Services Preparatory Institute

Services Preparatory Institute
सैनिकी सेवापूर्व शिक्षण संस्था
Logo of Services Preparatory Institute
Location
Sector N-12, CIDCO

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
,
Maharashtra
,
431003

India

19°54′23″N 75°20′58″E / 19.9065°N 75.3495°E / 19.9065; 75.3495
Information
TypePublic military school
Mottoदृढ़ प्रयत्नेन सिद्ध्यते (Hard Work Pays)
Established1977 (1977)
DirectorCol. Makarand Deshmukh
GradesXI–XII
GenderBoys
Enrollment60
Campus size
10 acres (4.0 ha)
ColoursBlue and grey
  
Websitewww.spiaurangabad.com
girlspinashik.co.in

Services Preparatory Institute (SPI) (Marathi: सैनिकी सेवापूर्व शिक्षण संस्था) is a state-run institution in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra that prepares youth for the officer cadre of the Indian Armed Forces. The institute has consistently performed well in the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) entrance examinations.

History

After the establishment of the NDA at Khadakwasla, Pune in 1954, it was observed that although the academy was located in Maharashtra, few candidates from the state were being admitted. The Government of Maharashtra therefore formed a committee under the chairmanship of Lt. Gen. S. P. P. Thorat (Retd.), Kirti Chakra, Padma Shri, DSO, to study the issue and recommend solutions. Based on the committee's recommendations, the Services Preparatory Institute (SPI) was established in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 1977 to prepare boys academically, mentally, and physically for entry into the NDA and other defence academies.

Objectives and Training

SPI serves as a feeder institution for the NDA, the 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (B.Tech.), and the INA (B.Tech.). The institute emphasizes comprehensive education and personality development. It provides coaching for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) NDA written examination, and its training curriculum also prepares students for SSB interviews.

Achievements

Services Preparatory Institute

In 2017, SPI received 9,017 applications for 60 seats. In 2019, 13 cadets were selected to the NDA and INA. In 2020, there were over 13,000 applicants for 60 seats, and 22 cadets were selected to the Indian Armed Forces. In 2021, SPI received 5,779 applications, and 11 cadets were selected to the NDA and INA. In 2023, 44 cadets cleared the UPSC–NDA examination. A total of 22 students were selected for the 156th NDA batch from SPI and GSPI.

Girls Services Preparatory Institute

From 2023, a separate SPI for girls, known as the Girls Services Preparatory Institute (GSPI), was established in Nashik by the Government of Maharashtra. Three girls from the first course cleared the UPSC–NDA written exam, and in 2025, two girl cadets from the SPI made it to the NDA.

Directors

Col LW Araj 1977-1980
Maj GB Ahire (Officiating) 1980-1983
Capt ST Jadhav (Officiating) 1983-1984
Col JD Katkar 1984-1992
Lt Col NV Darkunde (Officiating) 1992-1992
Brig SV Deodhar 1992-1996
Capt ST Jadhav (Officiating) 1996-1996
Lt Col AR Katkar (Officiating) 1996-1998
Gp Capt VK Saxena 1998-1999
Maj VV Patwari (Officiating) 1999-1999
Capt R Mahajan (Officiating) 1999-1999
Maj VV Patwari (Officiating) 2000-2000
Col DH Parab 2000-2005
Capt PD Mathe (Officiating) 2005-2006
Lt Col SB Raut (Officiating) 2006-2008
Gp Capt SM Kulkarni 2008-2009
Lt Col SD Naik (Officiating) 2010-2010
Maj CV Kulthe (Officiating) 2010-2014
Lt Col US Pol 2014-2018
PL Sormare (Officiating) 2018-2019
Bhanudas Palve (Officiating) 2019-2019
Col AR Dalvi 2019-2022
Maj Syeda Firasat (Officiating) 2022-2025
Col MK Deshmukh 2025-

Since 9 October 2025, Col. Makarand Deshmukh (Retd) serves as the Director of SPI.

References

  1. ↑ Atul Bamne (3 January 2016). SPI cadets continue to rule defence cradle entrance exams. The Times of India. Accessed January 2016.
  2. 1 2 Atul Bamne (5 November 2016). Free guidance seminar for 10th students for joining Government of Maharashtra's Defence Preparatory Institute. Nagpur Today. Accessed November 2016.
  3. ↑ Prasad Joshi (28 April 2017). Services institute gets 9,017 applications for 60 seats. The Times of India. Accessed January 2018.
  4. ↑ Atul Bamne (8 November 2019). 13 SPI cadets selected for National Defence and Naval Academies. The Times of India. Accessed January 2020.
  5. ↑ Atul Bamne (12 March 2020). Over 13,000 applicants in race for 60 seats at SPI. The Times of India. Accessed March 2020.
  6. ↑ Atul Bamne (17 September 2020). 22 cadets from SPI in Aurangabad make it to Indian Armed Forces. The Times of India. Accessed September 2020.
  7. ↑ Atul Bamne (11 February 2021). SPI gets 5,779 applications for 60 seats. The Times of India. Accessed February 2021.
  8. ↑ Atul Bamne (15 July 2021). 11 SPI cadets make it to NDA, INA. The Times of India. Accessed July 2021.
  9. ↑ Atul Bamne (9 October 2023). 44 cadets of SPI crack UPSC exam. The Times of India. Accessed October 2023.
  10. ↑ Atul Bamne (12 February 2026). Chhatrapati Sambhajinagars SPI students shine in NDA exam. Lokmat Times. Accessed February 2026.
  11. ↑ Atul Bamne (13 March 2023). State's first institute to train girls for defence service exam to begin session this June. The Indian Express. Accessed December 2024.
  12. ↑ Atul Bamne (13 April 2025). 2 girl cadets from state's preparatory institute make it to NDA. The Times of India. Accessed November 2025.
  13. ↑ Atul Bamne (14 October 2025). Col Makarand Deshmukh joins as Director. Lokmat Times. Accessed November 2025.