CDM to get President’s Colours

This award highlights the CDM’s legacy of excellence in shaping strategic thinkers and its pivotal role in India’s defence preparedness.

Established in 1970, the CDM was conceived to train senior military officers not only in operational excellence but also in advanced managerial and strategic planning skills. Over the years, it has emerged as the premier institution for professional military education, blending military doctrine with contemporary subjects like cyber security, artificial intelligence, defence economics, and data-driven decision-making.

Its flagship Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC) and Senior Defence Management Course (SDMC) equip officers to address the complexities of modern warfare and national security.

The college also offers a Master of Management Studies (MMS) degree in collaboration with Osmania University, providing a robust academic foundation that integrates management principles with military operations.

Its research initiatives are equally notable, with 30 PhDs, 99 MPhils, and a repository of over 4,000 dissertations and case studies supporting defence policy and strategic solutions.

CDM’s illustrious alumni include Admiral Sunil Lanba, the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff, and General Dalbir Singh Suhag, the 25th Chief of Army Staff. Among its former commandants and alumni are Lt Gen Sandeep Singh (retd), Maj. Gen. N.P. Gadkari (retd), Air Marshal Dr Rajeev Sachdeva, Rear Admiral D.S. Chouhan (retd), Maj. Gen. Sandeep Sharma, (retd), Air Vice Marshal Pawan Mohey (retd), and Rear Admiral Sanjay Datt (retd).

The college’s cutting-edge curriculum and partnerships with institutions like IIT Hyderabad have ensured that its officers are well-prepared to address emerging global security challenges. Initiatives such as the Military Analytics Club and China and Other Nation States Study Forum (CORNSS) highlight its focus on data-driven decision-making and strategic studies.