The training for future officers at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) is divided into three terms. This ensures a gradual development of a gentleman cadet from a civilian to an effective platoon commander. In the first term, the stress is more on physical and military training and intellectual development. This aims at a high standard of physical fitness, military bearing, discipline and drill. In the second term, the emphasis is gradually shifted from physical training to service training which includes tactical training, weapon training, field engineering, radio telephony, map reading, intelligence and security, organisation and administration along with an integrated character and leadership training. In addition to the conventional training capsule, platoon battalion support weapons, mountain warfare, desert warfare, commando tactics, counter-insurgency, jungle warfare, internal security, fighting in built-up area and biological, chemical, nuclear warfare and protective measures are also covered in a similar sequence.

Being physically fit is the foremost requirement of all ranks in the Army. Physical training hence, forms the vital part of the pre-commission training at the Indian Military Academy. A gentleman cadet (GC) is required to achieve a laid down minimum physical fitness standard before passing out from the Academy. To attain the desired standard, gentlemen cadets are put through a very systematic and progressive physical training. The training exercises aim to improve basic fitness, endurance and swimming by conducting tests at various stages of training.

Regular participation in games also forms part of the curriculum. All gentlemen cadets are encouraged and provided the best of facilities to learn games. A large number of competitions are conducted to make games more interesting and competitive and also to inculcate qualities that are essential for a junior leader. Those already proficient are given an opportunity to improve and excel in sports of their choice.

The weapon training section of IMA is performing a specialised role of training the gentlemen cadets of Indian Military Academy and cadets of the Army Cadet College to gain proficiency in the highly professional field of weapon training. This is gaining greater importance as the majority of young officers is experiencing combat situation in operational counter-insurgency or field areas immediately on being commissioned. The section imparts training in handling and firing of different rifles and carbines’, handling and firing of live grenades, realistic battle inoculation with Artillery guns, jungle lane shooting with INSAS rifles and AK 47 rifles, and urban insurgency. To impart an effective and meaningful weapon training, modern and scientific methods are applied using small arms simulators (SATS) for rifles and LMGs, INSAS rifles, realistic jungle lanes with moving and POP up targets and grenades simulators firing. The cadets undergo the weapon training in a capsule form.

The academic training at the Indian Military Academy aims at broadening the mental horizons of the GCs keeping in view their busy routine and physical fatigue. Infact, it is the mental prowess which enhances the leadership qualities of future leaders of any army. The academic training also acts as a balancing factor and contributes a great deal in moulding the GCs to acquire a perfect personality. The subjects which are taught include English, service writing, military geography, science and warfare, military psychology, military history, information technology, current affairs and international relations.

In addition, the Indian Military Academy runs various outdoor clubs for the overall development of the gentlemen cadets.

The IMA riding and polo team reached the pinnacle of success in the equestrian season in 1999-2000. The team was pitted against the best equestrian talent in the country and it acquitted itself most creditably by being overall first team in junior national championship winning medals in various events at Chennai. The team also bagged two placings in the Indian national team for the international tournament and was a proud recipient of two national colours. The IMA organised an international riding event at Debra Dun in which foreigners from the US, Canadian, German and Egyptian embassies alongwith the leading members of the equestrian fraternity participated and the event was a tremendous success.