Indian Military Academy

File:An aerial view of the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun, 1932 (c).jpg

During the Indian independence movement, Indian leaders recognised the need for a local military institution to meet the needs of an armed force loyal to sovereign India.{{Sfn|Sharma|1996|p=55-59}}{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=4}} The Indianisation of the officer cadre of the army began in 1901, but it was only for the elite, and after training they were not allowed into the regular army.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|loc=Preface|p=xi – xv}} The British Raj was reluctant to commission Indian officers or permit local officer training.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=xi}} In 1905, natives could officer only Indian troops and by rank were not equal to commissioned British officers. Up to the outbreak of the First World War, the highest rank to which a native soldier of India could rise was Subedar, a rank lower than the lowermost officer rank of Subaltern.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|loc=Preface|p=xi – xv}}

But following the Indian military performance in the First World War, the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms facilitated the officer training of 10 Indian commissioned officers at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=xv}} In 1922, the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College (now known as the Rashtriya Indian Military College or just RIMC) was set up in Dehradun to prepare young Indians for admission to Sandhurst.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9w-4VTtJ2xkC|title=Where Gallantry is Tradition: Saga of Rashtriya Indian Military College : Plantinum Jubilee Volume, 1997|last1=Singh|first1=Bikram|last2=Mishra|first2=Sidharth|date=1997|publisher=Allied Publishers|isbn=9788170236498|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rimc.gov.in/aboutrimc.aspx|title=About Us|website=Rashtriya Indian Military College|access-date=2019-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726030832/http://www.rimc.gov.in/aboutrimc.aspx|archive-date=26 July 2019|url-status=live}} The Indianisation of the Army started with the commissioning of 31 Indian officers. Among this first batch of officers to be commissioned was Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, who became the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army in 1969 and later the first Indian Field Marshal.{{Sfn|Singh|2005|p=186}}

Despite demands from the Indian officers, the British resisted expansion of the Indian officer cadre. Indian leaders pressed the issue at the first Round Table Conference in 1930. The establishment of an Indian officer training college was one of the few concessions made at the conference. The Indian Military College Committee, set up under the chairmanship of General Sir Philip Chetwode, in 1931 recommended the establishment of an Indian Military Academy in Dehradun to produce forty commissioned officers twice a year following two and a half years of training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/state-editions/notes-from-dehra-dun-july-30-1931-how-the-pioneer-reported-about-the-beginnings-of-the-ima.html|title="Notes from Dehra Dun, July 30, 1931": How The Pioneer reported about the beginnings of the IMA|last=Chopra|first=Jaskiran|date=30 July 2018|website=The Pioneer|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728044414/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/state-editions/notes-from-dehra-dun-july-30-1931-how-the-pioneer-reported-about-the-beginnings-of-the-ima.html|archive-date=28 July 2019|access-date=2019-07-28}}{{Sfn|Sharma|1996|p=135}}File:General Sir Philip Chetwode (LOC).jpg Sir Philip Chetwode. He was promoted Field Marshal in February 1933.|alt=|246x246px|left]]

The Government of India transferred the former property of the Railway Staff College of the Indian Railways, with its 206-acre campus and associated infrastructure, to the Indian Military Academy. Brigadier L.P. Collins was appointed the first Commandant and the first batch of 40 gentleman cadets (GC), as IMA trainees are known, began their training on 1 October 1932. The institute was inaugurated on 10 December 1932 by General Sir Philip Chetwode, 7th Bt.{{Cite journal|last=Chetwode|first=Philip|date=Spring 2012|title=Address by Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode|url=https://www.claws.in/images/journals_doc/SW%20J.172-175.pdf|url-status=dead|journal=Scholar Warrior|publisher=Centre for Land Warfare Studies|pages=150–153|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612062509/https://www.claws.in/images/journals_doc/SW%20J.172-175.pdf|archive-date=12 June 2017}} Chetwode was promoted to being a Field Marshal the following year, in February 1933.

In 1934, before the first batch had passed out, Viceroy Lord Willingdon presented the first colours to the academy on behalf of King George V. The first batch of cadets to graduate the academy, graduating in December 1934, now known as the Pioneers, included Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw,{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2017/state-editions/how-ima-became-functional-in-september-85-long-years-ago.html|title=How IMA became functional in September, 85 long years ago!|last=Chopra|first=Jaskiran|date=22 September 2017|website=The Pioneer|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728050516/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2017/state-editions/how-ima-became-functional-in-september-85-long-years-ago.html|archive-date=28 July 2019|access-date=2019-07-28}} General Muhammad Musa and General Smith Dun, who became the Army Chiefs of India, Pakistan, and Burma, respectively.{{Efn|The Pioneers also included Agha Abdul Hamid Khan, D Ranjit Rai, Mirza Hamid Hussain, Mohammad Habibullah Khattak, Melville de Mellow, Pritam Singh, Mohammad Zaman Khan and Mohan Singh.{{Sfn|Singh|2005|p=224}}|name=|group=}}{{Cite book|url=https://ecommons-new.library.cornell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/57579/113.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|title=Memoirs of the Four Foot Colonel|last=Dun|first=Gen Smith|publisher=Cornell University Southeast Asia Program|pages=12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728051658/https://ecommons-new.library.cornell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/57579/113.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|archive-date=28 July 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/getahead/2008/apr/21army.htm|title=Careers in the Army: How you can sign up|date=21 April 2008|website=Rediff|access-date=2019-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805013901/https://www.rediff.com/getahead/2008/apr/21army.htm|archive-date=5 August 2019|url-status=live}} General Dun graduated at the top of his class at IMA and also commanded the passing out parade for the first course.{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|title=Beginning to Independence|website=Indian Army|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626223336/https://indianarmy.nic.in/|archive-date=26 June 2017|access-date=2019-08-06}} The second, third, fourth and fifth batches were called, respectively, Immortals, Invincible, Stalwarts and Bahadurs.[https://web.archive.org/web/20190925094219/https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/documents/Heritage120516.pdf IMA Heritage]. Indian Army. Retrieved from the [https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/documents/Heritage120516.pdf original] on 25 September 2019.{{Quote box

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| quote = "The cadets came to the Academy from all parts of India as it was prior to the independence and partition of India in 1947. There were Punjabi Hindus and Mussalmans [...], Sikhs, Bengalis, Marathas, Madrasis, Coorgies [...] But we worked and lived as one, namely Indians first. I have emphasised it because even today as far as the armed forces are concerned the concept has not changed and is implemented in practice".
(Maj Gen. A. S. Naravane (Retd) joined IMA on 29 January 1936)

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}}Through the first 16 regular courses that passed out of the academy, until May 1941, 524 officers were commissioned. But the outbreak of the Second World War resulted in an unprecedented increase in the number of entrants, a temporary reduction in the training period to six months and an expansion of the campus. A total of 3,887 officers were commissioned between August 1941 and January 1946, including 710 British officers for the British Army. The academy reverted to its original two and a half year course of training at the end of the war.{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=VRo0dG93/trL7vWtYbJ8SA==&ParentID=mBG695X1VK/TfzmUJFHhGw==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|title=IMA History – Beginning to Independence|website=Indian Army|access-date=2019-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013142512/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=VRo0dG93%2FtrL7vWtYbJ8SA==&ParentID=mBG695X1VK%2FTfzmUJFHhGw==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|archive-date=13 October 2019|url-status=live}} During the final years before Independence, the academy navigated the role of training officers for both colonial and postcolonial armies.{{Cite book|title=Culture, Conflict and the Military in Colonial South Asia|date=2017-08-25|publisher=Routledge India|isbn=978-1-315-09991-0|editor-last=Roy|editor-first=Kaushik|edition=1|pages=15|language=en|doi=10.4324/9781315099910|editor-last2=Rand|editor-first2=Gavin}}

