The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune celebrated a momentous occasion on July 10, 2026, by commissioning 141 medical graduates into the Armed Forces Medical Services during the ceremonial passing-out parade of its 60th batch. Held at the Capt Devashish Sharma, Kirti Chakra Parade Ground, the event showcased exceptional precision, military discipline, and a profound sense of pride as the cadets stepped into their new roles as Medical Officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
These newly commissioned officers will serve across the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, providing vital medical care to personnel in challenging operational environments. Among the graduates, 112 have joined the Indian Army, 12 the Indian Navy, and 17 the Indian Air Force, marking the culmination of years of rigorous medical education and military training at one of India’s esteemed medical institutions.
The ceremony was presided over by Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, who reviewed the parade as the Chief Guest. She expressed her admiration for the graduates, recognizing their transition from medical cadets to military doctors and the significance of their roles in delivering high-quality healthcare during military operations and emergencies. In her address, she emphasized the importance of professional competence, ethical practice, and a commitment to serve under various conditions, urging the officers to uphold the highest standards of military medicine.
Lt Nikhil Kumar Jha commanded the parade, leading his fellow cadets with precision and confidence. The event exuded a sense of honor as the officers marched past the Saluting Dais, witnessed by proud parents, faculty members, military personnel, and invited guests. The ceremony not only highlighted the individual accomplishments of the graduates but also celebrated the support and sacrifices made by their families throughout their challenging journey at AFMC.
Following the parade, the AFMC recognized outstanding students during the Academic Awards Presentation Ceremony. Flg Offr Ananya Phadke was awarded the prestigious President’s Gold Medal for her exceptional all-round performance, also receiving the Kalinga Trophy for her achievements during training. Other medals and prizes were awarded to students excelling in various fields, reflecting AFMC’s commitment to producing well-rounded military medical professionals who are equipped to serve beyond traditional medical practices.
The newly commissioned officers will now be stationed in diverse military hospitals and units across India, tasked with responsibilities that extend beyond routine medical care to involve emergency response, trauma management, preventive medicine, aviation and maritime medicine, and healthcare support during natural disasters and humanitarian missions. Their training has equipped them to operate effectively in challenging conditions where immediate medical decisions are crucial.
AFMC has historically been the cornerstone of military medical education in India, producing generations of doctors who have excelled across numerous military and humanitarian missions. The institution’s curriculum emphasizes the combination of world-class medical training with military discipline, leadership, and a service-oriented mindset, preparing graduates not only for hospital environments but also for the unique medical challenges faced by military personnel.
The commissioning of this 60th batch underscores AFMC’s tradition of fostering competent and compassionate medical officers dedicated to serving the nation. As these 141 new Medical Officers begin their careers, they carry forward a legacy of honor and dedication, ready to safeguard the health and operational readiness of India’s military personnel while often serving far from home under challenging circumstances. With the knowledge acquired at AFMC and the unwavering support of their families and mentors, these young officers are set to embark on a distinguished journey of healing and service to the nation.
