Drill and Ceremonial
Why drill is examined
Drill builds smartness, discipline, coordination and instant obedience to orders. The exam tests the Hindi words of command, turns, marching pace, the salute and ceremonial compliments.
Words of command
- Savdhan - attention: heels together, toes about 30° apart, body erect, hands by the sides.
- Vishram - stand at ease: feet apart, hands behind the back, body still.
- Aram Se - stand easy: a more relaxed stand-at-ease, head may move.
- Dahine Mur / Bayen Mur / Peeche Mur - right turn, left turn, about turn (180°).
- Tez Chal - quick march at 120 steps per minute, 30-inch pace.
- Tham - halt. Salami - salute.
The salute
Right hand raised with palm open, fingers straight and together, thumb close to the index finger, tip of the middle finger just touching the right eyebrow, elbow in line with the shoulder. A junior salutes first, normally within about six paces. Compliments are paid to the National Flag, during the Anthem, and to officers.
Worked example
"How long does a cadet take to quick-march 100 m?" One pace is 30 inches ≈ 0.762 m. So 100 ÷ 0.762 ≈ 131 paces. At 120 paces a minute that is 131 ÷ 120 ≈ 1.1 minutes, i.e. about 66 seconds. Show the pace length and the rate - the reasoning earns the marks.
Traps
Confusing Vishram with Aram Se; writing 30 steps per minute instead of 120; saying the middle finger touches the cap badge or forehead; forgetting that the salute is given with the right hand only.