Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehra Dun

Introduction

The Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, is one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions. It was inaugurated as the Prince of Wales’ Royal Indian Military College on 13 March 1922 by Edward, the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII of Great Britain.

The college was founded in response to demands from India’s emerging freedom movement for Indian officers to lead Indian troops.

Foundation and Purpose

The establishment of RIMC created opportunities for young Indian boys to become commissioned officers in India’s defence services. It became the first public school in India modeled on the traditions of Eton and Harrow, with admission limited to carefully selected students.

A Cradle of Excellence

RIMC has retained its reputation as a cradle of excellence, leadership, and bravery. It has trained generations of students in discipline, academics, sports, and character building.

Role in Defence Services

The college serves as a feeder institution to:

• National Defence Academy (NDA)
• Indian Army academies
• Naval academies
• Air Force academies

Many of the country’s finest military leaders have studied at RIMC.

Distinguished Alumni

Though RIMC contributes only a small percentage of the annual officer intake, its alumni have held many top positions.

By 1997, former students had produced:

• Three Army Chiefs of India
• One Air Chief of India
• Two Air Chiefs of Pakistan
• One Army Chief of Pakistan

They also served as commanders, diplomats, and leading professionals.

Gallantry Award Winners

Two of the most celebrated military heroes were RIMC alumni:

• Second Lieutenant P. S. Bhagat – India’s first recipient of the Victoria Cross in World War II
• Major Somnath Sharma – Independent India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee during the 1947 Kashmir War

Sports and Adventure Excellence

RIMC has excelled in sports and outdoor adventure activities, including:

• National-level squash championships (Under-16)
• Strong performances in football
• Mountaineering
• White-water rafting
• Naval cruises
• Desert safaris
• Hot air ballooning
• Mountain cycling
• Parasailing

A notable achievement was the successful scaling of Mount Kedar Nath Dome (6830 m) by four cadets, setting a world record for the youngest climbers to reach that height.

Awards and Achievements

The college has produced three Arjuna Award winners, including participants in:

• Mount Everest expeditions
• Round-the-world sailing expedition on yacht Trishna
• National squash championships

Commemorative Stamp

To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of RIMC, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun.