread and training together engenders 

the spirit of camaraderie and forms the bedrock of 

jointmanship that lasts a lifetime. During a cadet’s 

sojourn at the NDA, he merges his identity with 

others and gains the solace of a herd, the power of 

a team and the leverage of a group. 

His first view of the Academy is the Trishakti Gate 

after which he gets the first view of the majestic 

Sudan Block. It has a lasting impression since it is 

on the flight of stairs that lead up to Sudan Block 

that he has his first interaction with the Adjutant. 

The Adjutant’s office allots squadrons to each 

cadet, which becomes his home for three years. 

Boys from various states and diverse backgrounds 

and abilities are allotted squadrons in a manner 

that ensures homogeneity in each squadron. 

Whilst moving from the Adjutant’s office to 

his squadron, each cadet is mesmerised by the 

views of the President’s Drive, the Salaria Square 

and the Ashoka Pillar. The story of the valour 

of Captain G S Salaria not only enthrals his 

young mind, but also generates an enormous josh 

that he dons on his heart and sleeve — not just 

during his years at the Academy, but for the rest 

of his life. 


THE gates to the NDA 

The entrance to the NDA is through the Trishakti 

Gate which was built in 2011, in consonance with 

the spirit of jointmanship. An arterial road from 

the Trishakti Gate meanders down the gentlyrolling 

hillside to the Pashan Gate, offering a 

panoramic view. 

Besides the Trishakti and Pashan Gates, the 

Academy has four other gates, named after places 

which the roads lead to. The Kondhwa Gate 

opens up from the President’s Drive and leads 

to what was earlier known as Kondhwa village, 

while the Ahire Gate aligns with the old road that 

leads to Ahire village. The MES Gate provides an 

entrance to the MES and the Kudje Gate is on the 

road that leads to Peacock Bay. The gates were 

named so by Vice Admiral M P Awati during his 

stint as the Commandant. 

left: 

Pashan Gate, the 

erstwhile main 

entrance 

to the NDA 

from Pashan 

FAR LEFT: The 

Trishakti Gate 

depicts 

the true spirit 

of jointness at 

the NDA 


President’s drive, ASHOKA PILLAR AND Salaria Square 

More than a kilometre-long stretch from the Kondhwa Gate to Salaria Square, 

the President’s Drive is awe-inspiring. Branching out from it are roads that lead 

to No 4 Bn and No 2 Bn on the right and the Quarter Master’s Fort and Drill 

Square to the left. 

Standing 30 feet high at the centre of the crossroads of President’s Drive and Trishul 

Marg and in front of Sudan Block is the Ashoka Pillar — a symbol of steadfastness in 

choosing the “harder right rather than the easier wrong”. An adaptation of the Lion 

Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, it was completed on 02 February, 1958. 

Beyond the junction and in front of Sudan Block is the Salaria Square, named after 

DCC Gurbachan Singh Salaria of the 10th NDA Course. Capt G S Salaria was the first 

ex-NDA to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the country’s highest war honour, for 

his valour in defending the United Nations headquarters in Elizabethville in Congo. 

academy trivia 

29 FT 1.33 km 1.66 km 

Height of 

Ashoka Pillar 

Length of 

Kondhwa 

Road 

Length of 

Trishul Marg 

Academy 

garden 

Salaria Square 


SUDAN BLOCK 

Majestic in form, Sudan Block is the iconic 

symbol of the Tri-Services Academy. A threestorey 

structure of basalt and granite with accents 

of Jodhpur pink sandstone and topped by a 

70-feet-high dome, its most remarkable and eyecatching 

feature, it looms over the landscape of 

the lush Khadakwasla estate like a colossus. 

Sudan Block’s architecture, an artistic blend of 

arches, pillars and verandahs, is reminiscent of the 

Mughal era, and when viewed aerially, resembles 

a field gun of imposing proportions. Stone pillars 

and galleries and canopied chajjas in the Rajput 

style bring up the flanks while its arcade of grey 

stone gracefully offsets the pink stone colonnades 

of the first and second floors. A blue glass Dharma 

Chakra adorns the apex of the dome’s roof while 

the inner dome has a central eye in the shape of 

the Ashoka Chakra. Black Italian marble walls and 

pillars embellished with brass motifs and paintings 

of martyrs of the Academy define the octagonal 

central foyer, immediately below the dome. 

Sudan Block has been named after the African 

Republic of Sudan which had gifted £100,000 

in 1941 for a war memorial commemorating 

the sacrifice of Indian troops in defence of 

Sudan during World War II. After Partition, 

India’s share which amounted to £70,000, was 

utilised for the construction of the NDA. On 

30 May, 1959 it was inaugurated by Rahmatullah 

Abdulla, Ambassador of Sudan. The nerve centre 

of the Academy, Sudan Block now houses the 

headquarters of the NDA and the departments 

of English, Hindi, History, Economics, Political 

Science and Foreign Languages. 

TOP: 

Dharma Chakra as 

seen upwards from 

the central foyer of 

the Sudan Block 

RIGHT: 

Sudan Block lit up 

at night 

academy TRIVIA 

FT 

Height of 

Sudan Block 

Steps in front 

of Sudan 

Block 

Number 

of pillars in 

Sudan Block 

Commandant’s 

office in Sudan 

Block 

Academy 

Red Light 

Light on top of 

Sudan Block 

Sentinel of Sudan 

Block 

9-inch calibre 68 pounder coastal 

artillery gun (1837-1901) that could 

fire solid iron shots up to 3170 yards 


Battalions AND Squadrons 

Cadets are organised into five battalions — No 1 Bn, No 2 Bn, 

No 3 Bn, No 4 Bn and No 5 Bn. The first four battalions comprise 

four squadrons each while the fifth comprises of two squadrons. 

Each squadron has its own nickname, an individual identity with a 

richly textured history and mascot. They are named Alpha, Bravo, 

Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hunter, India, Juliet, Kilo, 

Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Panther, Quebec and Romeo. Each 

squadron is composed of 100 to 120 cadets drawn from all the six 

Courses under training at the Academy. 

Each battalion and squadron is defined by a colour. The squadrons 

also have their own nicknames, flags and an individual identity with 

a rich history. The squadron flag is a combination of the battalion 

and the squadron colours. The flag is diagonally divided into two 

triangles with the top triangle being the battalion colour and the 

bottom triangle being the squadron colour. 

LEFT: 

The Hunter 

Squadron 

building 

Twelve squadron buildings (A to L) have been named after those 

Indian states which donated approximately `5,00,000 each for 

their construction. 


quarter master’s fort 

Forming a majestic background to the Academy’s 

Khetarpal Parade Ground, is the Quarter Master’s 

Fort. It is the provider of all requirements of a cadet 

— clothing, equipment/accessories, arms, ration 

supplies and conservancy services. A cadet begins 

his life at the Acdemy by drawing stores from the 

Quarter Master’s Fort and finally passing out from 

the Academy from the same place. 

The Quarter Deck towers in the foreground and 

keeps constant vigil on cadets undergoing rigours 

of foot, sword, rifle, cane and ceremonial drill. The 

inter-Services character is evident throughout the 

length and breadth of the 450 x 150 metres ground. 

It is reflected in the immaculately positioned guns at 

the entrance and four corners of the tarmac, the two 

T-55 tanks, two ship models, the towering Quarter 

Deck mast — 99’ 6 ¾” high — and two aircraft, 

representing the three Services. 

Atop the Quarter Master’s Fort fly the flags of all the 

squadrons, in left to right sequence of their standing 

in the Inter-Squadron Overall Championship of the 

previous term. The champion squadron wears the 

lanyard on the right shoulder while the rest of the 

Academy wears it on the left. 


Cradle for leadership 49

TRAINING OF FOREIGN CADETS 

Over the years the National Defence Academy 

has grown from strength to strength. It has proved 

to be a global centre of excellence for military 

training and its interactions with foreign military 

academies have increased manifold. There have 

been several exchange programmes between 

the Academy’s cadets and those of the military 

academies of Japan, United States, Australia and 

Thailand, besides others. Even the number of 

foreign cadets trained at the NDA has increased. 

Today, the Academy has the distinction of having 

trained more than 800 cadets from 30 countries 

— Afghanistan, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, 

Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 

Libya, Lesotho, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, 

Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, 

Rwanda, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, 

Tanzania, Tonga, Tajikistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan 

and Vietnam. At present, 90 foreign cadets from 15 

countries are undergoing training at the National 

Defence Academy. 

Afghanistan 

bhutan 

ethiopia 

fiji 

ghana 

iran 

iraq 

kazakhstan 

kenya 

kyrgYZStan 

libya 

lesotho 

malaysia 

maldives 

mauritius 

nepal 

nigeria 

palestine 

papua new guinea 

rwanda 

seychelles 

singapore 

sri lanka 

sudan 

Tajikistan 

tanzania 

tonga 

uganda 

Uzbekistan 

vietnam 

facing page: 

The flags of countries of cadets trained at the NDA as 

seen upwards from the central foyer of Sudan Block 


life inside a Squadron 

The ground floor of each squadron building 

consists of an elegantly furnished anteroom, 

billiards room, table tennis facility, a library and a 

built-in aquarium. Cabins for the cadets measure 

approximately 110 sq feet and are fully furnished 

with Venetian blinds, French windows, banister, 

writing tables with bookcases and cupboardscum-chest 

of drawers. 

