ddadoon@gmail.com 9897030757 7060016868
It is with great pride and immense joy that I share my thoughts for this edition of our Annual Magazine. The past year has been a remarkable journey of growth, learning, and achievement for the cadets of Pratham Pag – the Foundation Wing of Doon Defence Academy. Through unwavering dedication, discipline, and determination, our cadets have consistently set new standards in academics, sports, and personal development.
At Pratham Pag, we firmly believe that true success extends beyond academic excellence; it is also about nurturing leadership qualities, resilience, and a deep sense of service. Every initiative, whether it be rigorous training, competitive events, outdoor expeditions, or character-building activities, is carefully designed to mold our cadets into the future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces and responsible citizens of our nation.
This year, our cadets have showcased exceptional performance across a wide range of platforms, from inter-school tournaments to Olympiads, and from adventure expeditions to competitive examinations. The Pratham Pag Premier League (PPCL), along with our annual sports events and leadership sessions, has significantly enhanced the sense of teamwork and camaraderie among our cadets.
I extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated faculty, mentors, and trainers, whose tireless efforts in guiding our cadets toward their goals have been invaluable. Your steadfast support and unwavering belief in our mission have played a pivotal role in shaping young minds and preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead.
To our cadets—always remember, “This is just the beginning.” Continue to strive for excellence, face challenges with confidence, and remain steadfast in pursuing your dreams. The path to success may be demanding, but with courage, discipline, and perseverance, you have the potential to achieve anything you set your sights on.
May this magazine serve as a tribute to the dedication, creativity, and aspirations of our cadets. I urge each of you to persist in pushing your limits and continue bringing pride to Pratham Pag and Doon Defence Academy.
Jai Hind !
MR. SANDEEP GUPTA
Submariner – Indian Navy (Retd.)
Director
Sandeep Sir’s Doon Defence Academy
Dehradun
It is with deep pride and great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt greetings to all through this edition of our Annual Magazine. This publication is far more than a mere collection of words and images; it is a powerful testament to the unwavering dedication, tireless hard work, and indomitable spirit of our cadets and mentors at Pratham Pag – the Foundation Wing of Doon Defence Academy.
At Pratham Pag, we are committed to fostering well-rounded individuals who excel not only in competitive exams but also embody the character, courage, and determination necessary to serve our nation with honor. Our faculty and trainers leave no stone unturned in guiding each cadet, ensuring they are thoroughly prepared to confront every challenge with confidence.
To all our cadets, I urge you to remain focused, disciplined, and unwavering in your commitment to your dreams. The road to success is never easy, but with relentless hard work, perseverance, and the right guidance, there is nothing you cannot achieve. Keep pushing beyond your limits, have faith in yourself, and always uphold the values of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.
I offer my sincere gratitude to the entire DDA family—our dedicated faculty, staff, and supportive parents—for their constant encouragement in shaping these young cadets into responsible, confident individuals. May this magazine not only inspire every reader but also serve as a heartfelt reminder of our collective achievements and aspirations.
Wishing you all success and greatness in the journey ahead!
Jai Hind !
MRS. DIVYA ASWAL GUPTA
Dy. Director, DDA
Ex Faculty, RIMC – Dehradun
It is a privilege to be part of the vibrant and professional ecosystem at DDA, which shapes the career pursuits of aspiring youth.
DDA synergizes three key ingredients of success—discipline, hard work, and commitment—with systematic learning modules that focus on skill development and academic excellence, transforming students’ personality dimensions to help them reach their goals.
Engaging in a variety of academic, creative, extracurricular, and sports activities, as outlined in the curriculum, provides the necessary perspective, orientation, and resilience. It also grooms students during their formative years for success.
As we reset, refocus, and rededicate ourselves to our goals, your energy and approach to preparation will help you achieve your objectives in optimal time. We will guide you all to fulfill your aspirations and attain excellence and astounding success in the future.
Jai Hind!
Colonel Sudhir Verma
Indian Army (Retd.)
