A new chapter in Punjab’s military heritage is set to begin as Hoshiarpur prepares to host the Sardar Bahadur Amin Chand Soni Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, a cutting-edge facility aimed at grooming the next generation of defense officers. Named after the valiant freedom fighter Sardar Bahadur Amin Chand Soni, the institute is poised to become a vital asset in the state’s drive to bolster officer recruitment in the armed forces.
A Fresh Approach to Military Education
Unlike its predecessors in Mohali, the newly established institute will operate on a co-educational model, opening its doors to both young men and women aspiring to join the armed forces. Offering short-duration courses designed to prepare candidates for the rigorous written entrance examinations and the subsequent interviews conducted by the services selection boards, the institute marks a strategic shift in military training initiatives across Punjab.
The foundation stone was laid by the then Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh in February 2021, symbolizing a renewed commitment by the state government to reverse the declining trend of officer recruitment from the region. With an expansive 12.75-acre campus and an estimated project cost of around Rs 30 crore, the new institute is expected to provide a robust platform for aspiring defense officers.
Bridging the Gap in Officer Recruitment
Punjab’s legacy in contributing manpower to the armed forces is undeniable. Historically, officers from the state once formed nearly 30 per cent of the Army’s officer cadre. However, recent decades have witnessed a significant decline, with Punjab’s representation dwindling to a mere 2 per cent by 2010. While the state continues to supply about 8 per cent of the Army’s rank and file, the need to nurture and develop future officers remains a pressing challenge.
In response, the state government has already taken proactive measures. The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI) was established in 2011 in Mohali with a vision to empower matriculate students through a two-year residential programme. This initiative not only equipped students with academic qualifications but also provided rigorous training for the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination and services selection board (SSB) interviews. Since its inception, the MRSAFPI has celebrated significant success, with 255 cadets joining various service training academies and 170 alumni commissioned as officers.
Expanding Opportunities for Women
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and the growing role of women in defense services, the state further extended its training initiatives with the launch of the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MBAFPI) in 2015. Initially offering a three-year programme along with graduation aimed at the Short-Service Commission, MBAFPI quickly adapted to the changing dynamics of military education. With the NDA now opening its doors to women, the institute introduced a streamlined two-year programme, mirroring the model of its male counterpart and further emphasizing Punjab’s commitment to gender-inclusive defense opportunities.
A Promising Future
The launch of the Sardar Bahadur Amin Chand Soni Armed Forces Preparatory Institute represents more than just an expansion of educational infrastructure—it signals a reinvigoration of Punjab’s rich martial tradition. As the state continues to nurture talent through innovative training programmes and co-educational initiatives, hopes are high that this new institute will play a crucial role in reversing the trend of dwindling officer recruitment and inspire a new generation of leaders in the armed forces.
The coming months will be watched closely by defense experts and local communities alike, as the institute prepares to open its doors and contribute to the legacy of Punjab’s storied military heritage.
