75th Anniversary of National Defense Academy

Genesis of a Premier Defence Institution

The National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Pune stands as a symbol of excellence in military training and leadership. Conceived in the aftermath of World War II, the Academy was envisioned to promote jointmanship by training officer cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force together, ensuring that India’s armed forces could operate as a unified, potent joint force.

From Vision to Reality

The idea of a joint services academy was initiated even before Independence, with a committee tasked to develop a training scheme for future military leaders. In 1946, the Indian Military Academy was restructured into the Armed Forces Academy, with two wings – the Military Wing and the Inter Services Wing.
The Inter Services Wing, later known as the Joint Services Wing (JSW), began functioning at Dehradun on 16 January 1949, with its first batch of 190 cadets.

The foundation stone of NDA was laid by Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 6 October 1949, and the Academy was formally inaugurated at Khadakwasla, Pune on 16 January 1955 by Shri Morarji Desai. The first Passing Out Parade at Khadakwasla was reviewed by Pandit Nehru on 5 June 1955, marking the Academy’s historic beginning.

The “Cradle of Leadership”

Guided by its motto “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service Before Self), the NDA has been shaping leaders for the nation for over seven decades. More than 38,000 cadets, including over 1,000 cadets from 32 friendly foreign countries, have been trained here, symbolizing both India’s defence strength and its commitment to global cooperation.

The NDA has produced:

• 2 Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS)
• Several Service Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force
• 3 Param Vir Chakra awardees
• 12 Ashok Chakra awardees
• Numerous gallantry medal winners, including 32 Maha Vir Chakras, 45 Kirti Chakras, 163 Vir Chakras, and 152 Shaurya Chakras

The Academy is proud of its alumni, many of whom have made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.

A Tradition of Excellence and Integration

Over the years, NDA has built its reputation as one of the first institutions worldwide to provide combined training to cadets of all three services. Its alumni have excelled not only in defence but also in science, technology, literature, sports, and public life, reflecting the Academy’s emphasis on holistic development.

The Academy’s role as a unifying symbol of jointmanship among the three services remains unparalleled.

Breaking New Ground: Inclusion of Women

The year 2022 marked a historic milestone as NDA welcomed its first batch of female cadets in the 148th course. Their exemplary performance has paved the way for young women across the country to pursue careers as future military leaders, further strengthening NDA’s global stature.

NDA at 75: Rededicating to the Nation

In January 2024, the National Defence Academy celebrates 75 years of glorious service to the nation, coinciding with the joining of the 151st Course. On this momentous occasion, the Academy reaffirms its commitment to upholding the highest traditions of training, discipline, and national service.

Commemorative Stamp: Honouring NDA’s Legacy

To mark this historic milestone, the Department of Posts proudly issues a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 75 Glorious Years of the National Defence Academy. This stamp pays tribute to NDA’s role as the foundation of India’s defence edifice and its unmatched contribution in shaping generations of leaders, warriors, and patriots.