Following the Independence of India in August 1947 and the subsequent partition creating Pakistan, a number of British officers who were trainers in the academy left for Britain, while Pakistani cadets left for Pakistan.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|loc=|p=52}} A total of 110 Pakistani cadets then continued their training at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|loc=|p=51}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/ima-first-batch-celebrates-platinum-jubilee-in-delhi-117122101508_1.html|title=IMA first batch celebrates Platinum Jubilee in Delhi|last=ANI|date=2017-12-21|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804015025/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/ima-first-batch-celebrates-platinum-jubilee-in-delhi-117122101508_1.html|archive-date=4 August 2019|url-status=live}} Brigadier Thakur Mahadeo Singh, DSO, was appointed the first Indian Commandant of the academy.{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|title=Independence to Silver Jubilee|website=Indian Army|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803093412/https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=WmZBIfayDRzppqzqGidfcg==&ParentID=jWnvjHCqk+gAq2nW9Qak3w==|archive-date=3 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-03}} The 189 GCs who graduated on 20 December 1947 were the first class from IMA to be commissioned into a free India.

In late 1947, the Chiefs of Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, following the recommendation of a 1946 committee headed by Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, decided to initiate an action plan to commission a new Joint Services training academy. In the interim, they decided to conduct Joint Services training at IMA.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20170821-national-defence-academy-army-navy-air-force-icons-of-modern-india-1028908-2017-08-11|title=National Defence Academy: Steel in our spine|last=Deka|first=Kaushik|date=21 August 2017|website=India Today|access-date=2019-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804015026/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20170821-national-defence-academy-army-navy-air-force-icons-of-modern-india-1028908-2017-08-11|archive-date=4 August 2019|url-status=live}} The academy was renamed the Armed Forces Academy and a new Joint Services Wing (JSW) was commissioned on 1 January 1949, while training of Army officers continued in the Military Wing.{{cite web |url=http://nda.nic.in/html/nda-history.html |title=NDA History |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419101915/http://www.nda.nic.in/html/nda-history.html |archive-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite book |title=Thimayya:An Amazing Life |last=Khanduri |first=Chandra B. |year=1969 |publisher=Centre for Armed Historical Research, United Service Institution of India, New Delhi through Knowledge World |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-87966-36-X |page=151 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWXfAAAAMAAJ |access-date=6 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106003728/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWXfAAAAMAAJ |archive-date=6 January 2016 |url-status=live }} The academy was renamed as the National Defence Academy (NDA) on 1 January 1950, ahead of India becoming a Republic. In December 1954, when the new Joint Services training academy was established in Khadakwasla, near Pune, the NDA name along with the Joint Services Wing was transferred to Khadakwasla.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nda.nic.in/html/nda-history.html|title=History Of NDA|website=National Defence Academy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419101915/http://www.nda.nic.in/html/nda-history.html|archive-date=19 April 2012}} The academy in Dehradun was then rechristened as the Military College.Indian Military Academy. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180516231722/http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/IMA_144_TGC_JOINING_INSTRS_20_JUN17.pdf Joining Instructions for Gentleman Cadets Indian Army]. Archived from the [http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/IMA_144_TGC_JOINING_INSTRS_20_JUN17.pdf original] on 5 August 2019. Brigadier M.M. Khanna, MVC was the first IMA alumni to be appointed Commandant of IMA at the end of 1956.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=90}} In 1960, the founding name, Indian Military Academy, was reinstated. On 10 December 1962, on the 30th anniversary of the academy's inauguration, the second President of India, Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, presented new colours to the academy.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=110}}

After the Sino-Indian War of 1962, special measures were introduced. From 1963 until August 1964, the duration of regular classes was truncated, emergency courses were initiated, and new living quarters for cadets were added. However, unlike previous wars, the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 and that of 1971 did not disrupt Academy training or graduation schedules. On 11 February 1971, William G Westmoreland, Chief of Staff, United States Army, visited the academy.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=150}}

In 1976, the four battalions of the academy were renamed after Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Lieutenant General Premindra Singh Bhagat, with two companies each. On 15 December 1976, then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed presented new colours to the academy.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uR-8AwAAQBAJ&q=Cariappa+Battalion%2C+Thimayya+Battalion%2C+Manekshaw+Battalion&pg=PT119|title=The Victoria Cross: A Love Story: The life of Lt Gen P S Bhagat PVSM, VC: World War II Hero and author of the Henderson Brooks/Bhagat Report on the India-China War|last=Varma|first=Ashali|date=2014-06-27|publisher=Ashali Varma|isbn=9788192855196|language=en}} In the 1970s, the Army Cadet College (ACC) was shifted from Pune to Dehradun, becoming a wing of IMA. In 2006, the ACC was merged into IMA as the fifth battalion, the Siachen Battalion.{{Cite web|url=http://mod.nic.in/samachar/dec15-20/html/ch6.htm|title=ACC Wing A Glimpse|website=Ministry of Defence, Sainik Samachar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216111059/http://mod.nic.in/samachar/dec15-20/html/ch6.htm|archive-date=16 December 2009|access-date=4 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|title=Siachin Bn (ACC Wing)|website=Indian Army|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804013621/https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=AxSGgeJTpnd9EMkxGIpvZg==&ParentID=AaR9zhCRex5J8fLt4kqgHw==|archive-date=4 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-04}}

By 1 October 2019, the 87th Raising Day, the number of GCs to have graduated from IMA stood at 61,762, including foreign alumni from 33 friendly countries.{{cite news |title=87th raising day of IMA celebrated |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/87th-raising-day-of-ima-celebrated.html |access-date=6 October 2019 |agency=The Pioneer |date=2 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006025455/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/87th-raising-day-of-ima-celebrated.html |archive-date=6 October 2019}} Foreign countries included Angola, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Ghana, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tonga, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia.{{cite web |title=Foreign Cadets |url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=N4tu6zwATh9KbyQXHI9ceg==&ParentID=kGgtIzBoXYh7ju7TvXlG6g== |website=Indian Army |access-date=6 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006030452/https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=N4tu6zwATh9KbyQXHI9ceg==&ParentID=kGgtIzBoXYh7ju7TvXlG6g== |archive-date=6 October 2019}}

