SEE PICTURES | Passing Out parade of 255 cadets marked at Officers Training Academy in Chennai

The Passing Out Parade of the Officers Training Academy, a unique bi-annual event, was held at Chennai on Saturday.

A total of 255 Officer Cadets including 196 Gentleman Cadets, 37 Lady Cadets were commissioned as Officers of the Indian Army along with 2 Gentleman Cadets and 3 Lady Cadets from Bhutan, 9 Gentleman Cadets from Afghanistan and 8 Gentleman Cadets from Taji 

The Officer Cadets marched out from Parameshwaran Drill Square to the tune of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, taking the ‘Final Step,’ thus symbolising the end of their training, which in fact, is the ‘First Step’ towards their bright careers. (EPS | Martin Louis)

Lieutenant General dewan Rabindranath Soni presented 'Sword of Honour to ACA Preeti Choudhary during Passing Out Parade at OTA. (EPS | Martin Louis)

Newly commissioned officers in a jubilant mood after a Passing out parade at Officers Training Academy in Chennai on Saturday. (EPS | Martin Louis)

Later in the ‘Pipping Ceremony’, parents of the Officer Cadets put on rank badges on the Cadets’ uniforms. (EPS | Martin Louis)

Among the spectators were the proud parents of the Officer Cadets, dignitaries, relatives of our fallen war heroes, and members of the diplomatic fraternity. | PTI

A cadet in tears as she celebrates after a passing-out parade at Officers Training Academy OTA in Chennai. | PTI

Cadets lift a colleague as they celebrate after a passing-out parade at Officers Training Academy OTA. | PTI

Cadets celebrate after a passing-out parade at Officers Training Academy OTA in Chennai. | PTI

The newly Commissioned Officers are now all set to join their new assignments in Battalions and Regiments across the country. (EPS | Martin Louis)