IMA, AFA, INA and OTA: Where Do NDA Cadets Go After Passing Out?
Every student who is preparing for NDA has one big question at the back of their mind.
What happens after I pass out from NDA?
You clear the written exam. You clear the SSB interview. You clear the medical. You do three years at NDA Khadakwasla in Pune. You march on the Passing Out Parade. And then? Where do you go?
This is the question we explain to our students at Alpha NDA Academy all the time. And when we tell them the answer, most of them feel even more excited about the journey ahead. Because what comes after NDA is just as impressive as NDA itself.
In this complete guide, we are going to explain exactly where NDA cadets go after passing out, what happens at each place, and what commission and rank they receive at the end.
We will also explain what OTA Chennai is, because a lot of students confuse it with the academies where NDA cadets go, and we want to clear that confusion for you once and for all.
Before we get into the details, just a quick reminder. If you are still in the early stages of your preparation, read our guide on the NDA Selection Process to understand how the entire journey from exam to NDA joining is structured.
First, Let Us Understand the Big Picture
When a cadet joins NDA at Khadakwasla, they choose their service wing before joining. That means they know from Day 1 whether they are going to the Army, the Navy, or the Air Force.
For three years at NDA, all cadets from all three wings train together. They study together. They do PT together. They compete against each other in sports and drill. This joint training is the defining feature of NDA and it builds bonds between Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets that last a lifetime.
But after three years at NDA, the paths separate.
Each wing goes to its own service academy for one more year of specialised pre-commission training. That final year at the service academy is what prepares cadets specifically for their chosen service before they are commissioned as officers.
Here is the simple breakdown:
Army wing cadets go to IMA Dehradun.
Navy wing cadets go to INA Ezhimala.
Air Force wing cadets go to AFA Dundigal.
After completing their service academy training, all three groups get commissioned as permanent officers in their respective services.
OTA Chennai is a completely separate path that we will also explain clearly later in this guide. NDA cadets do NOT go to OTA, but understanding OTA is still important for defence aspirants, so we have included it.
IMA Dehradun: Where Army Wing NDA Cadets Go
What Is IMA?
The Indian Military Academy is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It was established in 1932, making it one of the oldest and most respected military academies in India. The campus is spread over 1,400 acres and sits in the foothills of the Himalayas, making it one of the most beautiful military campuses in the country.
The motto of IMA is Veerta aur Vivek, which means Valour and Wisdom. This is the spirit with which every officer trains and passes out from IMA.
How Long Is the Training at IMA for NDA Cadets?
NDA cadets who go to IMA for Army wing training complete one year of specialised pre-commission training. This is different from cadets who join IMA through other routes like CDS, who complete 18 months of training at IMA.
The NDA cadets have already done three years of strong foundational training at Khadakwasla. So their IMA training is focused specifically on Army skills, tactics, weapon systems, field operations, and leadership at the unit level.
What Do Cadets Train on at IMA?
The training at IMA is intense and focused entirely on preparing an officer for the Indian Army. It covers field tactics and battle craft, weapon training, leadership exercises in challenging terrain, physical fitness to Army standards, and the traditions and values of the Indian Army.
Cadets at IMA are organised into battalions and companies, many of which are named after great battles of the Indian Army. This connection to history and tradition is something every IMA cadet feels very deeply.
What Rank Do They Get After IMA?
After successfully completing training at IMA Dehradun and marching on the Passing Out Parade, NDA cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army. This is a Permanent Commission, which means they serve as full-time Indian Army officers until retirement.
One important and historic fact about IMA: On 13 June 2026, for the very first time in the 94-year history of the Indian Military Academy, women officer cadets marched through the Antim Pag and were commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army. These eight women had joined NDA’s 148th Course in August 2022, completed three years at Khadakwasla, and then completed one year at IMA. This is a landmark moment in the history of the Indian Armed Forces.
The Antim Pag
You may have heard the phrase Antim Pag. It literally means the final step. At IMA Dehradun, the Antim Pag is a marked step on the edge of the parade ground, and when a cadet takes that final step while marching out after the Passing Out Parade, they officially cross from being a cadet to being an officer. It is one of the most emotional and powerful moments in the entire journey.
This is what every student who joins NDA coaching is working toward. That one final step that changes everything.
AFA Dundigal: Where Air Force Wing NDA Cadets Go
What Is AFA?
