The Indian Military Academy is on the Dehradun–Chakrata road, about 7 km from the railway station. It trains officers for the Indian Army, and its main building, Chetwode Hall, is one of the most photographed in the city. On TripAdvisor it's one of the top-rated sights in Dehradun. But IMA is a working military academy, not a tourist attraction, and that changes how you can visit.
Can the public go inside IMA?
Not on a normal day. You need special permission to enter the campus. The public is let in on GC day, the graduation day for gentleman cadets. The passing out parade is watched by the cadets' families and guests.
From the road, you can see the academy's gates and some of its buildings as you drive along Chakrata Road. Don't stop at the gates or take photos there; it's a military area.
A short history
IMA was founded in 1932 on the campus of the former Railway College. Chetwode Hall is named after Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode, who was Commander-in-Chief of India at the time and inaugurated the academy.
The campus has a museum, a war memorial and an 18-hole golf course. These are inside the campus, so they're only open to those with permission.
The passing out parade
The passing out parade is held on the Chetwode Building drill square, usually in June and December. The June 2026 parade was on 13 June, with President Droupadi Murmu as the reviewing officer. The December 2025 parade commissioned 491 cadets, including cadets from friendly foreign countries.
The parade starts early, around 7:30 am, and families travel from across the country to watch.
If you can't get in
The Doon School, FRI and the Zonal Anthropological Museum are all close by on the same side of the city. FRI has six museums and a 450-hectare campus that you can visit with a ticket. The Zonal Anthropological Museum is about 500 m from FRI.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit IMA Dehradun?
Not without special permission. The public is allowed in on GC day, the cadets' graduation day.
When is the IMA passing out parade?
Usually in June and December. The June 2026 parade was held on 13 June.
Can I watch the IMA passing out parade?
Families and guests of the cadets attend. Check the academy's official announcements for access.
How far is IMA from Dehradun railway station?
About 7 km, along the Chakrata road.
What can I see near IMA?
FRI and the Zonal Anthropological Museum are close by, and both are open to the public.
Find more on Doon Dekho
IMA, FRI and the Zonal Anthropological Museum each have their own page on Doon Dekho. Read our FRI visitor guide for fees and timings.