A cadet abides by ten commandments that were 

framed by Vice Admiral M P Awati, the then 

Commandant. 

THE CADET’S COMMANDMENTS 

Keeping the nation’s honour and interest first. 

Upholding the traditions of the three Services and 

keeping the Trishul always bright and strong. 

Upholding the Academy’s reputation through one’s 

conduct,bearing and manner. 

Expressing loyalty to each other. 

Following the harder right than the easier wrong. 

Obeying all orders at once. 

Making punctuality second nature. 

Working without supervision. 

Keeping oneself physically fit, mentally alert and 

morally upright. 

Learning to conduct oneself as a gentleman. 

Academy 

Disgust 

Cabin 

cupboard 

Number of 

bathrooms in 

a squadron 

academy TRIVIA 

9 144 52½ 23½ 

Number of 

tiles in a cabin 

Front Rolls: 

Length 

of corridors 

Front Rolls: 

Length of flanks 

Alpha-27 

Cabin with cross 

tiles 


DRESS NO 1/1A 

Dress used for 

ceremonial functions 

in winter, also known 

as Blue Patrol 

DRESS NO 2/2A 

Dress used for 

ceremonial functions in 

summer, also known 

as White Patrol 

DRESS 2B 

Mess semi-formal dress 

used for ceremonial 

mess functions in 

summer 

DRESS NO 3 

Drill order used 

for drill in summer 

(worn with jersey 

in winter) 

DRESS NO 4 

Working dress worn for 

academic classes 

in summer (worn with 

jersey in winter) 

DRESS NO 5/5A 

Walking out dress 

worn after retreat in 

summer and at dinners 

(worn with jersey 

in winter) 

DRESS NO 6/6A 

Mufti dress worn for 

Habibullah functions, 

Liberty and Gole 

Market (worn with 

blazers in winter) 

DRESS NO 7/7A 

Combat dress worn 

for field training 

(worn with jersey in 

winter) 

DRESS NO 8/8A 

Dress worn for 

equitation training 

(with jersey in winter) 

DRESS NO 9/9A 

Dress worn for 

PT in summer 

(with jersey in winter and 

known as Green Patrol) 

Ceremonial 

games dress 

Worn during 

ceremonial games 

occasions (with blazers 

in winter) 

cadet appointment 

tabs 

cadet appointment 

tabs 

worn on shoulders 

Academy Cadet 

Captain 

Academy Cadet 

Adjutant 

Battalion Cadet 

Captain 

Battalion Cadet 

Adjutant 

Squadron Cadet 

Captain 

Division Cadet 

Captain 

Cadet Sergeant Major 

(worn on right wrist) 

Cadet Quarter 

Master Sergeant 

(worn on right arm) 

Sergeant 


Flag Corporal 


Corporal 



THE NDA BIKE 

At the start of the term, each cadet is given a 

bicycle to get around the campus for training 

activities. Maintained by the Military Transport 

Pool, the bicycles are numbered with the first 

letter of the name of the squadron and number 

sequenced 1 (one) onwards. When riding in 

the campus, cadets are required to move in an 

organised squad of a minimum of four cadets. 

Known in Academy parlance as The Garland, the 

bike spends more time on a cadet’s shoulders (in 

the form of punishment) than the cadet spends 

riding it. 

ACADEMY TRIVIA 

K-100 

Heaviest bike 

(Kilo Sqn 

bike no. 100) 

F-16 K-2 

Fastest bike 

(Foxtrot Sqn 

bike no. 16) 

Highest bike 

(Kilo Sqn 

bike no. 02) 

Academy 

garland 

NDA Bike 


THE HORN OF PLENTY 

Belgian glass doors depicting the mythological 

Horn of Plenty extends a tempting welcome 

into the central Cadets’ Mess. An important 

landmark of the NDA, it promotes bonhomie and 

camaraderie. The concept of the single mess aims 

at promoting joint Services togetherness. It is 

a home away from home, where young cadets 

break bread together and develop a stronger 

esprit-de-corps. 

Housed within an area of 145.2 x 28.4 metres, the 

mess has a large dining hall with a seating capacity 

for 2,100, three dedicated kitchens and a fully 

functional bakery. Its inner walls are aesthetically 

decorated with mounted swords, pistols, flags, 

portraits and paintings while the central section 

of the hall has a large dance floor and beautiful 

reliefs of famous dancers from India and abroad 

sculpted on Burmese teak panels by artists of 

Mumbai’s J J School of Arts. Extended on both 

sides as the West Wing and the East Wing in 1999 

and 2000 respectively, it is the third largest mess 

in the world and one of the exclusive symbols of 

solidarity and jointmanship. 

The architectural grace of Cadets’ Mess is a 

perfect blend of artistic beauty and magnificent 

craftsmanship in the Peshwa style. Construction 

work on this historical mess started in 1949 and 

completed in 1954 under the vigilant supervision 

of W X Mascerenhas, the then Principal, College 

of Engineering, Poona. 

It started functioning in 1955 and the first 

official dinner was hosted in honour of 

Shri Morarji Desai, the then Chief Minister of 

erstwhile Bombay State. The dignitaries who have 

graced the mess on different occasions include 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Marshal 

N A Bulganin, N S Khurushchev, Chou En Lai, 

Gaffar Mohammed Nimeri, Mahavajilalongkorn, 

Shri Rajendra Prasad, Shri Sanjeeva Reddy, Shri 

A P J Abdul Kalam, Shrimati Pratibha Patil, Pandit 

Jawaharlal Nehru and Shrimati Indira Gandhi. 


STORY OF A STRANGE TRADITION 

At the entrance of the Cadets’ Mess, a chair leans 

against an empty table laid out for one. It is a 

mark of respect in memory of those alumni of the 

Academy who are listed as Missing in Action or 

been taken Prisoners of War. It signifies hope that 

they will return one day. 

The placard on the table says: 

“The table set is small, for one, symbolising the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors. 

The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our 

comrades-in-arms who keep their faith awaiting their return. 

The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon 

the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to 

demand a proper accounting of our missing. 

The candle is unlit, symbolising the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. 

The slice of lemon is on the bread plate, to remind us of the bitter fate. 

There is salt upon the bread plate – symbolic of the families’ tears as they wait. 


The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us this night. 

Banana 

Academy fruit 

Clock in 

Cadets’ 

Mess 

Academy time 

bomb 

Table 

Cloth 

in Mess 

Academy 

napkin 

10 252 

Steps in front of 

Cadets’ Mess 

Number of bulbs 

in Cadets’ Mess 

Originates 

in Belgium 

Glass used in 


Originates 

in Burma 

Wood used in 


Menus of some 

of the dinners 

hosted for 

dignitaries on 

display at the 


The chair – it is empty. They are not here. 

Remember! All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended 

upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. 

Remember them until the day they come home...” 


the essentials 


A CADET’S 

essentials 

The Honour Code, the Cadet’s 

Pledge and the Academy Prayer 

are the three fundamental guides 

for a cadet at the NDA. 

cadet of the National Defence Academy 

A abides by its motto, Seva Parmo Dharma 

(Service before Self). 

Academy Honour Code and the Cadet’s Pledge 

at the Habibullah Hall. During a cadet’s stay at 

the Academy, he reminds himself of his pledge to 

code of conduct that clearly spells out the right 

and the wrong. 

the nation by reciting the Academy Prayer at the 

The NDA Honour Code was thus promulgated 

His initiation into the Academy requires him 

start of each day. 

in March 1998 by Admiral Arun Prakash, the 

to pledge himself to the nation which is done 

then Commandant. It sees the cadet through his 

under the aegis of the Adjutant at the Hut of 

Cadets who enter the National Defence Academy 

basic training and even thereafter in life. 

Remembrance, the sanctum sanctorum of the 

come from every walk of life and social strata. 

NDA. The Hut serves as a constant reminder to 

Each one is highly motivated and copes well with 

Cadets dedicate themselves to the nation, 

TOP AND RIGHT: 

The original Academy routine order which brought 

into force the Academy Honour Code — taken from 

the collection of Admiral Arun Prakash, the then 

Commandant 

LEFT: The President’s Colours, the highest honour 

bestowed on the NDA by the nation, being carried by 

the Nishaan Toli 

the cadets of the lofty traditions of valour, courage 

and sacrifice of their predecessors. 

Before the start of every term, the Adjutant 

narrates to the cadets the importance of the 

the demanding and intensive curriculum. 

However, since the cadets are young and 

impressionable, it is also essential that they imbibe 

the right principles and are guided by a tangible 

with the Honour Code guiding their conduct. 

The Code embodies a tradition and a rallying 

point, ensuring an openess to enhancing one’s 

character and being guided by one’s peers in the 

right direction. 


ACADEMY prayer 

O God, help us to keep ourselves physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight, 

that in doing our duty to Thee and our country we may keep the honour of the Services untarnished. 