The Air Force Academy is located in Dundigal, about 43 kilometres from Hyderabad in Telangana. It was established in 1969 and has been training Indian Air Force officers since January 1971. AFA is the premier officer training institution of the Indian Air Force.
How Long Is the Training at AFA for NDA Cadets?
Air Force wing NDA cadets complete one year of specialised training at AFA Dundigal after passing out from NDA. This training focuses on their specific branch within the Air Force.
For flying branch cadets, the training at AFA covers Stage I flying training, which includes ground subjects on aircraft systems, aerodynamics, aviation medicine, and actual flying on training aircraft. After Stage I at AFA, cadets are divided into three streams: Fighter, Transport, and Helicopter. They then continue with Stage II training at their respective flying training establishments.
For Ground Duty (Non-Technical) cadets, the training is 52 weeks at AFA. For Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branch cadets, the training can be 74 weeks total including specialised phases.
What Makes AFA Special?
One of the most unique and exciting things about being an Air Force wing NDA cadet is that you get to learn to fly.
NDA cadets who are in the Air Force wing get exposure to glider flying even at NDA itself. And when they reach AFA, they begin actual powered aircraft flying. The journey from a school student in Class 12 to a pilot flying a training aircraft over the skies of Hyderabad is one of the most extraordinary things a young Indian can experience.
What Rank Do They Get After AFA?
After completing training at AFA Dundigal, cadets are commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force. This is a Permanent Commission. The rank of Flying Officer in the Air Force is equivalent to the rank of Lieutenant in the Indian Army.
INA Ezhimala: Where Navy Wing NDA Cadets Go
What Is INA?
The Indian Naval Academy is located at Ezhimala in Kannur district of Kerala. The Ezhimala campus was inaugurated on 8 January 2009 and is currently the largest naval academy in Asia. The campus covers 2,452 acres of land and 7,500 acres of sea area, which gives you a sense of how massive and unique this institution is.
The motto of INA is Vidhya Vinay Veerta, which means Knowledge, Humility, and Valour. These three values define everything that INA trains its cadets to embody.
The location of INA at Ezhimala is significant because Ezhimala is historically one of the oldest naval bases in India. Ancient maritime records connect this coastline to Indian naval heritage going back centuries. So when a cadet trains at INA, they train at a place with deep maritime roots.
How Long Is the Training at INA for NDA Cadets?
Navy wing NDA cadets complete one year of specialised training at INA Ezhimala after passing out from Khadakwasla. This one year is focused entirely on naval skills, maritime knowledge, and service-specific training.
What Do Cadets Train on at INA?
The training at INA is very different from Army and Air Force training because the Navy operates at sea. Cadets learn Navigation, Seamanship, ship handling, communication systems, and maritime warfare concepts. There is also watermanship training using the sea area around the campus.
Cadets get hands-on practical training in navigation through simulators, training ships, and coastal exercises. The combination of academic knowledge and sea-based practical exposure makes INA training truly unique among the four academies.
What Rank Do They Get After INA?
After completing training at INA Ezhimala, Navy wing NDA cadets are commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in the Indian Navy. This is a Permanent Commission. After approximately two years of service as Sub Lieutenant, officers rise to the rank of Lieutenant.
OTA Chennai: The Path That Is Different From NDA
Now let us talk about OTA because we get a lot of questions about it and there is a lot of confusion among students.
OTA stands for Officers Training Academy. It is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, near St. Thomas Mount. The campus is spread over 750 acres. OTA was established in 1963 and was initially called the Officers Training School before being renamed to Officers Training Academy in 1988.
Important Clarification: NDA Cadets Do NOT Go to OTA
OTA is NOT a place where NDA cadets go after passing out from Khadakwasla.
NDA cadets go to IMA, INA, or AFA as explained above.
OTA is a completely separate path for graduates who want to join the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission route. The main entry into OTA is through the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam conducted by UPSC. A graduate who clears the CDS exam and chooses OTA will join the academy for training.
What Is the Training Duration at OTA?
The training at OTA Chennai is 49 weeks, which is approximately 11 months. The training is divided into two terms and is rigorous by any standard. Cadets go through physical training, weapons handling, drill, tactics, and leadership development over these 49 weeks.
What Commission Do OTA Graduates Receive?
This is the key difference between OTA and IMA.
IMA gives a Permanent Commission. This means an officer can serve until retirement age.
