Life in India’s elite military training academies, IMA, OTA, INA, AFA, is a disciplined regimen designed to convert residents into the Commission’s officials. While each cadet runs on the same violent route for exercises, academics, and field training, some are awarded with leadership responsibility that reflects the real world’s military command. Enter the roles of Overstudy and Understudy.
This is not just titles- they push stones to make thinking, responsibilities, and strategic decisions as an officer in the cadet phase. In this blog, we will find out what these roles mean, how the cadets are chosen, what life is like in these positions, and how they prepare you to lead the future in the Indian armed forces.
What do you mean by Overstudy and understudy in military training academies?
The terms Overstudy and Understudy represent two tiers of cadet leadership, each with distinct responsibilities.
🪖 Overstudy
An Overstudy is the senior cadet appointed to lead or supervise a group, section, or squadron. They act as the go-to leader and are responsible for discipline, coordination, and performance of the group.
🪖 Understudy
An Understudy is usually the deputy or assistant to the Overstudy. They support in leadership tasks and are trained to step into the Overstudy’s shoes when required.
Both roles mimic a chain of command, much like the structure in real military units.
How Are Overstudy and Understudy Cadets Selected?
The selection is based on a combination of:
- Overall performance (academics, PT, drills, conduct)
- Leadership potential observed by instructors
- Discipline and turnout
- Peer feedback and psychological assessments
It’s not just about scoring high—it’s about showing the right attitude, initiative, and dependability.
Cadets are regularly rotated in these positions to expose more individuals to leadership challenges and evaluations.
Key Responsibilities of an Overstudy
- Maintaining Discipline
- Ensures timely roll calls, dress code adherence, and rule compliance.
- Leading Parade Drills and Physical Training
- Commands during squad drills and reports status to training staff.
- Cadet Welfare and Support
- Helps juniors with training routines, balancing punishment with mentorship.
- Liaison Between Cadets and Instructors
- Communicates orders, resolves minor disputes, and reports serious issues.
- Role Model Behavior
- Sets the standard in conduct, punctuality, turnout, and mental toughness.
Responsibilities of an Understudy
- Assists the Overstudy in Daily Duties
- Handles Specific Sections during drills or classes
- Steps Up When Overstudy is Absent
- Maintains Equipment Logs, Uniform Checks, and Cleanliness Duties
- Encourages Morale Among Cadets, especially during tough sessions
Understudies are leaders in training, learning to shoulder responsibility in smaller doses.
Daily Life of an Overstudy/Understudy – A Unique Grind
The life of cadet leaders is more intense than others:
- Early wake-ups (before the squad) to prepare for inspection
- Handling complaints, punishments, and coordination
- Less rest time, more meetings
- Must balance their performance with leadership duties
And yet, most cadets see it as an honor.
A typical day includes:
- 5:00 AM: Wake-up, inspection readiness
- 6:00 AM: PT – lead from the front
- 8:00 AM: Academic classes, monitor attendance
- 12:00 PM: Squad drill or field training – command squad
- 4:00 PM: Games and extra drills
- 6:00 PM: Briefing with instructors, task planning
- 9:00 PM: Squad review, debrief
- 10:00 PM: Lights out – sometimes later if additional duties arise
Challenges Faced by Overstudy and Understudy Cadets
These roles are not ceremonial—they’re tests of pressure handling, decision-making, and emotional intelligence.
Common challenges include:
- Balancing peer relationships with command
- Handling mistakes of others without losing composure
- Leading cadets with different temperaments
- Being held accountable for team failures
These challenges simulate real-world officer roles, preparing cadets mentally and emotionally for actual command.
Leadership Lessons Learned
By the end of their tenure, Overstudy and Understudy cadets typically develop:
- Time management under stress
- Improved communication and delegation
- Tactical decision-making
- High emotional resilience
- Fairness and impartiality under scrutiny
These roles plant the seeds of leadership early and make cadets battle-ready for unit command after commissioning.
Instructor’s Perspective: Why These Roles Matter
According to former instructors at NDA and IMA:
“A cadet’s real potential is revealed not in tests, but in how he or she manages a team. Overstudy and Understudy positions simulate this environment perfectly.”
They are also used as evaluation grounds during final grading, POP preparation, and SSB follow-up interviews.
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Conclusion: From Cadet Leaders to Future Officers
The journey from Overstudy to an Army Lieutenant or Navy Sub-Lieutenant is short, but it’s where core leadership traits are forged.
Whether you’re a cadet dreaming of earning the Overstudy sash or an aspirant aiming for the NDA/IMA, understanding this system gives you a mental blueprint of future responsibilities.
It’s not about shouting commands or wielding power—it’s about serving your peers, leading by example, and becoming a dependable officer of the Indian Armed Forces.
FAQs for Life of Overstudy and Understudy in Training Academies
Ans. Yes. With gender-neutral policies, both male and female cadets are eligible based on merit.
Ans. Usually 2–4 weeks. Positions are rotated regularly for broader leadership exposure.
Ans. No official reward, but it carries immense prestige and can positively influence future postings or assessments.
Ans. Yes. Consistent leadership roles can help secure top positions like Parade Commander or Sword of Honour nominee.
Ans. Yes. Every military training academy in India follows a hierarchical cadet leadership structure.