The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of the 216 Course of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad on 13 December 2025. The parade marked the successful culmination of the pre-commissioning training of Flight Cadets of the Flying and Ground duty branches of the IAF. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), was the Reviewing Officer and conferred the President's Commission on the graduating Flight Cadets. A total of 244 Flight Cadets, comprising 215 male and 29 female cadets, were commissioned as Flying Officers on this day. In addition, six officers from the Indian Navy, eight officers from the Indian Coast Guard and two trainees from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were awarded the 'Wings' on successful completion of their flying training, reflecting the international dimension of training at the Academy. Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal was awarded the 'President's Plaque' and the 'Nawanagar Sword of Honour' for standing first in the overall order of merit in the Pilot Course. Flying Officer Saksham Dobriyal received the 'President's Plaque' in the Navigation stream and Flying Officer Nitesh Kumar in the Ground Duty branches. The CDS was received by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal PK Vohra, Commandant, AFA. The parade featured a synchronised flypast by Pilatus PC-7, Hawk, Kiran and Chetak aircraft, complemented by the Akash Ganga aerobatic display and the Air Warrior Drill Team performance. The event underlines the IAF's focus on professional development, joint training with sister services, and international cooperation.
IAF Combined Graduation Parade at Dundigal: 244 Cadets Commissioned; CDS General Anil Chauhan is Reviewing Officer
On 13 December 2025, the IAF Combined Graduation Parade at AFA Dundigal commissioned 244 cadets (215 male, 29 female) of 216 Course. CDS General Anil Chauhan was the Reviewing Officer. Indian Navy (6), Coast Guard (8) and Vietnam (2) trainees were also awarded Wings. Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal won the Sword of Honour and President's Plaque in the Pilot Course.
Key facts
- 216 Course of IAF concludes with CGP at AFA Dundigal, Hyderabad on 13 December 2025
- 244 Flight Cadets commissioned: 215 male and 29 female
- CDS General Anil Chauhan was the Reviewing Officer conferring Presidents Commission
- Six Indian Navy officers, eight Coast Guard officers and two Vietnam trainees awarded Wings
- Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal received Presidents Plaque and Nawanagar Sword of Honour
- Flypast featured Pilatus PC-7, Hawk, Kiran, Chetak aircraft and Akash Ganga display
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the significance of the Combined Graduation Parade held at Air Force Academy Dundigal on 13 December 2025, highlighting its role in professional development and international cooperation within the Indian Air Force.
Answer (50 words):
The parade commissioned 244 Flight Cadets, comprising 215 male and 29 female cadets, of 216 Course as Flying Officers. CDS General Anil Chauhan was Reviewing Officer. Six Navy officers, eight Coast Guard officers and two Vietnamese trainees received Wings. Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal won the Sword of Honour for Pilot Course.
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Who was the Reviewing Officer of the IAF Combined Graduation Parade held at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal on 13 December 2025?
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), was the Reviewing Officer of the 216 Course CGP at AFA Dundigal on 13 December 2025, conferring the Presidents Commission on the graduating Flight Cadets.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the IAF Combined Graduation Parade held?
The CGP was held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad on 13 December 2025, concluding the pre-commissioning training of the 216 Course.
Who was the Reviewing Officer of the parade?
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), was the Reviewing Officer and conferred the Presidents Commission on the graduating cadets.
How many cadets graduated and what diversity was represented?
244 Flight Cadets graduated, comprising 215 male and 29 female cadets. Additionally, six Indian Navy officers, eight Coast Guard officers and two trainees from Vietnam were awarded Wings.
Who won the Sword of Honour?
Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal was awarded the Nawanagar Sword of Honour and the Presidents Plaque for standing first in the Pilot Course.
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