Commandant
Pratham Pag- Foundation Course
Sandeep Sir’s Doon Defence Academy
Dear Students/Cadets, We are thriving in unprecedented times, where the need for a strong and capable defence system to guard our nation’s frontiers has never been greater. Doon Defence Academy is making relentless efforts to groom young minds by instilling in them the values of discipline, determination, and dedication, guided by the spirit of “Country First.”I commend the competent training and academic staff at DDA for their multifaceted vision, combined with structured efforts and unwavering passion in shaping the future pillars of our nation. The management, led by a daring Submariner from the Indian Navy (Retd.), provides a conducive environment enriched with the best facilities on campus, enabling young aspirants to nurture their talents and achieve their highest potential.I believe you are blessed with the best resources required to pursue your dream of joining the defence services as an officer.
I pray to the Almighty for your continued success in all your endeavours.
Jai Hind!
Dr. S. K. Arya
Principal
Pratham Pag – Foundation Course
Sandeep Sir’s Doon Defence Academy
Former – CGO, IMA, Dehradun
At Doon Defence Academy (DDA), we take pride in guiding our students through an exciting journey, offering them two exceptional career paths: the prestigious Defence Forces and the adventurous Merchant Navy. Both paths present unique opportunities to challenge yourself, make meaningful contributions to society, and explore the world in vastly different yet equally rewarding ways.
Our academy’s mission is to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and discipline needed to succeed in their chosen careers while nurturing them into well-rounded and responsible individuals. Over the years, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing top-tier training that prepares our students for success in the professional world.
As the Defence/SSB/Merchant Navy Course Coordinator and a proud veteran of the Indian Navy, I am excited to introduce you to these two career paths, each with its own set of opportunities, challenges, and rewards. If you thrive on discipline, structure, and teamwork, and have a passion for defending our nation’s honor, the Defence Forces could be your ideal calling. Alternatively, if adventure excites you and you want to master technical skills while traveling the globe, the Merchant Navy could be your perfect match.
While both career options are highly rewarding, the best choice depends on your personal aspirations and goals. To help you make an informed decision, here are some key highlights of each career path:
Serve Your Country: In the Defence Forces, you will have the honor of protecting your nation’s security and contributing to global peacekeeping efforts.
Develop Discipline and Leadership: Both the Defence Forces and the Merchant Navy foster leadership, discipline, and teamwork, helping you evolve into a strong and respected role model.
Stability and Benefits: A career in the Defence Forces offers excellent job security, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities. Likewise, the Merchant Navy offers attractive earning potential, tax benefits, and career stability.
Adventure and Challenges: The Merchant Navy offers the thrill of life at sea, commanding large vessels, and facing unique challenges. In comparison, the Defence Forces also offer a life of responsibility, pride, and adventure.
Both of these career paths are more than just jobs; they are life-defining journeys that shape your character, purpose, and legacy. Ultimately, the right career path is the one that aligns with your passions and aspirations. At DDA, we are committed to helping you make the right choice with confidence, guiding you through every step of this remarkable journey.
Jai Hind!
UMESH KUNIYAL
Chief Petty Officer-Indian Navy (Retd.)
Defence/SSB/ Merchant Navy Course Coordinator
Sandeep Sir’s
Doon Defence Academy
DDA excels in mentoring Defence and Merchant Navy aspirants, guiding them towards earning the coveted uniform and also offers training for female cadets aspiring to join the medical services of the armed forces through NEET, AFMC and MNS.
The Primary aim of the DDA Foundation Course (Pratham Pag) is to prepare the cadets academically, physically and mentally for entry into the commissioned ranks of the Defence services through entry into NDA AFMC, or MNS orto pursue career in the Merchant Naw, a distinguished field in maritime services.
Pratham Pag provides a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses academics, service, sports, and creative activities, preparing students for entry into job-oriented institutions after Class XII. The curriculum aims to help each cadet recognize their unique abilities, set goals that are both idealistic and attainable, and work towards achieving them.
