The passing-out parade of Short Service Commission Non-technical-74, Technical-17 and Women's Special Entry Scheme (Officer)-20 was held at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. OTA is the only defence institution in the country which imparts training to cadets for officers cadre in the Army for short service.

Lt Gen JBS Yadava, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Training & Co-ordination) reviewed the parade in which 236 cadets including 56 ladies took part. The parade was led by Academy Under Officer Ayon Chaudhuri.

The parade, watched by the parents of the cadets who came from different parts of the country, VIPs and foreign dignitaries, was a testimony to the cadets' excellent bearing, turn-out and high standard of drill.

The General presented the Sword of Honour for the best all-round cadet to Academy Under Officer Ayon Chaudhuri. OTA gold medals were presented to Academy Under Officer Ayon Chaudhury in the ‘Gentlemen’ category and to Senior Under Officer Harneet Reen in the ladies category. Meiktila Company bagged the Chief of the Army Staff Banner and also Commandant's Banner for best performance during the course.

In his address to the cadets, Lt Gen Yadava advised them to win the confidence of the soldiers that they would command, emulate their predecessors who sacrificed their lives for the honour of the country and also set a personal example for their followers by imbibing integrity and moral and physical courage. He asked them to remain up-dated in the art of warfare and politico-military developments and to use technology innovatively.

Soon after the parade, the parents and other loved ones affectionately 'piped' the young officers by affixing two stars for the rank of Lieutenant in each epaulette on their shoulders. The moment, marking the culmination of the cadets' arduous journey to become officers, was of overwhelming joy and fulfillment when the young officers wore their coveted ranks for the first time. OTA Commandant, Maj Gen Sudhir Mohan received the dignitaries. Foreign dignitaries, half of them defence attaches from missions of USA, China, UK, Germany, Bangladesh and Kenya also witnessed the parade.