Pune: AFMC Commissions 141 Medical Graduates into the Armed Forces Medical Services
Wanowrie, 10th July 2026: In a splendid display of military bearing, professional excellence and service before self, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, conducted the Commissioning Ceremony of its 60th Batch of medical graduates at the Capt Devashish Sharma, Kirti Chakra Parade Ground on 10 July 2026.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduating medical cadets as they were commissioned as Medical Officers into the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), embarking on a distinguished career dedicated to safeguarding the health of India’s soldiers, sailors and air warriors. The occasion also celebrated the unwavering support, sacrifices and encouragement of the parents and families of the graduating cadets, whose constant guidance and steadfast belief played a vital role in shaping them into officers of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The ceremony was reviewed by Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The DGAFMS reviewed the impressive Commissioning Parade and congratulated the newly commissioned officers on joining one of the most respected military medical organizations in the world.
The parade, characterized by immaculate turnout, precision drill and military discipline, was commanded by Lt Nikhil Kumar Jha, who led the graduating batch with distinction. The newly commissioned officers, dressed in the uniforms of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, marched past the Saluting Dais amidst an atmosphere of pride, honour and tradition.
According to Lt Gen Pankaj P Rao, Director and Commandant, Armed Forces Medical College, 141 medical graduates were commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services, with 112 joining the Indian Army, 12 joining the Indian Navy and 17 joining the Indian Air Force.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin emphasized the importance of professional competence, ethical medical practice, compassion and unwavering commitment to duty. She urged the young officers to uphold the highest standards of military medicine and continue the proud legacy of AFMC and the Armed Forces Medical Services while serving the nation in peace, conflict, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The Commissioning Ceremony was followed by the Academic Awards Presentation Ceremony, wherein outstanding students were recognized for their exceptional achievements in academics, leadership, sports and extracurricular activities. The prestigious President’s Gold Medal, awarded to the best all-round outgoing medical graduate, and the coveted Kalinga Trophy were awarded to Flg Offr Ananya Phadke. Several other medals, trophies and prizes were also presented to meritorious students.
Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, has remained the cornerstone of military medical education in India, shaping generations of medical officers who have served with distinction across the full spectrum of military operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, public health crises and peacekeeping endeavours.
Renowned for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, professional competence and military ethos, AFMC continues to produce leaders in military medicine who embody the highest standards of service before self. As the newly commissioned officers of the 2026 batch join the Armed Forces Medical Services, they inherit a proud legacy of honour and excellence and stand ready to uphold the finest traditions of the Indian Armed Forces in service of the Nation.
