Indian Military Academy / Chetwode Hall Dehradun (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Built by, Images & Location)

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"The borders wouldn't be what they are if it wasn't for the grit of the ones who protect it."

Such is the zeal as you enter the majestic and prestigious Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. One of the top-notch training institutes in the country, IMA is a true example of finesse beyond words.

Welcome to the land of the brave and one of the top tourist spots in Dehradun.

Indian Military Academy is situated on NH-72 in Dehradun, 7 kilometres from Dehradun Railway Station.

The Indian Military Academy (IMA) was founded in 1932 as a training facility for Indian Army officers. The government purchased the erstwhile Railway College of Dehradun to create the Indian Military Academy. The Chetwode Building is the IMA's stunning primary structure. When the IMA was founded, Chetwode served as India's Commander-in-Chief and inaugurated the new institution.

The institution is well known for turning forth courageous army leaders who have displayed courage in numerous battles. The IMA began with a group of 40 Cadets at first.

Brigadier L.P. Collins served as this academy's first commandant. Great soldiers from the first batch were the legendary Sam Manekshaw, Smith Dun, and Mohammad Musa, who all led the armies of India, Burma, and Pakistan, respectively.

About the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun

The IMA comprises a campus spread over a sprawling 1400 acres. The IMA has a full complement of amenities, including lecture halls, computer labs, a library with more than 100,000 books and magazines from around the world, a cafe, and an auditorium with a capacity for 2000 people.

The academy's attractions include an 18-hole golf course, a museum, a war memorial, and a shooting demonstration room.

The campus requires specific authorisation for visitors to enter. When its cadets graduate, the academy is open to the general public on Gentlemen Cadet day.

The academy has several national and international honours to its credit. From the Paramvir Chakra to the Mahavir Chakra, several academy personnel have received the highest government honours and hold a special place at the IMA. There is a distinct feeling of pride and energy every time you enter the gates of the top tourist destination in Dehradun.

History of Indian Military Academy, Chetwode, Dehradun

As part of British policy to Indianize the military services, the IMA was founded in 1932. The former Indian Railways Railway Staff College, along with its 206-acre campus and supporting facilities, was given to the Indian Military Academy.

On 1st October 1932, the first group of 40 Gentleman Cadets (GC), as IMA cadets are known, started their training under Brigadier l.P. Collins, who had been named the first commandant. Field Marshal Chetwode inaugurated the institute on 10th December 1932, after the first term, and the structure that houses the museum bears his name.

The first group of IMA included the illustrious Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and General Mussa of Pakistan.

The structure's Central, Eastern, and Western doorways are all present. Following the passing out parade, the Gentlemen Cadets exit through the western gate referred to as the final step. The GC happily completes this stage, which signifies his enlistment as an officer in the Army.

Image Gallery of Indian Military Academy / Chetwode Hall Dehradun

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Sports facilities at Indian Military Academy, Chetwode, Dehradun

The IMA's South Campus is home to amenities like the Hoshiar Singh Gymnasium, the Olympic-sized swimming pool in the Salaria Aquatic Centre, and the 3,000-seat Somnath Stadium.

The polo field along the Tons River is part of the North Campus.

Skydiving, paragliding, para-dropping, and battle training occur in Tons Valley, northwest of the university. Other amenities include a small arms shooting range, stables with a stud farm, and fencing from the contemporary pentathlon.

War Memorial at Indian Military Academy, Chetwode, Dehradun

The IMA War Memorial honours school alums who lost their lives in battle. A bronze statue depicts a gentleman cadet holding a sword and displaying arms at the centre of the memorial.

Field Marshal Manekshaw officially inaugurated the memorial on 17th November 1999, not long after the Kargil War was over. Some of the IMA commanders who fought and led in the war became well-known figures in India for their courage.

Two Param Vir Chakra and eight Maha Vir Chakra holders were among their numbers. Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz Parray's name was the 847th to be inscribed on the War Memorial in 2017.

The Organisation in Indian Military Academy, Chetwode, Dehradun

Cadets from the IMA are organised into a regiment with four training battalions, each with four companies. In 2013, there were sixteen businesses.

#Trivia: Companies are named based on the battles in which the Army has taken part, whereas battalions are named after Indian Army generals (except for the Siachen Battalion).

• Kohima Company, Naushera Company, and Poonch Company make up the Cariappa Battalion.
• Alamein Company, Meiktila Company, and Sangro Company comprise the Thimayya Battalion.
• Imphal Company, Zojila Company, and Jessore Company make up the Manekshaw Battalion.
• Sinhgarh Company, Keren Company, and Cassino Company makeup Bhagat Battalion.
• Former Army Cadet College: Siachen Battalion

Best time to visit Indian Military Academy, Chetwode, Dehradun

The best time to visit the Indian Military Academy, Chetwode, Dehradun, is from October to March. Visitors can see the Chetwode Combat Memorial Museum, which features a shooting range, an area with 18 holes of golf, and videos of war and other activities.

Additionally, exquisite historical artefacts and relics give you a glimpse of life in the Army. You can easily spend an hour or two regaling the campus and taking pride as you walk down the hall where the most legendary personnel have walked.

Timings and entry fee of Indian Military Academy, Chetwode

It is open every week from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There is no entrance fee. However, only authorised army personnel are allowed inside.

You must obtain a special authorization to enter this hall.

Except on GC Day, when the gentleman cadets graduate, it is not accessible to the general public.

How to Reach Indian Military Academy, Chetwode Hall, Dehradun?

The Indian Military Academy will always be on top recall and visit for everyone coming to Dehradun.

Dehradun is well-connected with several parts of India and has trains and flights coming in frequently.

The nearest airport to the Indian Military Academy is the Jolly Grant Airport. You can check the connectivity from major metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, etc. Pre-book your tickets to avoid last minute rise in prices.

The nearest railway station is the Dehradun Railway Station, a major stop for prominent trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Howrah Express from different parts of the country.

If you are a keen road traveller, you can either opt for a pleasant bus ride or enjoy a road trip by booking a cab from top car rental companies in Dehradun and travel with your loved ones exploring the scenic beauty all around. It will take around 5 to 6 hours to travel from Delhi/NCR. You can also explore Mussoorie, Haridwar, and Rishikesh when travelling to Dehradun as it forms the golden quadrilateral of Uttarakhand.

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The Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode, the Commander-in-Chief of India at the time the Indian Military Academy was founded, gave his name to the Chetwode Building, which houses the academy in Dehradun. If you're short on time, it's worth looking at the regal and imposing structure along Chakrata road.

The sprawling campus and the verdant escapades are a treat to tired eyes and a refresher for the soul. Book a Dehradun tour package with Dehradun Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA and enjoy a quick vacation with your loved ones in the top tourist destination of Uttarakhand, Dehradun. Please fill the Contact Us form to get in touch with us.

Location Map for Indian Military Academy / Chetwode Hall Dehradun