Page 167 - Leadership in the Indian Army

Hindu Sabha College, to study for his F.Sc., as the Intermediate (Science)
was then known.
The Skeen Committee, set up in 1925, had recommended the

establishment of an Indian Sandhurst by 1933. To work out details of the
proposed military training college, the Government had appointed the
Indian Military College Committee in early 1931. The committee was
chaired by Sir Philip Chetwode, and had a large number of service and
civilian members. After detailed deliberation, the Committee submitted its
report on 15 July 1931. It recommended establishment of a college to train
Indians for commissions in the Indian Army, after an examination to be

conducted by the Public Service Commission. The course was to be of three
years’ duration, with the age of entry between 18 and 20 years. On
graduation, officers would be granted Indian Commissions, which would be
signed by the Viceroy. (The Commissions of officers graduating from
Sandhurst were signed by the King.) The total fee would be Rs 4,600,
which would cover tuition, board, lodging, uniforms, books and pocket

money. Indian Army cadets would be exempted from the fees, and given a
stipend of 60 rupees per month. After getting their commissions, the
officers would be given the rank of Second Lieutenants, with a monthly
salary of 300 rupees.
One of the important points which the Committee considered was the
location of the proposed college. It had to be centrally located, easily
accessible, with a temperate climate all the year round, and adequate

accommodation as well as space for future expansion. The presence of a
military garrison in the vicinity was also desirable. After considering over a
dozen locations, the Committee shortlisted three—Dehradun, Mhow and
Satara. Finally Dehradun was selected, because of its central location,
climate, proximity to the PWRIMC, and the fact that the Railway Staff
College was closing down, and its accommodation was readily available.

Early in 1932, it was announced that an examination for entrance to the
Indian Military Academy (IMA) would be conducted in June or July. Sam
took some money from his mother, went to Delhi and appeared for the
entrance examination on 14 July 1932. There were a total of 40 vacancies—
15 to be selected through open competition, 15 from the Army and 10 from
the Indian State Forces. Only 15 cadets were selected and Sam was sixth in
order of merit. The first Commandant was Brigadier L.P. Collins, DSO, and

the staff was carefully selected to ensure that the standards were kept at par