File:Chetwode ima Dehradun.jpg

The academy is in the Doon Valley (Dronacharya Ashram),{{Efn|As legend goes, Dehradun was the site of the academy of Dronacharya, where the Pandavas, Kauravas and other princes trained.|name=|group=}}{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=201}} Uttarakhand. National Highway 72, the Dehradun–Chakrata Road, separates the North and South Campus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/rajnath-announces-two-underpasses-at-ima.html|title=Rajnath announces two underpasses at IMA|date=8 December 2009|website=The Pioneer|language=en|access-date=2020-03-31}} The campus of the academy covers an area of {{convert|1400|acre|km2}}.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=143}}{{Cite book|last=Rawat|first=Rachna Bisht|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-6QzDwAAQBAJ&q=1%2C400+acres+IMA&pg=PT158|title=Shoot, Dive, Fly: Stories of Grit and Adventure from The Indian Army|date=2017-10-15|publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited|isbn=978-93-86651-69-3|language=en}} The Chetwode Hall on the drill square, built in 1930, houses the administrative headquarters of IMA and is also the hub of academic training. It has lecture halls, computer labs and a cafe. On the opposite side of the drill square is the Khetarpal Auditorium. Opened in 1982, it has a seating capacity of over 1,500.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=144}} A newer wing of the Chetwode building, added in 1938, houses the central library. It has over 100,000 volumes and subscriptions to hundreds of periodicals from across the world, in addition to multimedia sections. In addition, there are two branch libraries closer to the cadet barracks across the campus.{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/documents/IMAcampus120516.pdf|title=IMA Campus and Landmarks|website=Indian Army|access-date=4 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804080220/https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/documents/IMAcampus120516.pdf|archive-date=4 August 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://salute.co.in/important-landmarks-and-institutions-of-the-ima-campus/|title=Important Landmarks and Institutions of the IMA Campus|date=6 December 2018|website=Salute|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-04}}

The IMA museum on the campus displays artifacts of historic importance such as the pistol of Lieutenant General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi of the Pakistan Army, given upon his surrender to Lt. Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora after signing the instrument of surrender to end the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/travel/a-town-called-dehra/article8370336.ece|title=A town called Dehra|last=Alexander|first=Deepa|date=2016-03-18|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318110756/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/travel/a-town-called-dehra/article8370336.ece|archive-date=18 March 2016|issn=0971-751X}} A captured Pakistan Army Patton tank is also on the grounds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/special/-seven-states-6-days-2148-kms-and-a-journey-of-a-lifetime/20160530.htm|title=7 States. 6 Days. 2,148 km and a journey of a lifetime|last=Masih|first=Archana|date=4 June 2016|website=Rediff|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125093912/https://www.rediff.com/news/special/-seven-states-6-days-2148-kms-and-a-journey-of-a-lifetime/20160530.htm|archive-date=25 January 2018|access-date=2019-09-16}}

The South Campus of IMA includes facilities such as the Somnath Stadium, with a seating capacity of 3,000, the Salaria Aquatic Centre, consisting of an Olympic sized swimming pool,{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=144}} and the Hoshiar Singh Gymnasium.{{Cite web|url=http://www.pioneeredge.in/imas-chushul-company-wins-prestigious-colonel-hoshiar-singh-pvc-trophy/|title=IMA's Chushul Company wins prestigious Colonel Hoshiar Singh, PVC Trophy|date=25 August 2018|website=The Pioneer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006095348/http://www.pioneeredge.in/imas-chushul-company-wins-prestigious-colonel-hoshiar-singh-pvc-trophy/|archive-date=6 October 2019|access-date=2019-09-25|url-status=live}} The North Campus includes the polo ground along the Tons River. Tons Valley to the northwest of the campus is used for para-dropping, para-gliding, skydiving and battle training.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=21, 202}} Other facilities include stables with a stud farm,{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=25}} a small arms shooting range, and épée fencing from the modern pentathlon.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=142}}

File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi signing the visitors’ book, at the War Memorial in Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, ahead of the Combined Commanders Conference,.jpg, signing the visitors' book at the War Memorial in Indian Military Academy.|alt=|220x220px]]

The IMA War Memorial commemorates the alumni of the academy who died in action. At the sanctum sanctorum of the memorial is a bronze statue of a gentleman cadet with a sword presenting arms.[https://web.archive.org/web/20190804080220/https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/documents/IMAcampus120516.pdf IMA Campus and Landmarks]. Indian Army [https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=rAqZTCcd1BFe55s27xtV9A==&ParentID=a3tFbrJydIz66a1khKHkjw==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ== website]. Retrieved on 20 September 2019. Archived from the [https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/documents/IMAcampus120516.pdf original] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804080220/https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/documents/IMAcampus120516.pdf |date=4 August 2019 }} on 4 August 2019. The memorial was inaugurated by Field Marshal Manekshaw on 17 November 1999, shortly after the conclusion of the Kargil War.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=211}} IMA officers led and fought in the war, with some of them becoming household names in India for their gallantry. Among their ranks were two Param Vir Chakra recipients and eight Maha Vir Chakra recipients. In 2017, Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz Parray was the 847th name to be engraved on the War Memorial.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/making-of-a-warrior-the-ultimate-sacrifice/407523.html|title=Making of a warrior & the ultimate sacrifice|last=Sujlana|first=Lt Gen R. Singh|date=16 May 2017|work=The Tribune|access-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628083648/http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/making-of-a-warrior-the-ultimate-sacrifice/407523.html|archive-date=28 June 2018}}

There are various modes of entry into IMA, which include: on graduation from National Defence Academy, on graduation from Army Cadet College (a wing of IMA itself), direct entry through the Combined Defence Services Examination followed by SSB exams, and technical entry under university and college schemes.Ministry of Defence. [https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR1516.pdf Annual Report 2015-16] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925082914/https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR1516.pdf |date=25 September 2019 }}. Government of India. pg 129. Retrieved on 25 September 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|title=Permanent Commission: Indian Military Academy, Dehradun|website=www.indianarmy.nic.in|access-date=2020-02-20}} While those who gain entry into IMA go on to become permanently commissioned officers, those who go to the other officer training academies such as Officer Training Academy, Chennai are trained for short service commission.{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.nic.in/rec%26training/|title=Recruitment and Training|publisher=Ministry of Defence, Government of India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120204200/http://www.mod.nic.in/rec%26training/|archive-date=20 November 2011|access-date=26 November 2011}} Depending on entry criteria married or unmarried male candidates are allowed to voluntarily apply for the course.{{cn|date=July 2024}} Lady Cadets are not inducted into the Indian Army through IMA, though there has been talk of the same.{{cite news|last1=Shishir|first1=Prashant|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/ima-ready-to-welcome-women-110061300009_1.html|title=IMA ready to welcome women|date=21 January 2020|work=Business Standard|access-date=20 February 2020}}{{cite news|last1=Dinakar|first1=Peri|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-verdict-on-women-in-armed-forces-a-blow-to-stereotypical-mindset-says-lawyer/article30845462.ece|title=SC verdict on permanent commission to women officers|date=17 February 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=20 February 2020}} IMA has a sanctioned capacity of 1,650.{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/army-proposal-to-disband-officers-training-academy-in-gaya-gets-defence-ministry-nod/332864/|title=Army proposal to disband Officers Training Academy in Gaya gets defence ministry nod|last=Dutta|first=Amrita Nayak|date=2019-12-10|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-19|quote="...the officer said, adding that the Uttarakhand academy has a capacity of 1,650."}}

A trainee on admission to IMA is referred to as a gentleman cadet (GC). One reason for this is that the academy expects its graduates to uphold the highest moral and ethical values. Inscribed in the oak paneling at the eastern entrance of the Chetwode Hall is the academy's credo, excerpted from the speech of Field Marshal Chetwode at the inauguration of the academy in 1932:{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/state-editions/down-memory-lane-vignettes-of-the-indian-military-academy.html|title=Down Memory lane: Vignettes of the Indian Military Academy|last=Chopra|first=Jaskiran|date=8 June 2018|website=The Pioneer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804014749/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/state-editions/down-memory-lane-vignettes-of-the-indian-military-academy.html|archive-date=4 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-04}}