Strengthen us to guard our country from external aggression and internal disorders. 

Awaken our admiration for honest dealing and clean thinking and guide us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. 

Kindle our hearts with fellowship for our comrades at arms and with loyalty to the men we command. 

Endow us with the courage which is born of the love of what is noble and 

which knows no compromise or retreat when truth and right are in peril. 

Grant us new opportunities of service to Thee, to our country and to the men we lead and ever help us to place such service before self. 

ACADEMY HONOUR CODE 

I believe that a cadet must be loyal, truthful, trustworthy, honest and forthright under all circumstances. 

I will not lie, cheat or steal, nor will I mislead or deceive anyone. 

I undertake to faithfully live up to this code and to continuously encourage my comrades to do so. 

A morning squadron muster where the SCC directs a cadet to recite the 

Academy Prayer and Honour Code for the rest of the squadron to follow 


Habibullah Hall 

Habibullah Hall is an impressive double-storeyed 

auditorium. When seen from air, the building 

resembles an aircraft. Constructed in 1959, it 

has a seating capacity of over 1,700 people and 

plays hosts to various events such as lectures, 

presentations, musical evenings, debates, quiz 

competitions, entertainment programmes, weekly 

Hindi and English movies and more. 

Also, it is here that the momentous Convocation 

Ceremony is held and made glorious by its 

state-of-the-art external and internal aesthetics, 

facilities, stage equipment and acoustic system. 

Spread over 18,000 sq feet, the building also houses 

the country’s largest Inter-Services Museum, 

segmented into four large galleries and halls. 

Displaying 16,000 rare exhibits, the museum is a 

veritable treasure house of antique memorabilia, 

archives and relics. 

Among its prized possessions are Mussolini’s 

dagger captured by Indian troops during World 

War II, a sapphire-studded silver plaque, original 

Stone Age weapons, captured Pakistani and 

Portuguese flags and Uzi sub-machine guns. 


cockpit 

Shape of 

Habibullah 

Hall 

Major General 

E Habibullah 

First Commandant of 

NDA 

RIGHT: 

The Habibullah 

Hall where 

the Adjutant 

addresses the 

Academy each 

term on the 

importance of 

the Academy 

Honour Code 


the cadet’s pledge 

I dedicate myself to the task of upholding the ideals that have gone 

into the making of this great institution of which I am a proud member. 

I reiterate my firm commitment to the values and virtues that form 

the very basis of the corps of cadets and also the Armed Forces of India. 

I promise to be fully dedicated to all aspects of my training here 

and also to adhere, at all times, to a code of conduct befitting my 

future role as an officer and a gentleman in the service of the nation. 

To that end, I shall not lie, cheat or steal and it will be my 

earnest endeavour to be sincere, hardworking and scrupulously fair. 

I earnestly pray that I may not falter in the pursuit of my goal and, 

in moments of doubt, be guided by my illustrious predecessors 

whose example shall be my beacon. 

CLOCKWISE 

FROM TOP LEFT: 

I st term cadets 

taking the pledge; 

Saluting the 

martyrs; Shaheedon 

Ko Salaami - Salaami 

Shastra; Shok Shastra 


hut of remembrance 

The Hut of Remembrance is a sublime cenotaph 

that commemorates the sacrifices of all those who 

have laid down their lives for their motherland. 

It enshrines the memory of Indian soldiers who 

died in World War II and post-Independence 

operations in Jammu & Kashmir as well as ex- 

NDA officers who laid down their lives in various 

combat operations and cadets who died while 

training at the Academy. 

Situated on a scenic hill slope, west of the Sudan 

Block, the memorial was built with shramdaan by 

cadets from the 10th to the 17th Courses between 

January 1956 and May 1957. Made of local grey 

basalt and Mangalore tiles, it was inaugurated on 

01 June, 1957 by General K S Thimmaya, the 

then Chief of Army Staff. It was later extended 

to inscribe the names of martyred heroes. The 

garden around the hut was landscaped in 1992 to 

complement the serenity and inspirational aura of 

the shrine. 

During NDA Day celebrations on 16 January, the 

cadets pay homage to the martyred heroes. The 

passing out cadets also assemble here after the 

Antim Pag to pay their respects and seek blessings. 

The Silent Eulogy 

“Merciful God, we earnestly pray that 

those of us who are yet to be tested and 

shaped in the forge of the battle may, 

when the call comes, be capable of the 

same devotion, courage and determination 

in the service of our country as those of our 

comrades-at-arms, whom we remember 

today in this Hut of Remembrance. Let 

their noble example guide us to emulate 

them in their integrity and may their 

inspiration help us in the moments of 

our greatest peril, to triumph over our 

shortcomings and weaknesses.” 


the training

monday tuesday 

wednesday thursday friday saturday sunday 

 

D-1 

04 

July 

 

28 

June 

Arrival of II nd to 

VI th Term Cdts 

 

05 

July 

 

29 

June 

Term Commences 

Adm Day 

Issue of Bicycles/Kit/Thin 

Clients 

PD Trg’s Conf with OA 

Clubs (1/2) 

Lec on Honour Code 

 

06 

July 

 

30 

June 

(1st Cycle Commences) 

Orientation Capsule for I st 

Term Cdts Commences 

Sqn Jump-No 1 Bn 

 

01 

July 

Academy Kit Muster (1/2) 

 

D-5 D-6 D-4 

 

02 

July 

Comdt’s Opening Address 

Club Activities Commence 

Openinig of Bank Accts 

for I st Term Cdts 

D-7 D-8 D-2 D-9 D-3 

07 

July 

 

08 

July 

 

09 

July 

 

03 

July 

Cross Country 

Practice Run (1/6) 

 

10 

July 

Making of officers 

and gentlemen 

The training at NDA inculcates 

in cadets qualities of leadership 

and a drive to excel. It also fosters 

an environment of a spirited and 

happy Team NDA. 


Opening of Bank Accts 


 

11 

July 

Inter Bn Swimming, 

Diving & Water Polo (3/6) 

Screening of I st Term 

Cdts in PT / Swimming / 

Games (3/4) 

Dinner Night (1/3) 


Opening of Bank Accts for 

I st Term Cdts 

 

12 

July 





Games (4/4) 

Holiday 

(Id ul Fitr) 

 

13 

July 



Club Activities - 3/28) 

Compulsory Motivational 

Movie 

Sqn Jump-No 4 & 5 Bn 

Opening of Bank Accts 


 

14 

July 


Diving & Water Polo 

- Finals 

Lec/Demo on Tent & Lec/Demo on Tent & 

bivouac pitching - II nd Term bivouac pitching - IV th Term 



Screening of I st Term Cdts 

in PT / Swimming / Games 

(1/4) 

Club Activities - (2/28) 





Games (2/4) 

D-10 D-11 D-12 D-13 D-2 D-1 

 

15 

July 

(2nd Cycle Commences) 

Club Activities - (4/28) 

Inter Bn Squash (1/5) 

Comdt’s Tea with 

Proficient & I st Term 

Friendly Foreign Cdts (1/2) 

 

16 

July 

Sinhgarh Hike – I st Term Cdts 

Black & White Demo on 

Inter Sqn Public 

Speaking Comptt 

Inter Sqn Boxing 

(Weigh-in) 

Sky Gazing - IV th Term 

Cross Country 


 

17 

July 

Cross Country 


Hack Ride (1/4) 

Acadet is transformed into officer material and 

a gentleman over the three years that he trains 

at the National Defence Academy. The training 

equips him with mental, moral and physical 

attributes to cope with battlefield challenges 

and lead troops to victory in conventional, nonconventional 

and asymmetrical conflicts. The 

three-year course is split into six terms during 

which a cadet learns science, technology, arts and 

military subjects. Each term, his training regimen 

includes physical conditioning such as drill, 

physical training, swimming and horse riding 

according to the approved syllabus and an entire 

gamut of games and adventure activities. For a 

facing page: An extract from the Outline Calendar for the 2016 Autumn Term 

cadet, a term consists of 22 weeks of training that 

is covered in eight cycles of 13 ‘D’ days each — 

utilised for outdoor training as well as academic 

classes. This adds to 104 contact days in a term 

as mandated by the Jawaharlal Nehru University 

(JNU) which awards the cadet with a Bachelor’s 

degree. The training branch, headed by the 

Principal Director Training, is the nerve centre 

of all military and outdoor training matters of 

the Academy. It comprises of six training teams. 

Besides the three Services which have their 

respective training teams — the Army Training 

Team (ATT), the Naval Training Team (NTT) 

and the Air Force Training Team (AFTT), there 

is a Joint Training Team (JTT) to oversee the joint 

training aspects of the curriculum of the Academy 

and the Physical Training and Equitation Training 

teams which are responsible for training in these 

two aspects. The Education Branch, headed 

by the Principal, is responsible for academics. 

On successful completion of the course, Army 

cadets proceed to the Indian Military Academy 

at Dehradun, Naval cadets to the Indian Naval 

Academy at Ezhimala and Air Force cadets to 

the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Hyderabad. 

