Officer shortage: NDA raises cadet strength to 120

Currently,the NDA trains about 1,800 cadets in six courses. Over 300 officers pass out from the NDA every six months. The additional squadron is expected to increase the number of pass-outs to 35 officers per six months. Currently we have 15 squadrons,which means three battalions have four squadrons,while the fourth one has only three. The additional squadron will thus be a part of the fourth battalion at the NDA, Soni said.

The additional intake is also expected to help foreign students take training at the NDA. Currently,we have 85 cadets from five countries. While countries like Afghanistan,Bhutan,Maldives,Tajikistan are regulars,a number of other nations are keen on getting their cadets trained here. The additional squadron will certainly create space for this category. On an average,we take 10 international cadets every six months and I am certain that the number would go up. We will be recruiting more faculty and officers to meet the academic requirements of the increased strength, Soni said.