To achieve this, Pratham Pag provides comprehensive education:-
To elevate each cadet to an academic level that empowers them to successfully compete in the entrance examination for entry into Defence Services and Merchant Navy.
To train each cadet in a way that instills self-reliance and confidence, enabling them to fully realize their full potential.
To ensure cadets are physically prepared to join the NDA and, later, to face the challenges and hardships inherent in life in the Armed Forces with courage and endurance.
To instill a sense Of national spirit in all cadets and teach them to conduct themselves confidently in society.
To infuse in the cadets a sense of loyalty, patriotism, individuality, and collective responsibility, guiding them to lead purposeful lives as honest and valuable citizens of India.
DDA’s NDA Foundation Course, exclusive education, motivational training and guidance will make the cadets capable of not only doing service in the Indian Armed Forces/ Merchant Navy but also becoming quality citizens and thorough gentlemen.
Course Curriculum
Pratham Pag — First Step (Foundation Course) prepares Cadets for all Defence & Merchant Navy Exams which include NDA, Indian Navy (Tech), Indian Army (Tech), Air Force, Indian Navy, NCC Special Entry & Merchant Navy (IMU-CET + Company Sponsorship exams) and Common University Entrance Test (CUET) etc.
The Academic Training Programme will automatically prepare Cadets for the above mentioned examinations which will include SSB-Interview preparation. Our foundation program is designed to broaden cadets’ perspectives through general awareness and current affairs sessions, keeping them informed about national and global events. Cadets are guided on strategies for tackling entrance exams, including time management and handling negative marking. Additionally, comprehensive study materials are provided to support their exam preparation.
Preparation for the SSB will include the following :-
Pratham Pag is dedicated to fostering officer-like qualities (OLQs) in its cadets, preparing them for leadership roles in the Defence and Merchant Navy. The academy’s comprehensive training program focuses on developing key attributes such as integrity, discipline, courage, and a strong sense of duty.
Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) are essential traits that are developed in individuals aspiring to become officers in the Armed Forces. These qualities embody the character, leadership, and professionalism expected Of an officer.
Cadets undergo rigorous physical and mental training designed to enhance their decision-making abilities, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The foundation programme emphasizes the importance of self -discipline, communication skills, and a strong moral compass, ensuring that cadets are well-equipped to handle the demands of military and maritime careers.
Through a blend of academics, sports, service activities, and personality development sessions, the course instills a sense of responsibility, patriotism, and ethical conduct in every cadet, The academy’s holistic approach ensures that cadets not only excel in their respective fields but also emerge as confident, competent, and principled leaders, ready to serve the nation with honor and distinction.
The 15 OLQs judged while selecting an officer in the Indian Armed Forces are as follows:-
Sports : In DDA is an Inalienable Part of Life.
Adventure :
Debates :
Debating is a favorite activity for many cadets of Pratham Pag , significantly contributing to the development of public speaking and critical thinking skills. The debates are organized among the four houses (Jal, Thal, Vayu, Agni) in both Hindi and English, providing cadets with numerous opportunities to enhance their communication skills.
Elocution :
Developing the ability to be eloquent and articulate isa valuable skill for cadets. To foster this, inter-house elocution competition are conducted regularly , in both Hindi and English. These com petitions also introduce students to va rious genres and works of literature.
Quiz :
Quizzing enhances general awareness and mental sharpness. To support this, the academy organizes inter- house quizzes for the cadets each term. Additionally, the Academy conducts weekly quiz competitions to further boost students’ knowledge of current affairs.
Dramatics :
The inter-house dramatics competitions are organized annually in both English and Hindi. These events help build confidence, foster creativity, and encourage teamwork among participants.
Hobbies :
Hobby clubs at Pratham Pag promote comprehensive personality development through proactive and disciplined leadership. Cadets engage in their favorite hobbies on Saturdays.
In DDA, the mission of Training Services is to provide basic knowledge to CADETS about the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy.