After completion of one year of training at their 

respective academies, they are commissioned as 

officers into their respective Services. 


academics 

J T M Gibson, the first Principal, was instrumental 

in establishing and implementing academic 

training at the Joint Services Wing. In fact, 

academic excellence is a prerequisite to maintain 

an edge and commandeer men in the years to 

come. The academic instructions at the Academy 

are imparted by qualified civilian and Service 

instructors, headed by the Principal. 

The curriculum is well-rounded and supported 

by modern libraries and laboratories. The first 

two-year course syllabus for the JSW, drawn 

up by the National War Academy Syllabus and 

Establishment Committee in 1948, fixed the 

ratio of academic subjects to Service subjects as 

2:1. It was equivalent to Intermediate Science of a 

majority of Indian universities. 

FAR LEFT: 

Manoj Pandey 

Block, named 

in honour of 

Captain Manoj 

Pandey, PVC, 

an alumnus of 

the 90th Course 

Machine 

Gun 

Shape of the 

Manoj Pandey 

Block 

Academy 

Mirror 

Floor of the 

Manoj Pandey 

Block 


Big Ben 

110-ft high 

clock tower in 

Manoj Pandey 

Block 

Academy 

Pen 

Reynolds 

NDA Library 

Named after T N 

Vyas, NDA Principal 

from 1953 to 1968 

Academy 

question 

Which is the 

next LH? 

LEFT: 

The Rakesh 

Sharma Block, 

named after 

Wg Cdr Rakesh 

Sharma, AC, 

India’s first 

cosmonaut and 

an alumnus of 

the 35th Course 


From time to time, thereafter, it underwent 

modifications until finally, in August 1973, a 

milestone was achieved when it was degree-linked 

and affiliated to the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru 

University, New Delhi. 

The present syllabus constitutes three categories of 

Courses — the Compulsory Course, the Optional 

Course and the Foundation Course. Cadets of 

the Science and Humanities streams study their 

respective compulsory subjects while Optional 

Course subjects are taken up in the Vth and VIth 

terms and cater to the requirements of individual 

Services. The Foundation Course comprises 

Military Studies where Military History, 

Geography, Weapons and Armaments are taught 

while General Studies cover Environmental 

Science, Geopolitics, Human Rights and Law of 

Armed Conflict. 

Chemistry and Basic Engineering departments, 

classrooms, laboratories, workshops and the 

boxing ring. 

Considering the growing complexities of present 

day warfare, the academic syllabi have been 

updated and further enriched with Defence 

Application Courses. Computer education at the 

Academy began in 1987 and came of age when 

the first batch of 25 cadets of the 97th Course 

graduated with a B.Sc degree in Computer 

Science in December 1999. 

The Chiefs of Staff Committee has approved the 

introduction of B.Tech for NDA cadets from 

16 April, 2016, to be commenced in a phased 

manner from July 2016. This is a quantum leap 

towards enhancement of academic threshold for 

cadets. 

Foreign languages are taught to cadets who are 

proficient in Hindi and a cadet can choose from 

amongst Arabic, Chinese, French and Russian. 

Mathematics, Geography and Computer Science 

are taught at the Rakesh Sharma Block while 

the Manoj Pandey Block houses the Physics, 

The NDA takes into consideration the need to 

develop a cadet’s personality into that of a soldierscholar. 

Thus it has always promoted technologyoriented 

and innovative learning processes to hone 

a cadet’s skills and help him develop lateral thinking. 

The aim is to sharpen a cadet’s analytical abilities 

so that he can take well-informed decisions. 

TOP and Above: 

Cadets at the Physics lab 

and the Computer lab 

FACING PAGE: 

Basic Engineering class 


Crucible of Discipline 

Drill is the bedrock of discipline at the National 

Defence Academy. It teaches implicit obedience 

to orders and grooms a cadet into a perfectly 

turned-out officer with an impressive military 

bearing, an erect posture and a smart gait. It 

inculcates esprit-de-corps in a cadet and helps 

him develop effective command and control on 

troops, both in war and peace. 


The Drill Square is, in fact, metaphorically 

compared to a potter’s yard where clay of various 

hues and textures are treated and finally shaped 

into a homogenised work of art. Meticulous 

tutelage is provided by drill instructors, considered 

the best in the Armed Forces. 

The three principles of drill — steadiness, 

smartness and coordination — are drilled into the 

persona of the cadet through a well-structured 

lesson plan and a cadet imbibes the qualities of 

endurance, uniformity, military bearing, pride 

in self, turnout and implicit obedience to orders. 

Not surprisingly, therefore, the acid test from a 

cadet’s point of view is not physical training or 

academic tests, but the much loved and loathed 

Drill Square Test or DST. 

Passing this test entitles a cadet to the two Ls 

that he craves for — the Maroon Lanyard and 

Liberty (the privilege of going on day-out pass to 

Pune city)! He becomes part of an elite club for 

attaining the basic standards of drill, worthy of an 

officer cadet. 

Far from being an individual regimen, drill is at 

its best during the Drill Competition every term, 

during which the winning squadron bags the 

most glamourous trophy at the NDA. 

FACING PAGE: 

Drill ustaads 

demand: Cadet, 

aisa stamping karega 

ki zameen mein 

daraar aayega! 


academy 

phantom 

The Adjutant 

450x150 

metres 

Dimension 

of Drill 

Square 

1.2 km 99¾ ft 

Perimeter of 

Drill Square 

DRILL 

SQuare 

MAST 

Belongs to 

Old INS Delhi 

Height of mast at 

Drill Square 

ACADEMY 

LIMELIGHT 

Horse buried in Drill 

Square 

ACADEMY 

FREEZER 

Bridge between Drill 

Square and PTT 

Academy Surya 

Namaskar 

Folded wings of aircraft 

in Drill Square 


PHYSICAL TRAINING 

It is physical fitness that enables a soldier to 

march into the valley of death, a sailor to sail 

the formidable high seas and an air warrior to 

soar into alien skies. Physical training is thus an 

important aspect of outdoor training and the aim 

of the Physical Training Team (PTT) is to build 

up the stamina, endurance and agility of a cadet. It 

is designed to allow each cadet to achieve excellent 

physical fitness and adequate proficiency in sports. 

A compulsory programme, it is rigorous and 

continues throughout from the Ist to the 

VIth term of the cadet. The programmes are 

implemented through scientific techniques 

in a phased and progressive manner. The 

comprehensive PT regimen ensures that young 

boys from civvy street are transformed into 

physically and physiologically fit cadets by the 

time they graduate from the Academy. 



THIS PAGE AND 

FACING: 

Shauk aur Josh, the 

essentials to excel 

at the PT fields

swimming 

Swimming is a basic survival skill and the 

swimming training at the Academy is designed 

to reduce fear of water, instil self-confidence 

and develop the ability to survive in aquatic 

environments. Besides its numerous health 

benefits, swimming also has many psychological 

benefits. A swim session at the pool can relax a 

cadet’s mind and uplift his spirits. He achieves 

endurance and learns to be a team player — skills 

that are critical in the Armed Forces. 

An NDA cadet is required compulsorily to 

pass the 200m freestyle and the 10m jump to 

graduate. The Academy has two full Olympic size 

swimming pools, with the third one coming up in 

the near future. 

FACING PAGE: 

A cadet hones his 

swim strokes 

LEFT: 

The 10m jump 

also known as the 

Academy Waterloo 


Equitation Training 

Equitation training is emphasised in military 

academies across the world. Horsemanship 

is a time-tested skill that teaches humility, 

relationships, perseverance and courage — 

qualities essential to become military leaders. 

The aim of the Equitation Training Team (ETT) 

at the NDA is to impart preliminary training and 

knowledge about animal management to enhance 

the physical, mental and emotional abilities of a 

cadet. It helps a cadet to develop balance and 

improve coordination, patience, discipline and 

self-confidence. As he tries to control an animal 

that can think on its own, a cadet becomes mentally 

alert. Gradually, he understands the emotions of 

the animal and learns to be compassionate. He 

thus becomes a better rider and a smarter, agile 

and compassionate officer. 

Equitation training is imparted from the IInd to 

the IVth terms and is mandatory for all cadets 

to pass the requisite tests. It involves theory 

classes, practical training and exposure to various 

disciplines of equestrian events and adventures. 

A cadet learns basic riding skills and is exposed 

to polo, show jumping, dressage and more, to 

enhance his understanding of equestrian nuances. 

From the IIIrd to the VIth terms, cadets actively 

participate in the Riding and Polo Club where 

they are taught to ride for long durations without 

causing fatigue to the horses. The Inter Battalion 

Polo and Spurs finals are conducted every term to 

give adequate exposure to the cadets in equestrian 

discipline. 

The ETT has always been at the forefront, 

motivating cadets to participate in various 

competitions at the national and international 

level. Arjuna Awards and medals won by a 

number of ex-NDA officers in this sport bears 

testimony to the high equestrian skills imparted 

at the Academy. 