{{Blockquote|text=The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time.
The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next.
Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time.|sign=Field Marshal Philip Chetwode{{Efn|A shorter version of this is used as the academy's credo – "Your country first, the men you command next, and yourself last".{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=204}}|name=|group=}}|source=}}

The freshman GCs hail from diverse backgrounds from all parts of India. The training is action-filled, intense, diverse, and fast. Significant emphasis is placed on self discipline.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=204}} The official website of the Indian Army describes the training as "a test of one's mettle and capabilities, and in psychological terms a foretaste of what the trainees would face in the battlefield".{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=TtuQ3PzQv2wASBz+BPBtaw==&ParentID=WTgDHvx4YrW3KYjvnZjMyg==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|title=Life of a GC|website=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200403055137/https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=TtuQ3PzQv2wASBz+BPBtaw==&ParentID=WTgDHvx4YrW3KYjvnZjMyg==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|archive-date=2020-04-03|access-date=2019-09-20}} On passing out GCs are permanently commissioned into the Army as Lieutenants.Recruiting Directorate Website (Jul 2020). [https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/NotificationPDF/TGC_131.pdf Join Indian Army: 131st Technical Graduate Course (TGC-131)]. Retrieved on 20 March 2020. [https://web.archive.org/web/20191102081641/https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/NotificationPDF/TGC_131.pdf Archived] on 2 November 2019.{{Cite book|last=Pote|first=Amol Ramdas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VsmNDwAAQBAJ&q=On+successful+completion+of+training+Gentlemen+Cadets+are+granted+Permanent+Commission+in+the+rank+of+Lieutenant&pg=PT36|title=Antim Pag: Life begins here!|date=2019-03-20|publisher=Notion Press|isbn=978-1-64546-498-3|language=en|quote=On successful completion of training Gentlemen Cadets are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lieutenant.}}

File:Hockey Match held between IMA and AFA.jpg during the Sabhiki Cup-2016, a sports meet for trainees of five premier officer training academies of the Army, Navy and Air force.]]{{Quote box

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IMA cadets are organized as a regiment with four training battalions, of four companies each. There were sixteen companies in 2013. Battalions are named after generals of the Indian Army (except for Siachen Battalion), while companies are named after battles in which the Army has participated.

• Cariappa Battalion: Kohima Company, Naushera Company, Poonch Company
• Thimayya Battalion: Alamein Company, Meiktila Company, Sangro Company
• Manekshaw Battalion: Imphal Company, Zojila Company, Jessore Company
• Bhagat Battalion: Sinhgarh Company, Keren Company, Cassino Company
• Siachen Battalion: Erstwhile Army Cadet College

Technical graduates, ex-NDA, ex-ACC and university entry cadets undergo training at IMA for one year. Direct entry cadets train for one and a half years.{{cite web|title=IMA Training|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/documents/IMAtraining120516.pdf|website=Indian Army|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006113619/https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/documents/IMAtraining120516.pdf|archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live}} A gentleman cadet gets a stipend of {{INRConvert|56100||lk=|year=2020}} per month for the duration of the course (as per the 7th pay commission).{{Cite web|url=https://www.ssbcrack.com/2013/08/pay-and-allowances-of-gentleman-cadet.html|title=Pay And Allowances Of Gentleman Cadet At IMA, Dehradun|date=2013-08-11|website=SSBCrack|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806014131/https://www.ssbcrack.com/2013/08/pay-and-allowances-of-gentleman-cadet.html|archive-date=6 August 2019|url-status=live}}

IMA's mission is to train future military leaders of the Indian Army. Physical training, drills, weapons training and leadership development form the focus of the training. Character building is embedded in the honour code of IMA "I shall not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate those who do so". From the honour code came the adoption of "The Gentleman Cadet's Resolve" and in turn the Credo, Honour Code and Resolve became the academy Trishul for conduct of cadets.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=209, 211}} The "Warrior Code" of IMA which has been adopted from the "Bhagwat Gita", the punch line of it being "I am a Warrior, fighting is my dharma;" also talks of compassion.

Training is broadly categorised into character building, service subjects and academic subjects. Service subjects give basic military knowledge up to the standard required for an infantry platoon commander.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=154}} Academic subjects provide the cadet with a general education so as to enable a basic knowledge in professional subjects as well as enable cadets to clearly express themselves both verbally and in writing.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=154}} In the early 1970s the service subjects to academic subjects ratio was 16:9 (64% service to 36% academic); this ratio was enhanced for technical graduates to a ratio of 83% service subjects and 27% academic subjects.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=155}} Over time this ratio varied as per regular course entry or technical entry, and changed as terms were increased or decreased.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=160}}File:Physical endurance training for GCs.jpg

Weapon training includes the close quarter battle range, the location of miss and hit target system,{{Efn|The location of miss and hit system provides real time feedback to a shooter of the precise location of the round as it passes through/by the target. It can be integrated into a standard army range.{{cite web |title=Location of Miss and Hit (LOMAH) RTLP-MCX Range Design Guide |url=https://www.hnc.usace.army.mil/Portals/65/docs/Directorates/ISPM/RTLP/PDFs/Appendices/LOMAH%20June2015.pdf?ver=2018-04-24-093116-533 |website=U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center |publisher=U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |access-date=30 March 2020}}|name=|group=}} jungle lane shooting{{Efn|A jungle lane is a trail in a forested area with targets hung at different places. Targets are to be engaged by one or more members of the team, even if that member isn't the closest to the target. Another version of this is the "shoot house" which takes place inside a building. Sometimes jungle lane and shoot houses are combined.{{cite book |last1=Terry |first1=Joseph |title=Prepared and Armed: Team Shooting Tactics for Home Defense |date=2014 |publisher=Penguin |location=Part 4 (Practicing Advanced Firearms Techniques) |isbn=9781440335921 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NhpjDwAAQBAJ&q=jungle+lane+shooting&pg=PT47 |access-date=30 March 2020}}|name=|group=}} and the team battle shooting range. The curriculum is reviewed from time to time and adapted to whatever the current situation the country is in. Cadets are also put in roles where they need to think like the enemy such as in Exercise Chindit where some GCs are asked to act as terrorists while others have to capture them.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=204-205}} They are trained in various forms of warfare, including conventional war, proxy war, low intensity conflict, and counter-insurgency.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=208}} An integral part of the training are the ustads or instructors numbering about 200. The ustads are responsible for aspects of training including drills, weapons training and field craft.{{Cite web|date=13 June 2016|title=Wah ustad! A look at the unsung heroes of IMA|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Wah-ustad-A-look-at-the-unsung-heroes-of-IMA/articleshow/52724796.cms|access-date=2020-12-13|website=The Times of India|language=en}}

