350 officers commissioned into Indian Army

CHENNAI: A batch of 350 cadets, including 70 women, were today commissioned into the Army on successful completion of short service commission training at the Officer's Training Academy (OTA) here today.

Twenty cadets from Afghanistan also took part in ceremonial passing out parade at the end of their over 49-week long training. Personnel from India's friendly countries are trained at the OTA.

Lt Gen Ashok Singh of the Southern Command reviewed the impressive parade at the academy and awarded the coveted 'Chief of Army Staff' banner to Basantar Company.

Cadet Senior Under Officer Kuldeep Singh Baduriya received the 'Sword of Honour' for standing first in overall order of merit.

The cadets were pipped by their parents as officers near Parameshwaran parade ground, where they took oath and later threw their caps on air, marking the end of their training.

All the officers would also be awarded an additional qualification of PG diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies by the University of Madras.

OTA Commandant Lt Gen SS Jog was among those present during the parade.