Strategic Planning for Academy Infrastructure

A meticulously planned infrastructure is vital for accommodating the diverse needs of training programs for the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Schools (OTS), and Army Cadet College (ACC). The academy requires a robust structure to house administrative offices, state-of-the-art training facilities, classrooms, seminar halls, computer labs, physical training grounds, a library, hostels, guestrooms, canteens, toilet facilities, and modern gyms. This demands flawless organizational planning led by a dedicated and experienced team to ensure seamless operations and scalability.

Development at Rampur Village, Una City

Located at Rampur village near Chanderlok colony in Una city, Himachal Pradesh, the academy initiated civil construction to establish a permanent campus. By March 2015, the three-story main building was nearly complete, following the relocation of the academy’s temporary office from Malahat village in 2011. This modern facility now supports approximately 700 trainees, including young men and women preparing for careers in the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Schools (OTS), and Army Cadet College (ACC), as well as paramilitary and police services.

Expanding Training Facilities

The academy currently operates six classrooms and a general seminar hall, which are insufficient to accommodate the growing number of aspirants enrolling monthly. By June 2015, the completion of the third floor will add capacity for an additional 200 trainees, enhancing the academy’s ability to deliver preparatory courses for NDA, IMA, OTS, and ACC. The expanded infrastructure will include:

• Advanced Classrooms: Dedicated spaces for instructional courses tailored to National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA) entrance exams.
• Computer Labs: An independent computer section to provide uninterrupted tech education for trainees.
• Enhanced Gym Facilities: Relocating the existing gym to a larger space to support rigorous physical training programs essential for NDA, IMA, OTS, and ACC aspirants.
• Expanded Hostels: Additional hostel space to accommodate the growing number of trainees.

Emphasis on Physical Training

Physical training is a cornerstone of the academy’s curriculum, ensuring trainees are fit to meet the demanding standards of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Schools (OTS), and Army Cadet College (ACC). The campus utilizes surrounding grounds and roads for physical training activities, with ongoing efforts to collaborate with local authorities and the MLA to secure additional space. Future funding will enable qualitative enhancements to the physical training infrastructure, further supporting the academy’s mission to prepare candidates for defense, paramilitary, and police services.

Leadership and Achievements

Under the leadership of Col DP Vashist and Col Kuldip Singh, with guidance from Gen Bikram Singh, the academy’s Defence Services, Paramilitary Forces, and Police Wing has grown significantly. From just five trainees in 2002, the program now trains over 700 aspirants, with more than 1,900 alumni successfully joining the armed forces, paramilitary, and police services between 2002 and 2014. This success is driven by intensive training programs tailored for NDA, IMA, OTS, and ACC.

Introduction of the Civil Wing

In 2014, the academy established a Civil Wing under Th. Tek Chand HAS (Retd) to train candidates for civil employment opportunities. This department bridges the gap between academic qualifications and employability, offering programs for careers in government, public sector undertakings, banking, insurance, hospitality, aviation, and more. The Civil Wing complements the academy’s defense-focused training, ensuring holistic career preparation.

Future Growth and Sustainability

The academy’s strategic vision focuses on sustainable growth, with infrastructure development at its core. Investments in facilities for physical training, advanced classrooms, and specialized labs will ensure the academy continues to produce well-prepared candidates for the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Schools (OTS), and Army Cadet College (ACC), as well as other professional fields. This comprehensive approach positions the academy as a leading institution for career preparation in defense and civil sectors.