CLOCKWISE 

FROM RIGHT: 

Shabash ghoda, 

ek, ek, do - II nd 

termers learning 

to trot; Lane 

jumping test 

- clearing the 

final hurdle; Spurs 

test - pursuing 

excellence 


Sports AS a way of life 

The Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields 

of Eton. – Arthur Wellesly, Duke of Wellington 

The character built on the playing fields at NDA 

has contributed in no small measure to the fact 

that its alumni have, time and again, earned glory 

on the battlefield. 

At the Academy, sports is not limited to team 

events; excellence in individual sports is also 

encouraged. Cadets are encouraged to take up 

karate, boxing, squash, tennis, yoga, basketball, 

volleyball, hockey, football, athletics and 

swimming for those with the right skills and 

aptitude. 

A cadet is encouraged to participate in at least one 

sport each term and cannot graduate unless he 

learns the rudiments of at least two games which 

will enable him to play with his troops. Cadets 

who excel in various physical activities and sports 

are awarded with proficiencies in the order of 

Merit Card, Half Blue, Blue and a Blazer. 



INTER-SQUADRON CRoss COUNTRY 

Of all forms of sports at the NDA, there is nothing superior to cross 

country running. It is without half times, timeouts or substitutions 

and is a great way to make one strong, develop endurance and 

progress one’s training. Undulating terrain means that one uses more 

muscles than in any other type of running, ultimately making one 

stronger and faster. But the benefits are not just physical since cross 

country running can also clear the mind. Training or racing over 

natural terrain and open air courses enables runners to experience 

nature and break from monotony which can improve judgement 

and toughen mental aptitude. 

Cross country running can be both individual and team races; the 

emphasis is as much on conquering the course as in beating other 

runners. Cross country at NDA encourages team spirit. Since the 

slowest runner is just as important as the fastest runner, success 

depends on the whole squadron and a strong sense of team spirit 

develops. 

The cross country route of 12.5 kilometres at the Academy passes 

through woodlands and open country, hills, flat ground and even 

gravel road. Runners are judged on individual times and squadrons 

by a points-scoring method. It is the only sports competition held in 

both the terms at the NDA. There is nothing quite like the feeling 

of lifting the Glider, the coveted trophy awarded to the cross country 

champion squadron, while alumni cheer their respective squadrons. 



Joint Training 

A cadet learns the ethos of 

jointmanship which enables him 

to shoulder responsibilities in a 

joint warfare environment. 

FACING PAGE: 

An cadet learns 

snake handling 

during Camp 

Rovers 

The Joint Training Team (JTT), drawn up 

from officers of each Service, imparts quality 

instruction to enable cadets to appreciate and 

imbibe the functioning of each Service and the 

jointness between the three Services. 

The aim of the Joint Training Team is to initiate 

cadets into the military environment by teaching 

them customs, etiquette and traditions of the 

Armed Forces. The training team is responsible 

for the common Service training of NDA cadets 

from the Ist to the VIth terms. It conducts both 

theoretical and practical training in psychological 

development, character building and leadership 

development. The team conducts a four-weeklong 

orientation capsule for newly-inducted 

Ist term cadets. It also imparts knowledge of 

tri-Service nature such as basic map reading, 

navigation and weapon training. The syllabus has 

been designed to build the knowledge of a cadet 

on the three Services. 

Two camps — Greenhorn and Rovers — held 

during the IInd and IVth terms respectively, are 

conducted by the JTT. Camp Greenhorn marks 

the transformation of a cadet from a ‘greenhorn’ 

to a seasoned IInd termer who is ready to be 

trained in all aspects whereas Camp Rovers is one 

of the toughest military camps for the age group 

and the stage of training. 


FACING PAGE: 

Obstacle race 

after the Josh Run, 

Camp Rovers 

THIS PAGE 

CLOCKWISE 

FROM TOP 

LEFT: 

Bivouac pitching 

competition 

during Camp 

Rovers; Map 

reading class for 

II nd termers; IV th 

termers being 

briefed prior to 

Mini Josh run; 

Tug of war during 

Camp Greenhorn 


Camp 

Greenhorn 

Birth of a cadet in 

the Academy 

Camp Rover 

The most difficult 

rite of passage in the 

making of men 


ARMY training 

A cadet is forged into a confident and 

competent leader, capable of leading 

men to victory in battles. 

FACING PAGE: 

Honing bayonet 

fighting skills 

at the Weapon 

Training Area 

The mission of the Army Training Team 

(ATT) is to train Army cadets to be proficient 

in section-level tactics and basic soldierly skills, so 

that they can lead a section, as part of a platoon, 

in battle. The training is in consonance with the 

changing requirements of a modern battlefield. An 

innovative and contemporary approach towards 

cadet training has been adopted. 

Service training for Army cadets, also known 

as Pongos, commences from the Vth term and 

includes tactics, weapon training, map reading, 

field engineering and radio telephony. The 

training has been structured in a progressive 

and graduated manner, with lectures and 

demonstrations following tutorial discussions to 

reinforce the theoritical aspects. Outdoor tactical 

exercises are, thereafter, conducted to enable 

guided application of tactical skills on ground by 

the cadets. Proficiency of the cadets in section level 

tactics, involving major and minor operations of 

war, is finally evaluated and validated through the 

gruelling 10-day Camp Torna. 

Weapon training, especially firing, forms a 

major part of an Army cadet’s training at the 

NDA. The cadet undergoes the complete Army 

Range Course for 5.56mm INSAS Rifle and 


5.56mm INSAS Light Machine Gun and in the 

end acquires a high standard of marksmanship. 

Availability of 500m and 200m Long Ranges 

within the Academy allows uninterrupted firing. 

Map reading constitutes an important part of 

all operations of war and extensive outdoor 

navigation exercises are conducted to instil lasting 

confidence in the cadets to navigate all kinds of 

terrain and weather conditions. 

Apart from conventional military training, cadets 

are encouraged to remain aware of situations visà-vis 

our geographical neighbours. 

The Army Training Team conducts weapon 

training and firing for cadets of all three Services, 

besides training them on tactical aspects during 

Camp Torna. The Academy Shooting Team that 

has been consistently winning laurels at state and 

national level competitions has been trained under 

the strict supervision of the ATT. 

RIGHt TOP 

and 

Bottom: 

Hand to hand 

combat being 

practised during 

Exercise Fateh; 

Fire and Move 

drill being 

practised at 

the Tactical 

Training Area 

FACING PAGE: 

A cadet 

appointment 

giving section 

commander 

orders for 

defence during 

Exercise Raksha 


FACING PAGE: 

Negotiating the 

Assault Obstacle 

Course in Exercise 

Hamla after the 

termination of Josh 

Run of Camp Torna 

THIS PAGE 

CLOCKWISE 

FROM TOP: 

Application fire 

in progress at the 

Long Range; Cadets 

being trained on the 

variations of stalking 

by stealth; Cadets 

practise camouflage 

and concealment 

during outdoor 

exercise 


Cadets undertake 

patrolling during 

Exercise Talaash 

Ghaat which is 

conducted over 

two days to teach 

cadets to plan and 

conduct aggressive 

tactical operations 

in enemy 

territory even 

whilst gaining 

information with 

stealth

naval TRAINING 

A cadet is introduced to the basics 

of seamanship and navigation, 

inculcates a flair for watermanship 

and gains his sea legs. 

FACING PAGE: 

A VI th term Naval cadet 

carrying out the duties 

of Officer of the Watch 

while entering Mumbai 

harbour at the Ship 

Handling Simulator 

The Naval cadets at the NDA are trained 

by the Naval Training Team (NTT), 

with theoretical classes being conducted in the 

NTT classrooms and practical classes at the 

Watermanship Training Centre at Peacock Bay. A 

major shift has occurred in naval training over the 

last decade, with greater emphasis being given to 

practical training. Infrastructure has been created, 

including a stone frigate TS Ronnie Periera, and 

Ship Handling Simulator to expose cadets to a 

maritime environment. Training at Ronnie Periera, 

a scaled model of a ship, helps a Naval cadet to get 

a feel of life at sea. The ship with a full-fledged 

bridge, operations room and a helo deck has 

actual equipment from decommissioned ships to 

provide a realistic ship environment for budding 

officers. 

The cadets are imparted the basics of General 

Navigation, General Seamanship, Rules of the 

Road and Communication in the Vth term and 

made to practice them in the VIth term. They are 

put through a simulated day at sea at the TS Ronnie 

Periera and Ship Handling Simulator prior to Ex- 

Varuna, to enable them to derive better training 

value from the sea sortie on board the fleet ships. 

11 4 national defence academy Cradle of leadership 11 5

The cadets during the VIth term are exposed not 

only to the duties of the Officer of the Watch but 

also those carried out by a ship’s duty watch. 

In the IIIrd term, an orientation visit to a naval base 

is a part of the curriculum to showcase various 

capabilities of the Indian Navy. During the Vth 

term, a visit to the Nuclear Biological Chemical 

Damage Control (NBCD) School at Lonavala 

is conducted to provide hands-on experience in 

firefighting and flooding. 

LEFT: 

Whaler sailing 

expedition to 

Mandovi Gaon 

bottom: 

A view of 

Peacock Bay 

The VIth term cadets are put through two sea 

sorties to gain their ‘sea legs’. Additionally, a cadet 

is also encouraged to develop reading habits and 

submit a study on naval war campaign. 