OTA gives a Short Service Commission. This means an officer serves for an initial period of 10 years, with an option for a 4-year extension making it 14 years total. After completing SSC service, officers have the option to apply for conversion to Permanent Commission based on performance and availability of vacancies.
What Rank Do They Get?
After passing out from OTA Chennai, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army, the same starting rank as IMA.
Who Joins OTA?
OTA is for graduates, both men and women, who want to serve the Indian Army for a defined period. It is a popular choice for graduates who want to experience the discipline, leadership, and honour of military service while also keeping options open for a corporate career later.
OTA also has a special significance in Indian military history. The very first batch of women to be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army outside of the medical services trained at OTA in 1992. OTA has been gender inclusive since its very early years.
If you are interested in the CDS path which leads to OTA or IMA at the graduate level, we offer dedicated CDS Coaching at Alpha NDA Academy to help you prepare for that journey as well.
A Quick Comparison of All Four Academies
Let us put this together simply so every student can understand it at a glance.
IMA Dehradun Who goes here: Army wing NDA cadets and CDS/direct entry cadets Training duration for NDA cadets: 1 year Commission: Permanent Commission Rank at commissioning: Lieutenant
INA Ezhimala Who goes here: Navy wing NDA cadets and direct entry naval cadets Training duration for NDA cadets: 1 year Commission: Permanent Commission Rank at commissioning: Sub Lieutenant
AFA Dundigal Who goes here: Air Force wing NDA cadets and AFCAT/CDS air force cadets Training duration for NDA cadets: 1 year Commission: Permanent Commission Rank at commissioning: Flying Officer
OTA Chennai Who goes here: Graduate men and women through CDS exam and other SSC entries (NOT NDA cadets) Training duration: 49 weeks (approximately 11 months) Commission: Short Service Commission Rank at commissioning: Lieutenant
What Does Permanent Commission Mean for NDA Cadets?
Since all NDA cadets get Permanent Commission through IMA, INA, or AFA, it is important to understand what this means for their career.
A Permanent Commission means you serve in the Indian Armed Forces as a full career officer until retirement. The retirement age for most officers in the Indian Army is around 54 to 60 years depending on the rank they reach. For the Navy and Air Force, it varies similarly by rank and service requirements.
This is why the NDA route is considered the most prestigious path to becoming an officer. You join the forces young, you spend four years in the best training institutions in the country, and you begin your career as a commissioned officer with a Permanent Commission that stays with you through your entire service life.
The salary during training at the service academies is Rs 56,100 per month as stipend. Once commissioned, officers receive their full pay and allowances under Pay Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix, plus Military Service Pay and other allowances that make the package very attractive.
What Alpha NDA Academy Teaches Students About This Journey
At Alpha NDA Academy in Sikar, Rajasthan, we do not just prepare students for the NDA written exam. We prepare them for the full journey.
One of the first things we do when a new student joins us is sit with them and explain the complete path. From the NDA exam to SSB, from SSB to NDA Khadakwasla, from NDA to IMA or AFA or INA, and from there to their commission as an officer.
When a student understands the full road ahead, their preparation becomes more meaningful. They are not just studying Maths and GAT to clear an exam. They are working toward the moment they take the Antim Pag at IMA, or the moment they get their wings at AFA, or the moment they stand in white Navy uniform at INA Ezhimala.
That sense of purpose is what makes our students different. And it is why we have a 90 percent written selection rate across every batch at Alpha NDA Academy.
Our SSB training starts from Day 1. Our GTO ground is one of the best in India, right inside our campus. Our SSB panel includes experts from actual SSB Selection Boards. Our 14 plus hours of daily mentorship means students build the discipline and character that service academies demand.
Whether you are in Class 10th looking to start early, or in Class 12th preparing for your first NDA attempt, we have a batch designed for exactly where you are right now.
NDA Foundation After 10th (Arjuna Batch) for students who want to begin serious NDA preparation from Class 10 itself.
NDA With 12th Class (Bulls Eye Batch) for students managing board exams and NDA preparation simultaneously.
NDA After 12th (Spartans Batch) for students who have completed Class 12 and want focused one-year NDA coaching.
NDA Coaching for Girls for female aspirants with a dedicated batch, secure hostel, women mentors, and complete NDA and SSB preparation.
