One of the striking features of military academies are its facilities that officer cadets enjoy. Pre-commissioning training academies offer a range of services that make the stay convenient. Today, we understand the facilities at OTA Chennai that make it stand out.
OTA Chennai
The Officers Training Academy or OTA Chennai is located at Saint Thomas Mount in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is at a distance of approximately 3 km from the Chennai International Airport and 17 km from the Chennai Central Railway Station. It came up in 1963 to give training to young officer cadets applying for short service commission in the Indian Army.
Training at OTA Chennai
Before we build on the facilities at OTA Chennai, we must learn about the training structure in brief.
The training at OTA Chennai is a 49-week-long course that looks after the psychological, physical, and mental development of an officer cadet. The training is divided into two semesters, each having 23 weeks. The cadets also get a term break for three weeks after the first term.
This military training is also inclusive of extra-curricular activities and sports, which help in character development of an individual. The idea is to carve out officers from civilians who have sound decision-making capabilities, and can lead the jawans from the forefront.
Facilities at OTA Chennai
Officer cadets receive a range of facilities at OTA Chennai, which facilitate their stay in the academy. These are of two kinds: the administrative facilities and the medical facilities.
Administrative Facilities
Let us look into the administrative facilities that you can enjoy once you become an officer cadet of OTA.
Accommodation
All officer cadets get their own rooms during their training period, which also have attached toilets. Cadet cabins is another name for these rooms in the academy. The accommodation facilities at OTA Chennai are separate for gentlemen cadets and lady officer cadets based on their battalions and companies.
Each cabin comprises a bed, a study table, a cupboard, and a shoe rack among other amenities. Cadets often enhance the aesthetics of their cabins with fairy lights, photographs, and posters.
Cadets’ Mess
The dining hall is one of the best facilities at OTA Chennai and is called the Yoddha Cadets’ Mess. It has portraits of former military leaders and provides a glimpse into the hospitality of a military mess.
All the nutritional requirements of officer cadets are met at the Yoddha Cadets Mess. Please note that it has specific timings that each officer cadet must follow and it serves snacks as well.
Other Facilities
Apart from the accommodation and mess, the officer cadets can also access other facilities at OTA Chennai during their stay. These include:
- Banks and ATMs to withdraw cash (SBI and IDFC branches)
- Bicycles for commuting within the academy
- Store for uniform and other equipment
- Tailor’s shop
- Unit run canteen or CSD for essential items
- Bakery, fruit shop, and an ice cream parlour
- Barber’s shop/Beauty parlour for ladies
- Telephone booths
- Regimental stationery shop
Medical Facilities
During the strenuous military training, officer cadets require medical aid sometimes. This need is taken care of by the medical facilities at OTA Chennai. It comprises a Medical Inspection Room or MI Room where medical staff examines cadets and provides timely assistance.
Generally, cadets reach the MI Room for basic illnesses, however, in case of major issues, officer cadets get a referral for the Military Hospital nearby. It also has a physiotherapy centre for cadets’ convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Do officer cadets have to pay for the facilities at OTA Chennai?
A. It depends on the facility you’re asking about. The cadets don’t have to pay for the accommodation, mess, and other basic services like electricity. However, they must pay for things they buy such as fruits or essentials from the CSD. The cost of their training kit is deducted from their stipend.
Q. What furniture is available inside the cabin of a cadet at OTA?
A. Essential furniture such as a bed with an attached mosquito net, a study table, a cupboard for clothes, and a shoe rack, among others is available inside the cabin. Each one also has a fan and a cooler.
Q. What is the stipend of an officer cadet at OTA Chennai?
A. An officer cadet receives Rs. 56,100 as stipend every month at OTA.