During his Vth and VIth terms, a Naval cadet 

becomes part of the Watermanship Club and is 

taught the basics of yachting and sail training. A 

Yachting Association of India course with a Level 

III certification is conducted for all cadets as an 

essential part of the training curriculum. 


facing page: 

Boat lowering drill during the simulated Man Overboard exercise 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 

Boat handing drill during the simulated Man Overboard exercise; 

Cadets practising gangway ceremonial procedures at TS Ronnie Periera; 

Conning orders and Quarter Master duties being exercised on the 

bridge of TS Ronnie Periera 


LEFT TO RIGHT: Cadets entering an enclosed compartment for firefighting; Cadets operating major 

firefighting system to douse simulated fire on helo deck; Instructions being imparted at Peacock Bay 

during a simulated Day Aboard at Sea 



Replenishment 

at Sea in progress 

at Peacock Bay. 

The exercise is 

carried out to 

learn seamanship 

procedures for 

replenishing 

ration, water and 

fuel onboard a 

ship from a supply 

ship to undertake 

extended 

operations at sea

air force TRAINING 

A cadet learns military piloting and 

inculcates the aviation sense to make 

him a competitive air warrior. 

The genesis of the Air Force Training Team 

(AFTT) team can be traced to the need for 

better trained aircrew in today’s Jet Age. The team 

inculcates aviation sense in budding air warriors 

and grooms them in all aspects related to military 

aviation. 

The ground training syllabus for Air Force cadets 

has been revised with a substantial increase in 

Service specific training. Air Force cadets start 

learning aviation related subjects in the Vth term, 

followed by flying training on Austrian-built 

Super Dimona twin-seat powered sailplanes 

in the VIth term. Cadets, however, undergo 

introductory training on ground to master 

various procedures and be aware of all operating 

systems before progressing to actual flying on 

Super Dimona aircraft. Before taking to the skies, 

budding aviators are thoroughly familiarised with 

their machines to give them an insight into the 

working of the aircraft systems. 

Flying training enables cadets to be in line with 

the Air Force ethos. Trainees fly ten sorties as a 

part of their syllabus. Exposure to flying on Super 

Dimona aircraft and use of simulators make it 

certain that most cadets earn their coveted wings 

(brevets) at the Air Force Academy. 

The AFTT is equipped with a computer enabled 

classroom, PC-based flight simulators, metalled 

runway, air traffic control, servicing facilities 

for aircraft and an automatic weather station for 

collection of weather data to ensure complete 

exposure to the cadets. 

FACING PAGE: 

A cadet honing 

his flying skills 

in a Super 

Dimona in the 

skies above the 

NDA 


CLOCKWISE 

FROM TOP 

LEFT: 

A cadet set for 

his first flying 

experience; 

A Know your 

Aircraft class at 

Glider Dome; A 

cadet prepares for 

a sortie 

FACING PAGE: 

Super Dimonas 

lined up at the 

AFTT 


FAR LEFT: 

Touch down 

LEFT: 

Bidding adieu 

to the passing 

out course in 

the Vixen Break 

formation 

128 national defence academy

clubs and hobbies 

Club activities at the Academy 

enhance the personality of 

cadets while ensuring optimum 

utilisation of training time. 

Extracurricular activities are essential in 

moulding military leaders. Training at the 

National Defence Academy thus encompasses 

a large gamut of activities — referred to as club 

activities in Academy parlance — whose primary 

objective is to produce men of substance while 

ensuring effective utilisation of leisure time. 

The role of these clubs goes beyond generation 

of interest in extracurricular activities. It is the 

singular domain that provides opportunities for 

self-expression through creative use of leisure. 

Not surprisingly then, several NDA alumni have 

excelled and won Arjuna and Rajiv Gandhi Khel 

Ratna awards in the past. 

Clubs at the Academy hone organising skills and 

help a cadet develop a disciplined and inquisitive 

mind. It stimulates lasting interest in hobbies and 

pursuits of choice and the varied skills acquired 

by a cadet during this learning phase stands him 

in good stead throughout his service career. The 

Academy has 28 clubs to meet the interests of a 

cadet. The 11 indoor and 17 outdoor clubs are 

Outdoor Clubs 

Archery, Automotive, Martial Arts, 

Trekking and Rock Climbing, 

Kayaking and Rowing, Paragliding, 

Astronomy, Golf, Aero Modelling, 

Skeet Shooting, Sailing, Life Saving 

Skills, Riding and Polo, Hiking, 

Environmental Conservation, Nature 

and Photography 

Indoor Clubs 

Arts, Classical Music, Dancing, 

Dramatics, Design and Craft, 10m 

Air Wpn Shooting, Western Music, 

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, 

Literature, Public Speaking and Yoga 

FACING PAGE: 

The Rock 

Climbing Club 

cadets preparing 

for mid-term 

hike to Kalsubai 

peak at Nashik 

Excellence in an extracurricular activity is 

equipped with all essential training aids. However, 

encouraged and adequate exposure at national 

very often advanced instructional support is also 

and international competitions is also accorded. 

sought from professionals. 


iding 

Col H S Sodhi 

Col R S Brar 

Maj J S Ahluwalia 

Capt Adhiraj Singh 

Capt N S Rajpurohit 

Wg Cdr I J Lamba 

Lt Col Bhawani Singh 

Maj G S Puri 

Arjuna awardEES 

sailing 

Cdr S Contractor 

Cdr S Mongia 

Cdr F Tarapore 

Lt Cdr P K Garg 

Cdr H Motiwala 

squash 

Capt K S Jain 

Col Raj Manchanda 

mountaineering 

Col Narendra kumar 

Lt Col J C Joshi 

Maj P B Singh 

polo 

Brig V P Singh 

Col R S Sodhi 

Lt Col K S Garcha 

CLOCKWISE 

FROM FAR 

LEFT: 

Replicating the 

ALH at the Aero 

Modelling Club; 

Stepping on the 

gas at the Go 

Karting Club; 

A cadet gives his 

painting some 

final touches 

RIGHT: 

Wind in the sails 

— Watermanship 

Club activity at 

Peacock Bay 


TOP FROM LEFT to right: 

A morning hack ride; A cadet learns life 

saving skills; Cadets of the Dramatics 

Club during the variety entertainment 

programme; The Academy Shooting 

Club which has brought many laurels 

FACING PAGE: 

Bow, arrow and the cadet — the 

Archery Club 

rajiv gandhi khel ratna awardEES 

sailing 

Cdr H Motiwala 

Lt Cdr P K Garg 

shooting 

Lt Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore 



THIS PAGE AND 

FACING: 

The Academy 

campus is a 

delightful field 

for study and 

appreciation of 

biodiversity by 

cadets of the 

Nature club. These 

images of flora and 

fauna have been 

captured at the 

NDA campus and 

none have been 

morphed

the final steps 


THE FINAL STEPS 

At the end of three years of intense 

training, a cadet is filled with pride 

and nostalgia. He takes the final 

steps, raring to prove his mettle. 

End of the term has special significance at the 

National Defence Academy. It is marked by 

a kaleidoscope of events such as the NDA Ball, 

Expo-NDA, Tattoo Show, Light and Sound 

Show, Academy Dinner Night and Reviewing 

Officers’ Lunch, the magnificence of which 

remains etched in the mind of a cadet forever. 

The Convocation Ceremony, the grand finale 

to three years of academic endeavour, is held at 

the Habibullah Hall. Prizes are given away to 

cadets who have distinguished themselves in 

various academic streams while VIth term cadets 

receive the Bachelors degree in Arts, Science or 

Computer Science. 

The Passing Out Parade marks the completion of 

a successful term. Held at the Khetarpal Parade 

Ground, the unique parade comprises over a 

thousand participating cadets who bid farewell to 

their senior colleagues. The Adjutant on his horse 

(Charger) accompanies the passing out cadets 

to ‘The Final Steps’. A masterly display of drill 

movement, synchronised with the accompanying 

band, embed long-lasting memories in participants 

as well as viewers. 

The Passing Out Parade finally culminates in the 

grand finale of the slow march, accompanied by 

the poignant strains of Auld Lang Syne. The pride 

of trainers, instructors and academicians is visible 

as is the happiness and exultation of the cadets and 

their parents. For VIth term cadets who are passing 

out, the moments are tinged with nostalgia, fond 

remembrances and anticipation. In the closing 

moments, the mast at the Quarter Deck, manned 

by cadets of the juniormost course, cheer on the 

passing out course as they go past it in a slow 

march. At the final step, engulfed by a flood of 

nostalgia spanning three eventful years, each 

cadet feels justifiably proud of his achievement. 