Games and sports include cross country, hockey, basketball, polo, athletics, football, aquatics, volleyball and boxing. There is also an annual sports meet with other military academies in India. Adventure activities undertaken at the academy include trekking, cycling, and rock climbing. In 1997 a cadet died during a boxing session.{{Cite web|last=Narayanan|first=K.S.|date=6 October 1997|title=Death In The Ring|url=https://magazine.outlookindia.com/story/death-in-the-ring/204351|access-date=2020-12-13|website=Outlook India}} In 2007 a cadet died in a grenade blast.{{Cite web|last=Chopra|first=Jaskiran|date=10 March 2007|title=IMA cadet killed after grenade blows up in training|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IMA-cadet-killed-after-grenade-blows-up-in-training/articleshow/1743874.cms|access-date=2020-12-13|website=The Times of India|language=en}} In 2009 a cadet died by drowning.{{Cite web|date=10 August 2009|title=IMA cadet's body sent home in 'rotting' state|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/headlines-today-top-stories/story/ima-cadets-body-sent-home-in-rotting-state-53987-2009-08-10|access-date=2020-12-13|website=India Today|language=en}} Between 2017 and 2019, three cadets died during training.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/why-ima-cadets-are-dying-during-training/articleshow/69331473.cms|title=Why IMA cadets are dying during training?|last=Kumar|first=Yogesh|date=15 May 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30}} Two cadets died of exhaustion during a 10 km run,{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/routine-run-kills-second-ima-cadet-in-2-days-5-in-hospital/articleshow/60166905.cms|title=Indian Military Academy: 'Routine run' kills second IMA cadet in 2 days; 5 in hospital|last=Budhwar|first=Yeshika|date=22 August 2017|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30}}{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/two-ima-cadets-died-despite-best-treatment-army/articleshow/60161936.cms|title=Two IMA cadets died despite best treatment: Army|date=2018-07-11|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-03-30|agency=PTI}} while a third died after slipping into a gorge during a night navigation exercise.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ima-cadet-dies-during-navigation-exercise/articleshow/69218158.cms|title=IMA cadet dies during navigation exercise|date=2019-05-07|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-03-30|agency=ANI|archive-date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709193812/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ima-cadet-dies-during-navigation-exercise/articleshow/69218158.cms|url-status=dead}} The academy requires that cadets get insurance against death and disability during training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/court-of-inquiry-ordered-into-death-of-2-cadets-at-indian-military-academy-1741301|title=Court Of Inquiry Ordered Into Death Of 2 Cadets At Indian Military Academy|last=Tikku|first=Aloke|date=24 August 2017|website=NDTV|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811213823/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/court-of-inquiry-ordered-into-death-of-2-cadets-at-indian-military-academy-1741301|archive-date=11 August 2019|access-date=2019-09-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=170126|title=Demise of Gentleman Cadets at Indian Military Academy|last=Tuli|first=Manoj|date=21 August 2017|website=Press Information Bureau|access-date=2019-09-16}}

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One of the most well known traditions in the IMA is the passing out parade (POP). Before the cadets begin the POP, the band plays an aarti, allowing the cadets to pray to their respective gods.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ima-pop-a-few-beliefs-and-traditions/articleshow/69695247.cms|title=IMA POP: A few beliefs and traditions|last=Jha|first=Prashant|date=8 June 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830140854/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ima-pop-a-few-beliefs-and-traditions/articleshow/69695247.cms|archive-date=30 August 2019|url-status=live}} Traditionally, the adjutant leads the parade. In 2019, the reviewing officer for the 136th parade was Lt. Gen. Cherish Mathson.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/lt-gen-cherish-mathson-to-be-reviewing-officer-of-pop/articleshow/69587779.cms|title=Lt Gen Cherish Mathson to be reviewing officer of POP|last=Jha|first=Prashant|date=31 May 2019|website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831194828/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/lt-gen-cherish-mathson-to-be-reviewing-officer-of-pop/articleshow/69587779.cms|archive-date=31 August 2019|url-status=live}} IMA has adopted a song penned by Javed Akhtar for its POPs — Bharat mata teri kasam, tere rakshak rahenge hum ({{Translation|Mother India, I swear on you. I will be your protector|literal=}}).{{Cite web|last=Kazmi|first=S M A|date=2 October 2007|title=IMA adopts Javed Akhtar's song for passing out parade|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/ima-adopts-javed-akhtar-s-song-for-passing-out-parade/223366/|access-date=2020-12-13|website=Indian Express Archive}}

During the POP, a civilian dignitary may also make a speech, as was the case during the passing out parade in 1962 when the President Dr. Sarvepalli. Radhakrishnan addressed the cadets,{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=157}} and in 2007 when the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did so.{{Cite web|url=https://archivepmo.nic.in/drmanmohansingh/speech-details.php?nodeid=605|title=PM's address at the Indian Military Academy Passing Out Prade : Speeches : Prime Minister of India – Dr. Manmohan Singh|date=10 December 2007|website=Prime Minister's Office Archive|access-date=2019-08-11}} In 1982, during the golden jubilee, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi inspected the POP while in 1992, the President R. Venkataraman reviewed the diamond jubilee POP (winter term).{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=164, 168}} In 2006, President APJ Abdul Kalam was the reviewing officer at the POP.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=39}}

File:2006 Newly Commissioned Officers.jpg

The finale is the antim pag (final step), where cadets take the last step into Chetwode Hall.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/indian-military-academy-hosts-colourful-passing-parade-1502542318.html|title=UP tops list as 487 officers graduate from Indian Military Academy|date=2017-12-09|website=The Statesman|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811020859/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/indian-military-academy-hosts-colourful-passing-parade-1502542318.html|archive-date=11 August 2019|url-status=live}} However the POP on 11 June 1961 was called off without the final step due to weather, the only instance where this has happened for a passing out batch.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/10966/Down-Memory-Lane-A-Parade-to-Savour|title=Down Memory Lane: A Parade to Savour|last=Oberoi|first=Vijay|date=12 June 2017|website=The Citizen|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-29|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229153716/https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/10966/Down-Memory-Lane-A-Parade-to-Savour|url-status=dead}} The tradition of cap-flinging during the passing out parade has a long past but it was replaced by the cadets doing celebratory pushups.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101212/dplus.htm#3|title=No caps tossed this time|date=11 December 2010|website=The Tribune, Chandigarh|access-date=2019-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615174300/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101212/dplus.htm#3|archive-date=15 June 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IMAs-cap-flinging-tradition-bites-dust/articleshow/17540053.cms|title=IMA's cap-flinging tradition bites dust|last=Basu|first=Indranil|date=9 December 2012|website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830140856/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IMAs-cap-flinging-tradition-bites-dust/articleshow/17540053.cms|archive-date=30 August 2019|url-status=live}} The passing out also consists of traditions such as presentation of a "Sword of Honour" to the best GC.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Odisha-boy-gets-Sword-of-Honour/articleshow/55915367.cms|title=Sword of Honour: Odisha boy gets Sword of Honour|last=Budhwar|first=Yeshika|date=11 December 2016|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826193032/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Odisha-boy-gets-Sword-of-Honour/articleshow/55915367.cms|archive-date=26 August 2019|url-status=live}} Notable recipients of the Sword of Honour include the first Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat (in 1978) and the Olympian and union minister Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (in 1990).