SSB Interview Guidance for students who want focused SSB training with mock sessions, GTO tasks, psychological tests, and personal interview preparation.
Helpful Related Blogs From Alpha NDA Academy
If you found this guide helpful, here are some other guides we have written that will give you even more clarity on your NDA journey.
To understand what the SSB interview actually involves before you reach the service academy stage, read our guide on the SSB Interview 5 Day Process Explained.
To understand what happens right after you clear the NDA written exam and before you join NDA Khadakwasla, read What Happens After NDA Written Exam.
To understand the GTO tasks that are tested in SSB and how to perform well in them, read our guide on SSB GTO Tasks Explained.
To start building the right habits from today that will carry you through NDA and the service academies, read 15 Good Habits Every NDA Aspirant Must Have.
To understand the NDA exam syllabus and what you need to prepare for the written stage, read NDA Exam Syllabus 2026.
The Most Important Thing to Remember
Every student reading this right now, whether you are in Class 10th, 11th, or 12th, is looking at the same journey.
NDA written exam. SSB interview. Three years at Khadakwasla. One year at IMA, INA, or AFA. And then a Permanent Commission as an officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
That journey does not happen by accident. It happens because someone started preparing with the right guidance, at the right time, with the right discipline.
At Alpha NDA Academy, we have seen students from small towns in Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and all across India come to us with a dream. And we have seen them build the foundation to make that dream real.
The IMA Passing Out Parade is real. The Antim Pag is real. The white navy uniform at INA is real. The wings at AFA are real.
All of it is waiting for the student who prepares with full commitment from today.
Contact Alpha NDA Academy WhatsApp: 7240040400 | Call: 7240040400
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do NDA cadets go after passing out from Khadakwasla?
– Army wing NDA cadets go to IMA Dehradun, Navy wing cadets go to INA Ezhimala in Kerala, and Air Force wing cadets go to AFA Dundigal near Hyderabad. Each service academy provides one year of specialised pre-commission training before cadets are commissioned as officers.
Do NDA cadets go to OTA Chennai?
– No. NDA cadets do not go to OTA Chennai. OTA is for graduates who join the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission route via the CDS exam. NDA cadets receive Permanent Commission through IMA, INA, or AFA.
What rank does an NDA cadet get after passing out from IMA?
– An NDA cadet who completes training at IMA Dehradun is commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army under Permanent Commission.
What rank does an NDA cadet get after AFA?
– An NDA cadet who completes training at AFA Dundigal is commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force under Permanent Commission.
What rank does an NDA cadet get after INA?
– An NDA cadet who completes training at INA Ezhimala is commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in the Indian Navy under Permanent Commission.
What is the difference between Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission?
– Permanent Commission means an officer serves until retirement age, which can be in the mid-50s to 60s depending on rank. Short Service Commission, given through OTA, is for an initial 10 years with an option for a 4-year extension. PC officers can reach very senior ranks including General, Admiral, or Air Marshal. SSC officers have the option to apply for Permanent Commission later based on vacancies and performance.
How long is the total NDA journey from Class 12 to commissioning?
– The total journey is approximately 4 years. Three years at NDA Khadakwasla followed by one year at the respective service academy. A student who joins NDA at age 17 or 18 will typically be commissioned as an officer at around age 21 or 22, making it the earliest officer commissioning route in India.
What is the Antim Pag at IMA?
– Antim Pag means the final step. It is a marked step on the edge of the parade ground at IMA Dehradun. When a cadet takes this step at the Passing Out Parade, they officially cross over from being a cadet to being a commissioned officer of the Indian Army. It is one of the most emotional moments in the entire NDA and IMA journey.
Can girls also go to IMA after NDA?
– Yes. Following a Supreme Court order in 2021, women are eligible for NDA. On 13 June 2026, the first regular batch of women NDA cadets passed out from IMA Dehradun and were commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army. This was a historic first in the 94-year history of IMA.
What is OTA and how is it different from IMA?
– OTA (Officers Training Academy) is in Chennai and trains graduates for Short Service Commission in the Indian Army. The training is 49 weeks. IMA (Indian Military Academy) is in Dehradun and trains NDA cadets and graduate CDS candidates for Permanent Commission. The training at IMA for direct entry is 18 months and for NDA cadets is 1 year. The starting rank at commissioning (Lieutenant) is the same for both, but the service length and career trajectory differ significantly.