He leaves a young man strong in body and mind, 

confident and assured and proud of values imbibed 

here. He is well on his way to achieving the ideals 

of an officer and a gentleman. 

facing page: A fly past during the Passing Out Parade of the 129 th Course 


clockwise 

from TOP: 

Commandant 

addressing 

the cadets at 

the Academy 

Dinner Night, 

Autumn Term 

2015; The 

NDA Band 

playing during 

the Academy 

Dinner Night; 

Convocation 

ceremony of the 

128 th Course 

facing page: 

Cadets 

showcasing 

their skills 

before guests 

and parents of 

cadets of 129 th 

course at the PT 

and Equitation 

display 


ABOVE LEFT AND RIGHT: 

Shri Manohar Parrikar, 

Honourable Defence Minister of 

India, reviewing the Passing Out 

Parade of the 128 th Course; The 

Adjutant on the Charger during 

the Passing Out Parade of 129 th 

Course 

RIGHT: 

The champion squadron leads the 

parade for Autumn Term 2015 


ACC orders the 

parade: Safal cadet chay 

chay mein baari baari se 

dheere chaal mein antim 

pag se guzrega 

LEFT: The VI th term 

cadets turn towards the 

Quarter Deck to take 

the Antim Pag 

FAR LEFT: The 

junior cadets turn 

inwards and proceed to 

Quarter Master’s Fort 


distinguished guests 

Over the years, the National Defence Academy has been graced by the presence 

of distinguished men and women, both from India and abroad, who have gone 

back with a feel of the Academy’s warm hospitality. Their august presence has left 

indelible impressions on the institution’s fabric and time and again their advice 

have motivated young cadets to excel in all their endeavours. 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England 

on 21 November, 1983 

Marshal Zhukov, Defence Minister of ertswhile 

USSR, on 30 January, 1957 

His Excellency N A Bulganin, the Prime Minister 

of erstwhile USSR and N S Khruschev, Secretary 

Communist Party of USSR, on 25 November, 1955 

Shrimati Indira Gandhi, Honourable Prime Minister of India, 

reviewing the Passing Out Parade of the 51 st Course on 

11 December, 1976 

The first ‘Sea Lord’ Louis Mountbatten with Lady Edwina 

Mountbatten at the Cadet’s Mess on 19 March, 1956 

His Majesty King Mahendra of Nepal at 

the Cadet’s Mess on 07 October, 1971 

His Excellency Chivu Stoica, Prime Minister of 

Romania, being briefed by a cadet at a workshop 

on 14 March, 1958 

Shri Rajendra Prasad, Honourable President of India, 

speaking at the Cadet’s Mess 

on 27 September, 1957 

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Honourable Prime Minister of 

India, with Major General E Habibullah on 

01 February, 1957 

His Majesty the Shah of Iran (extreme left) at the 

Cadet’s Mess on 05 March, 1956 

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Honourable Prime 

Minister of India, with Major General E 

Dr Zakir Hussain, Honourable President of 

Habibullah, Commandant NDA, 

India, addressing the cadets of 33 rd Course as the 

in June 1955 

His Excellency Gaafer Mohammed Nemeri, 

reviewing officer of the POP on 09 December, 1967 

His Excellency Chou En Lai of China reviewing the 

President of Sudan, on the steps of Sudan Block on 


11 th Course Passing Out Parade on 01 December, 1956 

30 November, 1974 


His Excellency Bethnel Pakalitha Mosisili, Prime Minister 

of Lesotho, receiving a memento from Commandant, 

NDA on 02 August, 2003 

Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Honourable Prime 

Minister of India, at the Arts Club Gallery 

on 31 May, 1985 

His Excellency Shri K Sankaranarayanan, Governor of 

Maharashtra, meeting the officers at NDA on 10 August, 2011 

Shri Jaswant Singh, Member of Parliament 

and NDA alumnus, revisiting his alma mater 

after 55 years on 21 April, 2011. He likened 

his visit to a pilgrimage 

Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, MC, addressing the 

cadets at Habibullah Hall on 02 February, 1994 

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honourable Chief 

Minister of Maharashtra, laying a wreath at the 

Hut of Remembrance on 27 November, 2015 

Shri A P J Abdul Kalam, Honourable 

President of India, laying a wreath at the 

Hut of Remembrance in 2006 

Her Majesty the Queen of Spain in the foyer 

of Habibullah Hall on 28 January, 1982 

His Excellency Schmid, Vice-President of Switzerland, 

with Commandant, NDA on 01 December, 2004 

Mr Felipe Jacinto Nyusi, Defence Minister 

of Mozambique, on the steps of Sudan 

Block on 29 June, 2011 

His Excellency Major General 

Kudaiberdiev Abibilla Alymovich, Defence 

Minister of Kyrgyzstan, at Peacock Bay 

on 08 September, 2011 

Col Gen Viktor Nikolaevich Bondarev, 

Commander-in-Chief of Russian Air 

Force, at the Equitation Lines 

on 18 November, 2014 

Lt Gen Angus Campbell, Chief of 

Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, Honourable 

Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, 

Australian Army, with Commandant 

President of India, in the foyer of Sudan 

Honourable President of India, releasing 

150 national NDA defence on 14 January, academy 2016 

Block on 03 December, 1994 

the First Day Cover 


MEn at the helm 

Men of vision at the helm of affairs have been instrumental in shaping the destiny 

of this great institution.Their charismatic leadership has shaped the course of 

history and paved the way for events unborn. We salute the Commandants who 

have nurtured and preserved this great institution from inception and carried it 

from strength to strength. In this spread are their portraits along with the dates 

of taking over the baton. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rear Admiral 

R P Sawhney 

01 July, 1982 

Lieutenant General 

Sami Khan, PVSM, SM 

16 August, 1985 


K L K Singh 


Air Marshal 

D S Sabhikhi 

29 June, 1988 

Vice Admiral 

Inderjit Bedi, AVSM 

01 September, 1991 


S K Jetley, AVSM, SM 

12 October, 1993 

Air Marshal 

A S Sethi 

25 March, 1995 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major General 

Thakur Mahadeo Singh, 

DSO 

01 January, 1949 

Major General 

K S Thimayya 

13 March, 1950 

Major General 

M S Wadalia 

16 June, 1951 

Major General 

E Habibullah 


Rear Admiral 

B A Samson 



K L Sondhi 


Major General 

R Bakshi, MC 


 

Air Marshal 

Jagbir Singh Rai, 

VM & BAR 


 

Vice Admiral 

Arun Prakash, 

AVSM, Vr C, VSM 

31 July, 1997 

 


S B S Kochar, 

PVSM, AVSM 

13 April, 1999 

 

Air Marshal 

A K Trikha, AVSM, VSM 

01 April, 2001 

 

Vice Admiral 

S C S Bangara, 

PVSM, AVSM 


 


A K Chopra, 

PVSM, AVSM 

04 August, 2004 

 

Air Marshal 

T S Randhawa, VM 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


S N Goyal, MBE 

09 August, 1966 

Rear Admiral 

R N Batra 

19 June, 1968 

Major General 

S D Gupta, PVSM 



M B Naik 


Rear Admiral 

M P Awati, Vr C 

08 March, 1976 

Major General 

R K Jasbir Singh 

22 July, 1977 

Air Marshal 

M J Dotiwala 

09 July, 1979 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vice Admiral 

R K Dhowan, 

AVSM, YSM 


Vice Admiral 

Satish Soni, 

AVSM, NM 



Jatinder Singh, 

AVSM**, SM 



Ashok Singh, 

AVSM, SM, VSM 

07 August, 2012 

Air Marshal 

K S Gill, 

AVSM, YSM, VM 


Air Marshal 

R K S Bhadauria, 

AVSM, VM 

01 August, 2014 

Vice Admiral 

G Ashok Kumar, 

AVSM, VSM 

01 April, 2015

deputy commandants 

Deputy Commandants, also being the Chief Instructors, have been 

responsible for fusing together a composite team of officers from the three 

Services as well as those from the academic faculty into one family. Over 

the decades, they have ensured the overall development of cadets, moulding 

them into leaders of men and fulfilling the aim of this cradle of leadership. In 

this spread are their portraits along with the dates of taking over the baton. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colonel 

Shivaji D Bhonsle 


Brigadier 

S P S Shrikant, MVC 

21 March, 1977 

Air Commodore 

P D Dogra 


Commodore 

V S Shekhawat, Vr C 


Brigadier 

Chandra Sinhji 

09 July, 1981 

Air Commodore 

R N Bhardwaj, 

MVC, VM 


Rear Admiral 

N N Anand, AVSM, 

NM 

20 March, 1986 

Major General 

Shamsher Singh, 

MVC 

16 March, 1989 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colonel 

Kamta Prasad 


Captain (IN) 

R Sawhny 

20 June, 1950 

Group Captain 

R Sitaram 

08 July, 1952 

Captain (IN) 

J S Mehra 


Colonel 

K Bharat Singh 


Colonel 

Mohan Mukund Singh 


Brigadier 

Hoshiar Singh, 

IOM, IDSM 


Brigadier 

G M Sayeed 


 

Major General 

R K Mittal 

01 August, 1990 

 


K Khanna, VM 


 

Rear Admiral 

M S Bedi, 

AVSM, VSM 


 

Major General 

M A Gurbaxani, 

AVSM 


 


B K Pandey, VM 


 

Rear Admiral 

Pradeep Kaushiva, 

NM 


 

Major General 

I A Satur 


 


P P Rajkumar, AVSM 


 