Over 61,000 GCs have graduated from IMA. IMA alumni have led and fought in every conflict in which the Indian Army has served. Numerous alumni have earned laurels, died in action and been honoured with gallantry awards. As of 2016, alumni from the academy were recipients of 7 Param Vir Chakras, 17 Ashoka Chakras, 84 Maha Vir Chakras and 257 Vir Chakras. Alumni were also recipients of 2 Sarvattam Yudh Seva Medals, 28 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 48 Kirti Chakras and 191 Shaurya Chakras.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=245–264 |ps=: Tallies are till 2007, the date the book was published.}}{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|title=Roll of Honour, Indian Military Academy|website=Indian Army|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017025621/https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=%2FNlOTv8KfhFSCmXOYr2bUA%3D%3D&ParentID=gqlEc+yAjGKbzoRlNhZpGA%3D%3D&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ%3D%3D|archive-date=17 October 2019|access-date=2019-10-17}} Battle casualties{{Efn|Battle casualty is the official term used by the Government of India for a soldier killed in action.|name=battle|group=}} from the academy total 817 alumni.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-term-like-martyr-or-shaheed-in-our-lexicon-defence-home-ministries/articleshow/62084997.cms|title=Ministry of Defence: No term like 'martyr' or 'shaheed' in our lexicon: Defence, home ministries|date=15 December 2019|website=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330021257/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-term-like-martyr-or-shaheed-in-our-lexicon-defence-home-ministries/articleshow/62084997.cms|archive-date=30 March 2019|access-date=2019-10-24|ref=battle}}

File:Sam Manekshaw 2008 stamp of India.jpg|Sam Manekshaw

File:Somnath Sharma 2003 stamp of India.jpg|Somnath Sharma

File:Captain Salaria statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi.jpg|Gurbachan Singh Salaria

File:Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi.jpg|Arun Khetarpal

File:Captain Vikram Batra statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi.jpg|Vikram Batra

File:Capt K C Nongrum (MVC).jpg|Keishing Clifford Nongrum

File:Yahya Khan (cropped version).jpg|Yahya Khan

File:General Musa, Circa 1935 in a British Uniform.jpg|Musa Khan

File:Sahabzada Yaqub Khan.jpg|Sahabzada Yaqub Khan

File:General Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq.jpg|Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq

File:Aslam Khan (Pakistani brigadier).jpg|Aslam Khan

File:Air Marshal Asghar in Thailand (c. 1960).jpg|Asghar Khan

In 1941, during World War II, then 2nd Lieutenant Premindra Singh Bhagat was awarded the Victoria Cross.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=242|ps=: Appendix H, Winners of Pre-Independence (1947) Gallantry Awards}} Captain Mateen Ahmed Ansari and Captain Sartaj Singh were awarded the George Cross and George Medal respectively.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=244|ps=: Appendix H, Winners of Pre-Independence (1947) Gallantry Awards}} Siri Kanth Korla was awarded both the Distinguished Service Order (as Captain) and the Military Cross (as Major), while Sarbjit Singh Kalha (as Major) was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.{{Cite web |title=Korla, Siri Kanth - TracesOfWar.com |url=https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/65953/Korla-Siri-Kanth.htm |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=www.tracesofwar.com}}{{Cite book |last=Marston |first=Daniel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XFHeEAAAQBAJ&dq=sarbjit+singh+kalha&pg=PA229 |title=Phoenix from the Ashes: The Indian Army in the Burma Campaign |date=2003 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA |isbn=978-0-313-09381-4 |language=en}} In total, 73 Military Crosses were awarded to IMA alumni during that war and over 200 alumni were killed in action.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=242-244|ps=: Appendix H, Winners of Pre-Independence (1947) Gallantry Awards}} Lt. Gen. Kashmir Singh Katoch, MC, a Padma Bhushan recipient and the military advisor to Hari Singh, the erstwhile ruler of the princely state of Kashmir, completed his military training from IMA in 1936.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HESVAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA30|title=NOTHING BUT!: Book Three: What Price Freedom|author=Brigadier Samir Bhattacharya|date=19 December 2013|publisher=Partridge Publishing|isbn=978-1-4828-1625-9|pages=30}}

Alumni who have been honoured with the Param Vir Chakra include Major Somnath Sharma (posthumous), Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria (posthumous), Lieutenant Colonel Hoshiar Singh, 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (posthumous), Captain Vikram Batra (posthumous), and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (posthumous).{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=207}} Lt. Triveni Singh was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra Award.{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=210|loc=para 4}}

During the Kargil War of 1999, the Maha Vir Chakra was awarded posthumously to Academy alumni Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, Major Vivek Gupta, Captain Anuj Nayyar, Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse. Lieutenant Balwan Singh,{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=248}}

Sam Manekshaw, an alumnus of IMA, was the first Indian to become a Field Marshal. Other graduates of IMA include the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and a number of past COASs including General Bipin Rawat,{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/lt-gen-bipin-rawat-takes-over-as-new-army-commander/|title=Lt Gen Bipin Rawat takes over as new Army Commander|date=2 January 2016|website=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324025728/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/lt-gen-bipin-rawat-takes-over-as-new-army-commander/|archive-date=24 March 2019|access-date=2019-10-17|url-status=live}} General Vijay Kumar Singh,{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100124/main6.htm|title=Bapoda village basks in Gen VK Singh's glory|last=Mohan|first=Raman|date=24 January 2010|access-date=2010-04-03|work=The Tribune|location=Chandigarh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720095140/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100124/main6.htm|archive-date=20 July 2019|url-status=live}} General Bikram Singh,{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/know-your-new-army-chief-general-bikram-singh-485869|title=Know your new army chief, General Bikram Singh|date=31 May 2012|website=NDTV|others=Sainik Samachar|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017105848/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/know-your-new-army-chief-general-bikram-singh-485869|archive-date=17 October 2019|access-date=2019-10-17}} General Deepak Kapoor{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|title=Chief of the Army Staff – General Deepak Kapoor|website=Indian Army|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626223336/https://indianarmy.nic.in/|archive-date=26 June 2017|access-date=2019-10-17|url-status=live}} and General Sunith Francis Rodrigues.{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|title=Chief of the Army Staff – General Sunith Francis Rodrigues|website=Indian Army|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626223336/https://indianarmy.nic.in/|archive-date=26 June 2017|access-date=2019-10-17|url-status=live}} A number of Vice Chief of Army Staff are also alumni of IMA such as Lt. Gen. Philip Campose{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=96930|title=Lieutenant General Philip Campose Takes Over as Army Commander Western Command|date=1 July 2013|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101125312/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=96930|archive-date=1 November 2019|access-date=2019-11-01}} and Lt. Gen. Sarath Chand.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lt-general-sarath-chand-appointed-new-vice-chief-of-army-staff/|title=Lt General Sarath Chand appointed new Vice Chief of Army Staff|last=PTI|date=12 January 2017|website=The Indian Express|access-date=2019-11-01}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.uniindia.com/lt-gen-manoj-mukund-naravane-takes-over-gen-officer-commanding-in-chief-of-artrac/states/news/1063937.html|title=Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane takes over as Gen officer Commanding-in-Chief of ARTRAC|date=1 December 2017|work=UNI|access-date=1 November 2019}} Lt. Gen. Zoravar Chand Bakshi (PVSM, MVC, VrC, VSM), an alumnus of IMA, was "India's most decorated General".{{Sfn|Singh|2005|p=329|ps=: Chapter 10}} Lt. Gen. Harbakhsh Singh, a 1933 batch GC of IMA, also a Japanese POW for three years, was the Western Army Commander during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/1999/nov/16josy.htm|title=Lt General Harbaksh Singh: An officer and a gentleman|last=Josy Joseph|date=November 1999|website=Rediff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806033614/https://www.rediff.com/news/1999/nov/16josy.htm|archive-date=6 August 2018|access-date=2019-10-31}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ERSuAAAAQBAJ&q=indian+military+academy|title=In the Line of Duty: A Soldier Remembers|last=Singh|first=Lt Gen Harbakhsh| year=2000 |publisher=Lancer Publishers LLC|isbn=9781935501787|language=en}} Numerous GOC-in-C have passed out from IMA such as Lt. Gen. Alok Singh Kler, the current GOC-in-C of the South Western Command (Sapta Shakti Command).{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/kler-is-new-chief-of-sapta-shakti-command/articleshow/70940397.cms|title=Kler is new chief of Sapta Shakti Command|date=2 September 2019|website=The Times of India|access-date=2020-02-26}}

