 marked a momentous chapter in its storied legacy on May 30, 2025, as it celebrated the successful culmination of the 148th Course – Spring Term 2025){kind=link}
MAY 30: The National Defence Academy (NDA) marked a momentous chapter in its storied legacy on May 30, 2025, as it celebrated the successful culmination of the 148th Course – Spring Term 2025. In a historic first, 17 female cadets graduated from the Academy, joining 319 of their male counterparts in the Passing Out Parade (POP), bringing the total number of graduating cadets to 336. This significant milestone reflects a transformative step in India’s journey towards inclusive nation-building through military excellence.
The POP was held at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra, where a total of 1,341 cadets, including undertraining cadets from junior terms, participated in the ceremonial event. Presiding over the parade as Reviewing Officer was the Governor of Mizoram, General (Dr) VK Singh (Retd), who reviewed the parade and felicitated outstanding cadets for their exemplary achievements.
The event showcased the cadets’ completion of rigorous academic and military training. With remarkable discipline, poise, and precision, the parade was commanded by Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi of ‘G’ Squadron. The parade was impeccably coordinated by Adjutant Lt Col Praveen Kumar Tiwari, mounted on his charger ‘Reliant Robin’.
In recognition of excellence, several cadets were honoured for their performance. The President’s Gold Medal was awarded to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, the President’s Silver Medal went to Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi, while Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhatt received the President’s Bronze Medal. The coveted Chiefs of Staff Banner, symbolising overall excellence, was awarded to Golf Squadron.
The ceremony concluded with a breathtaking flypast, featuring a display of Chetak helicopters trooping the Academy flag, Super Dimona motorised gliders, and a powerful Sukhoi-30 fighter jet flyover, symbolising the cadets’ readiness to take to the skies and serve the nation.
A large and diverse gathering attended the event, including proud families of the cadets, dignitaries, school children, and serving as well as retired members of the Armed Forces. The graduation of the first-ever batch of female cadets marks a historic and transformative milestone in the NDA’s enduring mission to train and nurture future military leaders committed to serving the nation with honour, integrity, and courage.