Supreme Court Seeks Higher Benefits For Cadets Disabled During Military Training

The Supreme Court (SC) has asked the Centre to take a fresh look at the welfare and compensation available to military academy cadets who suffer permanent disability during training and are medically-boarded out or discharged before commissioning as officers in the Indian defence forces. The matter came up before a bench of Justices B. V. Nagarathna and P. K. Mishra, which noted that the policy framework in place since 2017 has failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living.

One-Time Compensation Under Scrutiny

At present, cadets who are boarded out on medical grounds receive a fixed ex-gratia payout. The judges pointed out that the amount, set eight years ago, is far too small to provide real financial security to someone whose career ends before it begins. An upward revision, they said, could help disabled cadets and their families meet medical expenses and plan their futures with some degree of stability, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Insurance Gaps Highlighted

The Union government told the Supreme Court that an insurance scheme already exists to cover disability and death. The Bench, however, described the scheme as limited in both scope and payout. It suggested exploring a group insurance model that would cover each batch of cadets at institutions, such as the National Defence Academy (NDA), the Indian Military Academy (IMA), and the Officers Training Academy (OTA), among others.

The Court also encouraged periodic medical reviews to identify cadets capable of taking up administrative or desk roles near their homes. While such work would not amount to commissioned service, it would still offer dignity, purpose, and some financial independence.

A Separate Class Of Cadets

Justice Nagarathna underlined that cadets disabled during training should not be treated as either full-fledged service personnel or ex-servicemen. Instead, she said, they form a separate class with unique needs that must be recognised through tailored benefits.

Next Hearing In October

The Supreme Court has appointed senior advocate Rekha Palli as amicus curiae. The case will be heard again on October 7, 2025. Should the government accept the Court’s suggestions, it could lead to higher ex gratia payments, stronger insurance protection, and structured rehabilitation measures for such cadets.

For cadets injured before commissioning, such changes could bring long-awaited financial security and social recognition.