The academy has produced Olympians such as Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, a 1990 Sword of Honour recipient,[https://web.archive.org/web/20181009052813/https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/images/ima_images/Sword-of-Honour.pdf List of Sword of Honour Recipients]. Indian Army. Archived from the [https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/images/ima_images/Sword-of-Honour.pdf original] on 9 October 2018. Retrieved on 17 October 2019. who won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and went on to become the sports minister;{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/people/lok-sabha-elections-2019-after-successful-debut-mp-rajyavardhan-rathore-seeks-second-innings/story-ToFhXxRyAbaP37nLa9PxnJ.html|title=Lok Sabha elections 2019: After successful debut, MP Rajyavardhan Rathore seeks second innings|date=2019-04-04|website=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920153146/https://www.hindustantimes.com/people/lok-sabha-elections-2019-after-successful-debut-mp-rajyavardhan-rathore-seeks-second-innings/story-ToFhXxRyAbaP37nLa9PxnJ.html|archive-date=20 September 2019|access-date=2019-09-20|url-status=live}} Colonel Balbir Singh Kular scored three goals in hockey during the 1968 Olympics and was captain of the Indian team in the 1971 World Cup; Lt. Col. Haripal Kaushik and Lt. Col. Ali Iqtidar Shah Dara were also hockey players who won gold medals in the Olympics. IMA alumni who have received India's highest award for sports, the Arjuna Award, include Major General Mohammed Amin Naik for his achievements in rowing and Brigadier Raj Manchanda for his achievements in squash among others.{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|title=Sports and Achievements|website=Indian Army|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925022828/https://indianarmy.nic.in/explore-army/sports-achievements|archive-date=25 September 2019|access-date=2019-09-25}} Lt. Col. Satyendra Verma carried out the first base jump in the country.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=INyRDwAAQBAJ&q=lt+col+satyendra+verma+indian+military+academy&pg=PT181|title=Reignited 2: Emerging Technologies of Tomorrow|last=Singh|first=Srijan Pal|date=2019-04-25|publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited|isbn=9789353054953|language=en}} Major D. P. Singh is India's first blade runner.{{Cite web|url=https://www.readersdigest.co.in/features/story-extraordinary-indians-major-d.-p.-singh-indias-first-blade-runner-125230|title=Extraordinary Indians{{!}} Major D. P. Singh: India's First Blade Runner|date=24 January 2020|website=Reader's Digest|access-date=2020-03-03}} Many alumni have conquered peaks such as Mount Everest.

• Air Marshal Asghar Khan – 1st native Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Air Force{{cite book|title=My Political Struggle|year=2008|first=Asghar|last=Khan|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=3}}
• General M. A. G. Osmani – Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Mukti Bahini{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Rajib Kanti |date=31 August 2018 |title=Lest We Forget, The Legacy Of MAG Osmani |agency=Daily Sun |location=Dhaka |url=https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/332664/2018/08/31/Lest-We-Forget-The-Legacy-Of-MAG-Osmani |access-date=26 October 2019}}
• Lt. General Khwaja Wasiuddin – General in Pakistan Army and Bangladesh Army, member of Nawab of Dhaka family{{cite web |last1= |first1= |title=Wasiuddin, Lt General Khwaja |url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Wasiuddin,_Lt_General_Khwaja |access-date=21 July 2021 |website=Banglapedia}}
• General Yahya Khan – 5th Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Army and third President of Pakistan{{Cite web |date=26 October 2013 |title=General Yahya Khan | Former Army Chief of Pakistan enforcing Martial Law in 1969 |url=http://storyofpakistan.com/yahya-khan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708140046/https://storyofpakistan.com/yahya-khan |archive-date=8 July 2019 |access-date=2 October 2019 |website=Story of Pakistan}}
• General Tikka Khan – 1st Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan)
• General Gul Hassan Khan – 6th Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Army{{cite book|last1=Bhattacharya|first1=Brigadier Samir|title=NOTHING BUT!|publisher=Partridge Publishing|isbn=9781482814767|pages=488–489|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZTlcAgAAQBAJ&q=gul+hassan+khan+born&pg=PA488|language=en|date=12 November 2013}}
• General Zia-ul-Haq – 2nd Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan) and sixth President of Pakistan{{Cite web |title=Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/muhammad-zia-ul-haq-chaudhry-din |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}
• Lt. General. Sahabzada Yaqub Khan – Pakistan Ambassador to the United States and later the Foreign Minister{{cite news |last1=Bangash |first1=Yaqood Khan |date=27 January 2016 |title=Pakistan's prince soldier, diplomat, statesman |work=Express Tribune |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1035216/pakistans-prince-soldier-diplomat-statesman/ |url-status=live |access-date=6 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601001628/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1035216/pakistans-prince-soldier-diplomat-statesman/ |archive-date=1 June 2016}}
• Brigadier Aslam Khan – Captured Kennedy Peak (Myanmar) in World War II{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=psTeAAAAMAAJ&q=%22aslam%22|title=History of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, 1820-1956: The State Force Background|year=1990|first= K. Brahma|last=Singh|publisher=Lancer International |isbn=978-81-7062-091-4 }} and served as Chief of War Plans CENTO{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4gELAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Aslam%20Khan%22|title=Cahiers de l'Orient contemporain|volume=16|year=1959|publisher=G.P. Maisonneuve }}
• General Musa Khan – 4th Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Army{{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=225|loc=Appendix C, "A" Cadets}}
• Lt. General Habibullah Khan Khattak – 6th Chief of General Staff (Pakistan){{Sfn|Singh|2007|p=224|loc=Appendix C, "O" Cadets}}
• Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar – Recipient of Nishan-i-Haider, Pakistan Army[https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/07/27/capt-sarwar-shaheed-pakistans-first-ever-nishan-e-haider-recipient-remembered/ Captain Sarwar Shaheed, Pakistan's first ever Nishan-e-Haider award recipient remembered] Pakistan Today (newspaper), Published 27 July 2016, Retrieved 4 November 2018
• Major Tufail Mohammad – Recipient of Nishan-i-Haider, Pakistan Army{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IVtnAAAAMAAJ&q=+Hoshiarpur |title=Globe: Major Tufail Mohammad |date=2000 |publisher=A. Mahmood |language=en |accessdate=6 March 2019}}
• Maj. General Smith Dun – Chief of Army Staff Myanmar Army, Sword of Honour IMA