Training Services at DDA gives to the youngsters motivation, and complete picture of what Indian Armed Forces & Merchant Navy are all about. It not only helps them to make up their minds as to why and how to join but also gives them immense confidence, leadership qualities, a desire for self-improvement and the drive to excel in every sphere. It incorporates a culture of Jointmanship, while emphasizing on overall personality development. Two and a half year at DDA will instill bonding and feeling of oneness, a sense of self-discipline, honor, integrity, camaraderie and esprit-de corps. It will develop in the cadets a sense of intense belongingness to their alma-mater.
In a nut shell – बच्चों को यह मालूम चल जाता है कि उन्हें Indian Armed Forces अथवा Merchant Navy में कैसे जाना है और वहां उनसे क्या-क्या उम्मीदें की जायेगी और इसकी जानकारी उन्हें DDA में अभी से ही मिल जायेगी।
Training imparted at the “Sandeep Sir’s Doon Defence Academy” transforms the selected young boys into men of substance and capable leaders.
Proficient skills, indomitable will and steely resolve, boldness, virtues and an urge for the best are the traits which define a DDA Diamond.
| CADET’S DAILY ROUTINE | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(MONDAY – FRIDAY) |
SATURDAY |
SUNDAY |
|||||
|
05:00 AM |
Wake up call | 05:00 AM | Wake up call | 08:00 – 08:45 AM | Breakfast | ||
| 05:30 – 05:45 AM | Muster | 05:30 – 05:45 AM | Muster | 09:00 – 10:00 AM | Room Tidy | ||
| 05:45 – 06:15 AM | PT | 05:45 – 06:15 AM | PT | 10:00 – 01:00 PM |
Mobile Phone / Self Time | ||
| 06:15 – 07:00 AM | Bath & Change | 06:15 – 07:00 AM | Bath & Change | 01:30 – 02:00 PM | Lunch | ||
| 07:00 – 07:30 AM | Breakfast | 07:00 – 07:30 AM | Breakfast | 02:00 – 04:30 PM | Self Time | ||
| 07:30 – 08:15 AM |
Phy / Maths (03 Day a week) |
07:30 – 08:15 AM |
Phy / Maths (03 Day a week) |
04:30 – 06:00 PM | Games | ||
| 08:15 – 08:45 AM | Assembly | 08:15 – 08:30 AM | Assembly | 06:00 – 06:30 PM | Snacks | ||
| 09:00 – 01:15 PM | Classes | 08:45 – 01:00 PM | Classes | 06:30 – 08:00 PM | Reading / TV / Self Study | ||
| 01:15 – 02:00 PM | Lunch | 01:00 – 04:45 PM | Lunch | 08:00 – 08:30 PM | Dinner | ||
| 02:00 – 03:00 PM | Rest | 01:45 – 02:45 PM | Rest | 08:45 – 09:00 PM | Muster | ||
| 03:00 – 04:00 PM | Chemistry (Girls) Chem (A+B) | 03:00 – 04:30 PM | Hobby / Extra Curricular | 09:00 – 10:30 PM | Self Study in Rooms | ||
|
04:15 – 05:00 PM (GALAXY) |
P.E. (Tarun Sir) | 04:30 – 06:00 PM | Games | 10:30 PM | Lights Out | ||
| 05:00 – 06:00 PM | Games | 06:00 – 06:30 PM | Snacks |
|
|||
| 06:00 – 06:15 PM | Snacks | 06:30 – 08:00 PM | Self Study (In Class) | ||||
| 06:30 – 08:15 PM | Self Study (In Class) | 08:00 – 08:30 PM | Dinner | ||||
| 08:15 – 08:45 PM | Dinner | 08:30 – 10:00 PM | Movie | ||||
| 08:50 – 09:00 PM | Muster | 10:00 – 10:15 PM | Muster | ||||
| 09:00 – 10:30 PM | Self Study in Rooms | 10:30 PM | Lights Out | ||||
|
10:30 PM |
Lights Out | ||||||
(Exact timings may vary depending upon the weather and season. When exams are in progress, more time will be given to studies)
Eligibility Criteria: –
Educational Qualification: –
As per the CBSE norms.
