A total of 3,256 Punjab-domicile boys appeared for the entrance examination of the 16th Course of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar (Mohali). The competitive entrance test witnessed strong participation from aspirants aiming to join the armed forces through structured and disciplined training.
Out of the thousands of candidates who took the exam, only 48 students will be finally selected. These shortlisted candidates will undergo a two-year residential training programme at MRSAFPI, which prepares cadets for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other premier armed forces academies.
MRSAFPI 16th Course Selection Process and Training
The MRSAFPI selection process is designed to identify candidates with academic potential, physical fitness, and leadership qualities. The entrance examination serves as the first stage in filtering aspirants for the limited number of seats offered by the institute.
Candidates selected for the 16th Course will receive focused academic coaching, physical training, and personality development guidance. The two-year programme aims to prepare students for NDA and equivalent academy entrance exams while instilling discipline, teamwork, and a sense of national service.
MRSAFPI has earned a reputation for its rigorous training framework and structured mentorship. The institute provides an environment that mirrors defence academy standards, enabling cadets to adapt easily to future military training.
MRSAFPI Track Record in NDA and Defence Services
The institute has maintained an impressive performance record in recent years. Since the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann came to power, MRSAFPI cadets have consistently achieved notable success in defence selections.
As per official data, 100 cadets from MRSAFPI have joined the NDA or equivalent defence academies during this period. In addition, 84 cadets have already been commissioned as officers in the Defence Forces of India, reflecting the institute’s effectiveness in grooming future military leaders.
This consistent success has strengthened MRSAFPI’s position as one of the leading armed forces preparatory institutes in the country. The results also highlight the impact of focused training and government-backed institutional support.
Government Support and Institutional Leadership
MRSAFPI functions under the aegis of Punjab’s Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Department, which is headed by Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora. The department has continued to support the institute’s mission of providing quality defence-oriented education to talented students from Punjab.
The government-backed model ensures access to experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, and comprehensive training modules. This support plays a key role in maintaining high selection and commissioning rates among cadets.
With only 48 seats available against 3,256 applicants, the MRSAFPI 16th Course entrance exam once again underlined the growing interest among Punjab’s youth in pursuing careers in the armed forces.
