INA to augment intake of cadets in Phase-II expansion plans

By Dr Anantha Krishnan M

| Published: Saturday, June 20, 2015, 11:25 [IST]

Ezhimala, June 20: The Indian Naval Academy (INA), one of the top-notch training wings of Indian Navy situated in Ezhimala (Kannur district, Kerala), is pacing ahead to augment its intake of cadets.

In an interview to OneIndia during the Passing out Parade held recently, Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, Commandant, INA, said that during the Phase-II expansion period, the intake of cadets will surpass the 1500-mark.

"We are right on track and are evolving as the most-sought-after wings of Indian armed forces. The INA cadets have over the years exhibited their intellectual brilliance in all spheres of life and work. We have entered into MoUs with India's top educational institutions, including the IITs and IIMs. The aims of these MoUs are now getting fructified," says Vice Admiral Ajit.

The INA has started conducting external academic audits every year as part of pushing the quality bar high.

"We have set our aim to become one of the best in the country. Once the Phase-II expansion plan is completed (2017), our cadet strength would in excess of 1500. And, when the Phase-III plans take shape, we will have around 2500 cadets, including those from friendly nations," he said.

He said INA would take the help of IITs while setting up future labs. "There's lots of emphasis on gen-next technologies already in the curriculum. We have ensured that our cadets get maximum exposure to the best learning, training and teaching facilities in the country," says Vice Admiral Ajit, who has been playing an inspiring role in shaping INA's future.

As reported by OneIndia earlier, in the Phase-III expansion plan of INA, the Ettikulam bay jetty is expected to get a face-lift with training ships of Indian Navy set to get anchored for the benefit of cadets.

"Yes. That's definitely in the future vision plan of the Academy," adds the Commandant.

(The writer is a seasoned aerospace and

defence journalist in India. He is the Consultant Editor (Defence) with OneIndia. He tweets @writetake.)