Medical Standards
Candidates are advised to rectify minor defects / ailments in order to speed up the medical examination coming up in the future.
The under mentioned ailments are considered, minor ailments:- Wax (Ears), Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS), Hydrocele / Phimosis, Overweight / underweight, under sized chest, piles, Gynaeomastia, Tonsillities, Varicocele.
The candidate must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease / disability which is likely to interfere with the efficient performance of military or Merchant Navy duties.
The candidate should be physically fit as per the requirements of NDA. He should not be underweight or obese.
There should be no evidence of weak constitution or bodily defects. The candidate should not be overweight, obese or underweight.
The entrance procedure comprises the following steps:-
Advertisement inviting application from the candidates will be published in leading newspapers / DDA’s website and all its social media platforms in time to time.
Written Test (Offline/Online)
The written test will be conducted either offline or online depending on the circumstances and situation. The test will consist of four subjects, viz English, Mathematics, Science and General Studies, based on VIIth to X (as per desire class NCERT) Pattern. The questions will be of objective type and in English language only.
Interview
Candidates who qualify written test, will have to appear for Interview either in the Academy or on Zoom cloud meetings.
The interviews will be conducted by a team of trained retired Defence & Merchant Navy officers along with a Psychologist.
The interview will comprise a few elementary tests of intelligence and aptitude. The aim of interview is to assess the candidate’s level of motivation, intelligence, aptitude, confidence, personality and expression and communication skills.
Note:- The Academy will not provide any accommodation for appearing in the written test / Interview.
Candidates will not be provided with any Travelling Allowance (TA) for appearing in the Interview/Written Test.
KINDLY PAY ATTENTION:- Honesty and Integrity will be of utmost importance. Please do not try to influence the selection procedure in anyway. A very close watch will be kept on any aberration and any candidate found guilty is liable to be expelled. Also, if any member of the staff tries to contact you with a promise to influence the selection procedure, bring it to the notice of the interview board so that a stern disciplinary action can be taken with immediate effect.
DDA’s – प्रथम पग First Step will conduct its online or offline written entrance exam on various dates.
The exam syllabus is as per the attached table
|
SUBJECTS |
NO. OF QUESTIONS |
|
English |
25 |
|
Mathematics & Reasoning |
25 |
|
Science (Physics, Chemistry & Biology) |
25 |
|
General Studies (History, Civics, Geography, GK & Current Affairs and Reasoning) |
25 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
The aim of rules and regulations which have been framed by the DDA’s authorities is to ensure that the academics and other training routines are conducted smoothly, the discipline maintained and the safety and security of the cadets is taken care of. These rules can be revised from time to time. We invite full cooperation of the parents for their implementation. The Rules and Regulations are : –
NOTE: – Parents must inform about their latest address (residential), Telephone / Mobile number and email ID to enable the school authorities to establish immediate contact in case of emergency.
|
SUMMER |
|||
|
DDA’S T-Shirts |
04 |
DDA’S Scarf |
01 |
|
DDA’S Shorts |
03 |
DDA’S Blazer |
01 |
|
Formal Dress (Student) |
02 (Pair) |
Sports Shoes (Fine Quality) |
01 (Blue) |
|
DDA’S Tie |
01 |
Leather Shoes |
01 (Black) |
|
DDA’S Cap |
01 |
Name Plate |
02 |
|
DDA’S Bag |
01 |
||
|
WINTER (Same as Summer in addition to that) |
|||
| * DDA’S Hood | |||
| * DDA’S Woollen Cap with Logo | |||
Documents to be carried by the candidates while joining:-
Vaccinations: – Please ensure that your ward is properly vaccinated before his admission in the school. Doctor’s Certificate indicating the date of administering the vaccines must be submitted in the school, without which the cadet will not be permitted to join the school. Candidate should undergo basic medical examination including eye checkup.