Brigadier 

K V Lamba, Vr C 

16 July, 1963 

 

Air Commodore 

K S Bhat 


 

Colonel 

Hardayal Singh 

21 June, 1966 

 

Brigadier 

M S Uberoi 

07 July, 1967 

 

Colonel 

Ajit Singh 

21 April, 1968 

 

Colonel 

H K K Shukla 


 

Commodore 

R L Pereira, AVSM 


 

Colonel 

Thakur Ramnath 

Chauthial 



Rear Admiral 

Major General 


Rear Admiral 

Major General 


S C Malhan, VM, 

C S Patham 

B S Grewal 

Ajit S Bhonsle, 

Anand Iyer, VSM 

Ashok Ambre, 

S P Wagle, VM 

VSM & BAR 

01 December, 2005 31 December, 2007 

AVSM, VSM 


VSM, SM 







MEDALS OF HONOUR 

Some goals are so worthy its glorious even to fail. — 

Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC 

The Academy instils in each cadet the essence of 

the Academy motto of Seva Parmo Dharma and 

inspires him into acts of valour in the interest of 

the nation. It is not surprising, therefore, that its 

alumni have always led from the front, striking 

terror in enemy hearts and carving out victories 

against all odds. They have, by example, lived 

the virtues that each cadet needs to epitomise 

to become a true leader. The nation has 

honoured their acts of bravery and leadership 

 

CAPT G S SALARIA, 

PVC (Posthumous) 

10 th Course - B Sqn 

Congo, 05 December, 1961 

 

2/LT ARUN KHETRAPAL, 


38 th Course - F Sqn 

Battle of Basantar, 


 

CAPT M K PANDEY, 


90 th Course - M Sqn 

Kargil, 02/03 July, 1999 

 

MAJ R K JOON, 

AC (Posthumous), SC 

78 th Course - K Sqn 

CI Ops, J & K, 


 

CAPT A S JASROTIA, 

AC (Posthumous), SM 

73 rd Course - E Sqn 



 

2/LT PUNEET DUTT, 

AC (Posthumous) 

87 th Course - E Sqn 


20 July, 1997 

 

MAJ SUDHIR KUMAR, 

AC (Posthumous), SM* 

72 nd Course - J Sqn 


29 August, 1999 

with distinguished medals and, time and again, 

their alma mater takes pride in remembering 

their acts of valour to rekindle patriotic fervour 

in each of its cadets. 

The number of gallantry awards that NDA 

alumni have won include: 

Param Vir Chakra (PVC) 03 

Ashok Chakra (AC) 11 

Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) 31 

Kirti Chakra (KC) 40 

Vir Chakra (VrC) 160 

Saurya Chakra (SC) 135 

 

WG CDR RAKESH 

SHARMA, AC 

35 th Course - J Sqn 

First Cosmonaut of India 

 

2/LT RAKESH SINGH, 


79 th Course - B Sqn 



 

COL N J NAIR, 

AC (Posthumous), KC 

38 th Course - I Sqn 

CI Ops, Nagaland, 


 

CAPT HARSHAN R, 


101 st Course - G Sqn 


20 March, 2007 

 

MAJ DINESH R RAMAN, 


95 th Course - N Sqn 



 

MAJ S UNNIKRISHNAN, 


94t th Course - O Sqn 

Operation Black Tornado, 


 

MAJ MOHIT SHARMA, 

AC (Posthumous), SM 

95 th Course - I Sqn 


21 March, 2009

NDA VISION 2027 

introduce an Undergraduate Programme in 

to Linux System, Enterprise Resource Planning 

Services. These numbers will be extrapolated 

Engineering (B Tech) for cadets with the end aim 

(ERP), upgrade of IT infrastructure and IT 

from each Service’s PC:SSC ratio, projected for 

of producing an officer who is B Tech and not a 

training. 

the strength of officers in service by 2027. 

The NDA was conceived seven decades ago, 

as the cradle of leadership for peak strength 

of 1500 cadets. However, considering the high 

reputation that NDA had gained over time and 

increase in demand for officers from the three 

Services, the Academy has continued to grow in 

every respect — more cadets, more squadrons, 

more buildings, more equipment, more disciplines 

and a more ambitious curricula. In order to cope 

with the expectations from the environment, it 

was considered necessary to craft a clear vision for 

the future. The earlier vision documents of 2003 

and 2009 (including the Long Term Perspective 

Plan 2022) were comprehensive and clearly 

articulated the areas of thrust. The current Vision 

2027 intends to carry forward the impetus, aligned 

with Perspective Plans of Headquarters Integrated 

Defence Staff. 

CRYSTAL GAZING 

The future of the NDA must be aligned with 

the vision of the three Services, as encapsulated 

in various Service specific doctrines. It should 

give an insight into the expectations from future 

warriors and the force levels required. 

Human Resources: The Armed Forces taps its 

manpower from the populace at large and perforce 

needs to be sensitive to societal changes that 

take place with the passage of time. A growing 

economy, global interdependence, advanced 

technology and a flourishing private sector now 

offer unimaginable opportunities to India’s youth. 

With all the agencies trying to tap the cream, 

talent is at a premium. 

Joint Ops: It is a well-accepted fact now that 

future wars will need operational synergy between 

all three Services. This foundation of this synergy 

is laid at the NDA. 

Technology: The Technology Perspective 

and Capability Roadmap, 2013, released by the 

Ministry of Defence (MoD), provides a glimpse of 

the technologies and capabilities that the Armed 

Forces will be looking for in the near future. The 

future officers need to be adept at understanding 

and exploiting such technologies. 

FUTURE PLANS 

Academic Re-evaluation: It has been two 

and a half decades since the last major revision 

in academic syllabus was undertaken in 1989 

wherein BSc (Computer Science) was introduced 

in addition to the updation of BSc and BA 

courses. A review of the literature on service 

academies abroad and in India such as the TES 

of Army and INA, indicates deterioration in 

academic standards, bordering on mediocrity. A 

major change in our approach to academics has 

now become a necessity to regain the excellence 

achieved in earlier years. The revision must aim 

at making NDA a centre of academic excellence 

focussed at producing technically competent 

future leaders and information warriors. To 

harness the benefits of technical education for 

future generation of officers it is imperative to 

B Tech who is an officer. Introduction of B Tech 

was approved by the COSC on 18 April, 2016 

and the Academy intends to commence the new 

curriculum for Naval and Air Force cadets from 

July 2016. Simultaneously, the syllabi of both 

Science and Humanities is being assessed de novo, 

so as to rationalise the number of different degrees 

offered at the NDA. In addition, the Academy 

also plans to exploit the National Knowledge 

Network to tap into resources available at military 

and academic institutions of repute within the 

country. 

Harnessing IT: Information Technology is 

an extremely dynamic field and the Academy 

needs to remain current at all times to harness 

its benefits. Future IT efforts will largely relate 

to improvements in back office management 

in the form of streamlining management 

information systems, strengthening centralised 

processing, improving communication networks, 

implementing paperless offices and hierarchical 

mailing/approval system. The urgent areas to be 

addressed include office automation, migration 

Infrastructure Development Plan: The NDA 

was designed for 1250 cadets and a peak load of 

1500 cadets. However, the need to increase the 

number of cadets has been a constant demand. 

Currently, the training infrastructure at NDA 

caters to 1800 cadets. The construction of 

building and allied infrastructure for the 16th 

Squadron is in progress to accommodate trainee 

strength of 1920 cadets. The approval in principle 

to raise a 5 th Battalion has been received from the 

MoD. This, coupled with the completion of the 

ongoing construction of the 16th Squadron, will 

eventually enhance the training capacity from 

1920 to 2400 cadets. Based on the input received 

from Service headquarters, there exists a need to 

further increase the number of trainees beyond 

2400. The modalities for setting up the 6th and 

7th Battalions are presently being worked out. 

The critical issues being addressed, before firming 

up on the infrastructure development roadmap 

for NDA, are: 

The number of cadets to be trained at NDA 

will be based on the requirements of the three 

The identification and availability of suitable 

space for infrastructure development while 

maintaining the aesthetic and architectural 

harmony with the existing infrastructure. 

Renovation and restoration plan for the sixdecade-old 

key monumental structures at NDA. 

In conclusion, the National Defence Academy 

has been in existence for over six and a half 

decades and has grown in every way, in numbers 

and in quality, as an esteemed and successful 

joint Services cradle of leadership and as a unique 

educational establishment. There is no doubt that 

each Service will continue to have a plethora of 

training centres for various kinds of specialisation. 

But there can be only one NDA, the only Joint 

Academy. There is no plan to change its idea 

or its ethos. On the contrary, there is every 

effort to strengthen it through the articulation of 

this new vision. 



The 129 th Course Passing Out 

Parade being reviewed by the 

Chief of the Naval Staff. Since 

inception till date, 36,000 cadets 

have taken the Antim Pag past 

the Quarter Deck... 

And the saga continues...

The Inauguration Parade of the Joint Services Wing (JSW) at the Indian Military Academy 

(then known as the Armed Forces Academy) in Dehradun, on 01 January, 1949. 

NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY 

cradle of leadership

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