Government of India Notification, July 1918

THE Government of India have had under consideration for some time past proposals for grant of commissions to Indians. Expression was given to their views by the Viceroy in his speech at the War Conference at Delhi, and these views were at once communicated to His Majesty's Government, but the latter's preoccupation with other matters has delayed their reply. This reply has now been received, and is to the effect that His Majesty the King-Emperor has decided to grant:

1. A certain number of substantive King's commissions in the Indian Army to selected Indian officers who have specially distinguished themselves in the present war
2. A certain number of King's Commissions conferring honorary rank in the Indian Army on selected Indian officers who have rendered distinguished service not necessarily during the present war, and who, owing to age or lack of educational qualifications, are not eligible for substantive King's Commissions. Such honorary commissions will carry with them special advantages in respect of pay and pension.
3. A certain number of temporary but substantive King's commissions in the Indian army to selected candidates nominated partly from civil life and partly from the Army. Those selected from civil life will be nominated by the Viceroy on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief and local governments and political administrations concerned. They must be between the ages of nineteen and twenty-five, and will be drawn from gentlemen who have rendered good service to Government, and more especially those who have actively assisted in recruitment during the present war.

Those selected from the Army must also be between the ages of nineteen and twenty-five, and will be nominated by the Viceroy, on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief and general officers in whose commands they are serving. Preference will be shown to officers or non-commissioned officers who have displayed special aptitude as leaders and instructors.

No candidate will be eligible for nomination unless he is medically fit and has passed a qualifying examination as a test of his general education. The standard required of civilian candidates will be that prescribed for the diploma of one of the Chiefs' colleges; a school-leaving certificate recognized by a local government; the matriculation examination of an incorporated university; or any higher examination. Holders of such certificates will be exempted from the qualifying examination referred to above. The standard of the qualifying examination demanded of military candidates will be prescribed by the Commander-in-Chief.

Candidates selected for nomination will be required to join a school of instruction. Their status while under military training will be that of cadets. The length of the course will depend on the attainments of the cadets. It will usually be not less than a year. No cadet will be granted a commission unless reported fit in all respects f or employment as an officer on active service. On completion of the school course, candidates who qualify for commissions will be posted to Indian regiments as temporary second lieutenants, and will be subject to the same regulations and enjoy the same status as British officers of the same rank. On the termination of the war temporary officers appointed under this scheme who have proved themselves efficient in every respect, and who desire to make the army their profession, will be considered for permanent commissions. The remainder will be retired on a gratuity, with permission to wear the uniform of the rank held at the time of retirement.

CADETSHIPS AT SANDHURST

The Government of India have also decided, with the approval of the Secretary of State, for India, to nominate ten Indian gentlemen annually during the war for cadetships at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Candidates will be nominated by the Viceroy, on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief and local governments or political administrations concerned. No candidate will be eligible for nomination unless he is medically fit and has passed a qualifying examination, which will be held in Simla. This examination will include an oral examination similar to that required by the Admiralty in the case of candidates for the Naval College at Osborne, designed as a test of general intelligence. A syllabus of the qualifying examination will be published at an early date. The general standard required will be that prescribed for candidates for temporary commissions.

The payment of fees f or the education of cadets at Sandhurst is in abeyance during the war. Parents and guardians are required, however, to contribute towards the cost of uniform, books, recreation, &c., and a pocket-money allowance not exceeding £50 a year to be paid through the college authorities is also usually necessary. While at Sandhurst, Indian cadets will be treated in precisely the same way as British cadets, and, after passing the qualifying examination on the termination of the course, will, if found suitable in all respects, be granted permanent King's commissions in the Indian Army.

From: A. Berriedale Keith, ed. Speeches and Documents on Indian Policy, 1750-1921. Vol. II. London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press, 1922, 152-155.