Some of IMA's International alumni include:

• General Ibrahim Ismail – Chief of Staff of the Malaysian Armed Forces{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/special-forces-obituaries/8284728/Tun-Ibrahim-Ismail.html|title=Tun Ibrahim Ismail|last=|date=26 January 2011|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=20 April 2013|location=London|issn=0307-1235|oclc=49632006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814043915/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/special-forces-obituaries/8284728/Tun-Ibrahim-Ismail.html|archive-date=14 August 2014|url-status=live}}
• General Ibrahim Babangida – former military president of Nigeria{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n_YwDwAAQBAJ|title=Ibrahim Babangida|last1=Agbese|first1=Dan|date=2012|publisher=Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd|isbn=9781912234349|pages=47–48}}
• Captain Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim – Crown prince of Johor state, Malaysia{{Efn|Captain Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's father, Ibrahim Ismail of Johor, and grandfather, Iskandar of Johor, had also trained at IMA.|name=|group=}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930192158/http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=190803 Johor Ruler's Grandson Appointed Raja Muda]. Bernama. 8 April 2006.
• Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai – an Afghan Taliban politician{{cite news |last1=Ahuja |first1=Rajesh |title='IMA Talib' a key figure in Doha talks with US |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/ima-talib-a-key-figure-in-doha-talks-with-us/story-wLHOiZIXya8jEjnyAvgJpJ.html |access-date=25 October 2019 |agency=Hindustan Times |date=28 June 2013}}{{cite news |last1=Swami |first1=Praveen |title=Ashraf Ghani slams Pakistan for waging 'undeclared war' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia/ashraf-ghani-slams-pakistan-for-waging-undeclared-war/ |access-date=25 October 2019 |agency=The Indian Express |date=2 June 2015}}
• Sultan Sallehuddin — Sultan of Kedah State, Malaysia

In 2019, foreign cadets taking part in the spring term passing out parade numbered 77 with Afghanistan having the most foreign gentleman cadets graduating, 45 in total.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/foreign-gcs-applaud-training-standards-of-ima.html|title=Foreign GCs applaud training standards of IMA|date=9 June 2019|website=The Pioneer|access-date=2019-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806061307/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/foreign-gcs-applaud-training-standards-of-ima.html|archive-date=6 August 2019|url-status=live}} In the POP on 10 December 2005, Penjor Gyeltshen, an officer from the Royal Bhutan Army, became the first foreigner since India's independence to win the Sword of Honour (presented to the best cadet).June 2006. [https://eoi.gov.in/kabul/?pdf0285?000 IMA trains growing number of young foreign army officers]. India Review. Retrieved on 25 September 2019. In 1972, Prince Tu'ipelehake was the first Tongan to attend IMA.High Commission of India (August 2017). [https://mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India_Tonga_Aug_2017.pdf India –Tonga Bilateral Relations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009074003/http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India_Tonga_Aug_2017.pdf |date=9 October 2018 }}. Government of India. Retrieved on 25 September 2019.

File:IMA Postage Stamp.jpg postal stamp of the Indian Military Academy. Visible is the Chetwode Building, built in 1930 and designed by Robert Tor Russell.|alt=|250x250px]]

The 2004 Bollywood film Lakshya is partly shot in IMA as well as the Tamil film Vaaranam Aayiram. In 2015 Tanushree Podder penned a novel called On The Double: Drills, Drama, and Dare-Devilry at the Indian Military Academy, a fictional portrayal of a gentleman cadet's life.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/when-the-bugle-calls-on-tanushree-podderson-the-double/article7883818.ece|title=When the bugle calls|last=Alexander|first=Deepa|date=2015-11-16|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-08-31|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} Making of a Warrior, a documentary by Dipti Bhalla and Kunal Verma, provides an inside look at IMA's culture, traditions and training regime.{{cite web |title=Watch Official Indian Military Academy Documentary |url=https://www.ssbcrack.com/2015/06/watch-official-indian-military-academy-documentary.html |website=SSB Crack |date=24 June 2015 |access-date=22 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022110930/https://www.ssbcrack.com/2015/06/watch-official-indian-military-academy-documentary.html |archive-date=22 October 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Making of a Warrior – IMA, Dehradun (Dipti Bhalla & Shiv Kunal Verma) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvtnjbWyRSU |website=YouTube | date=23 September 2016 |access-date=22 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510012953/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvtnjbWyRSU |archive-date=10 May 2019 |url-status=live }}

The 2023 Indian biopic film Sam Bahadur also featured IMA.

• Air Force Academy, Dundigal Hyderabad
• Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
• Indian National Defence University
• Military academies in India
• Officers Training Academy, Chennai
• National Defence College, New Delhi
• Sainik School

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{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=13zeKysRC2AC|title=History of the Indian Military Academy|last=Singh|first=Brigadier M. P.|publisher=Unistar Books|year=2007|isbn=9788189899561|location=Ludhiana}}
• {{citation|first1=Vijay Kumar|last1=Singh|title=Leadership in the Indian Army: Biographies of Twelve Soldiers|author-link = V. K. Singh|year=2005|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cJDsk_g6tXUC&q=9780761933229&pg=PA193|isbn=978-0-7619-3322-9|publisher=SAGE Publications}}
• {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KHAWlzQdxxcC&q=indian+military+academy&pg=PA135|title=Nationalisation of the Indian Army, 1885–1947|last=Sharma|first=Gautam|publisher=Allied Publishers Limited|year=1996|isbn=8170235553|location=New Delhi}}
• {{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SoG0yYBlvf8C&q=indian+military+academy&pg=PA9|title=A Soldier's Life in War and Peace|last=Naravane|first=Maj Gen. A. S.|publisher=A. P. H. Publishing Corporation|year=2004|isbn=8176484377|location=New Delhi|chapter=Chapter 3 – Life at the Indian Military Academy}}

{{refend}}

• {{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3WYZAAAAIAAJ |title = Valour and Wisdom: Genesis and Growth of the Indian Military Academy |last = Sinha |first = B. P. N. |publisher = Oxford & IBH Publishing Company |year = 1992 |isbn = 9788120406780 |location =University of California }}
• {{cite book |title = Service Before Self: A Tribute to the Indian Military Academy |last = Wright |first = Charles |publisher = Raby Books|year = 2002 |isbn = 9781844100064 }}
• {{cite book |title = Myths and Realities of Security & Public Affairs |last = Singh |first = Arvindar |publisher = Ocean Book Pvt. Ltd.|year = 2011 |isbn = 9788184301120 |location = New Delhi |pages = 26–31 }}
• {{Cite book|last=Dutta|first=Vipul|title=Culture, Conflict and the Military in Colonial South Asia|publisher=Routledge India|year=2017|isbn=9781315099910|editor-last=Roy|editor-first=Kaushik|pages=Chapter 10|chapter=War and Indian military institutions: The emergence of the Indian Military Academy|editor-last2=Rand|editor-first2=Gavin|doi=10.4324/9781315099910}}

{{commons category|Indian Military Academy}}

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{{Indian military academies and colleges}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Indian Military Academy}}

Category:Military academies

Category:Military education and training in India

Category:Military academies of India

Category:Education in Dehradun

Category:Educational institutions established in 1932

Category:1932 establishments in India