The Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Gaya witnessed a momentous occasion on Saturday as 253 Officer Cadets marched their way into the Indian Army during the fourth Passing Out Parade of the Short Service Commission (Technical Entry) course for men and women.
The newly commissioned officers took their symbolic Antim Pag — the final ceremonial step of training — before being formally inducted as Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army.
Breakdown of the Commissioned Batch
The passing-out batch comprised two courses: the Short Service Commission (Tech) Men-65, which saw 218 Officer Cadets commissioned, and the Short Service Commission (Tech) Women-36, which contributed 35 Officer Cadets to the newly commissioned ranks.
A Foreign Dignitary Reviews the Parade
In a gesture reflecting growing defence ties between India and Vietnam, Lieutenant General Le Van Huong, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, served as the Reviewing Officer for the parade. Witnesses described the drill movements as skilful, crisp, and tightly synchronised, evoking a strong sense of pride among the gathered spectators.
Top Performers Honoured
The Reviewing Officer presented awards to cadets who excelled during training. Academy Under Officer P Shashi Kumar, the Parade Commander, was doubly honoured, winning both the prestigious Sword of Honour for being adjudged Best All-Rounder and the Gold Medal for topping the Overall Order of Merit; he has been commissioned into the Gorkha Rifles. Battalion Under Officer Deepak Singh Rawat secured the Silver Medal for standing second in the Overall Order of Merit and will join the Rajput Regiment, while Academy Cadet Adjutant Navneet Singh claimed the Bronze Medal for finishing third, earning a commission into the elite Para Special Forces. Kalidhar Company was declared the overall Champion Company, taking home the Chief of Army Staff Banner.
A Call to Embrace Innovation
Addressing the newly trained officers, the Reviewing Officer urged them to embrace innovation and continually upgrade their knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving battlefield. He emphasised the importance of leading with purpose, mastering emerging technologies, and remaining adaptable, while urging the cadets to blend the Indian Army’s time-honoured traditions with forward-thinking leadership.
The Pipping Ceremony: A Defining Moment
The event’s emotional high point came during the Pipping Ceremony, where months of gruelling training culminated in a moment of pride for both cadets and their families. As the bugle sounded, stars were pinned onto the shoulders of the cadets, formally marking their transformation into Commissioned Officers.
Academy Adjutant Lieutenant Colonel Prakhar Dhagat administered the solemn oath of service to the Nation, after which jubilant celebrations broke out among the newly minted officers. With their training complete, the young leaders took their Pehla Kadam — their first step — into a life defined by duty, honour, and service to the country.