The college boards 600 male students[6] (12 to 19 years old) and offers GCE 'O' Levels, A Levels from Cambridge, and HSSC (Pre-Medical & Pre-Engineering) from the Federal Board, Islamabad.[6] Students appear in a nationwide competitive examination for the merit-based selection, including those from overseas.[7]
History
Cadet College Hasanabdal is the first cadet college of the country. The idea of building a cadet college in Hasan Abdal came directly from then Commander in Chief of the Pakistan Army—General Muhammad Ayub Khan—in 1952.[8]
Governing body and management
In 1960, the government of the province of Punjab constituted a board of governors to exercise administrative control over the college vide Punjab Government Educational and Training Institutions Ordinance 1960.[9] The board includes academicians, administrators, and intellectuals.[10][11] The board consists of ex-officio and non-official members. The board consists of chairman, the Governor of the province of Punjab, Vice Chairman, Chairman Pakistan Ordinance Factories Board whereas members include Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Secretary Finance Department, Secretary School Education Department, Deputy Commissioner Attock and Principal Cadet College Hasanabdal.
Under the board, various governing committees work to officiating the day-to-day affairs of the college. The executive committee is chaired by Chairman Pakistan Ordinance Factory and assisted by some prominent Abdalians; the principal acts as the secretary of the committee.
Demographics
Cadet College Hasanabdal was planned as a boarding institute for almost 480 students from all across Pakistan. In the year 1996, the college underwent a renovation and expansion. It included wings, construction of N.D. Hasan Library and Computer Lab, resultingly, enhancing the boarding capacity of the college. The selection of the students is based on "All Pakistan Open Merit Need Blind" admission policy. This consists of a nationwide entrance examination that follows medical, physical, and psychological evaluation. Every year 120 students join as a new class.[12]
College Building
The college building stands tall on Grant Trunk Road. It includes, technology equipped classrooms and science labs. The rear side of the building is etched to the College Oval. Naeem Hall in the building serves as multi-functional auditorium where the students watch weekly movies, take exams, and attend other formal gatherings.[13]
Wings
The college is divided into six wings:[14] Jinnah, Haider, Iqbal, Omar, Liaqat, and Aurangzeb.
Student life
Students attending Cadet College, Hasan Abdal, are called cadets.
The college prepares boys for the secondary school and intermediate examinations conducted by the Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, and also for the General Certificate of Education 'O' Levels and 'A' Levels, which follow a similar format to the GCSEs and 'A' levels used in the UK.[15] Some cadets study for Matriculation or F.Sc. (both pre-medical and pre-engineering). English, Urdu, Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are compulsory at each level; some other subjects (e.g. Computer Science) are offered within the different levels.
Classes are conducted in the morning and preps (individual silent study periods) at night. The routine is a structured daily regime to promote maximum performance by the students.
Infrastructure
Cadet College Hasanabdal - 1993Mascots and slogans representing the college wings
The college is spread over approximately 98 acres (40ha). Buildings on the property include a mosque, a two-story education block, college hall—known as Naeem Hall in memory of ex-cadet Captain Naeem Akhtar (Shaheed)— the six boarding wings, two cadet messes—known as Khatlani Hall and Hussain Shah Hall in memory respectively of ex-cadet Lt. Ahmed Farooq Khatlani (Shaheed) and ex-cadet Lt. Hussain Shah (Shaheed)— a swimming pool, a 16-bed hospital, the administrative block, a workshop and a hobbies block. Sports facilities include two squash courts and a number of football, hockey and cricket pitches, as well as a horse-back riding ground. The college has residential accommodation for the teaching and administrative staff based within the college. There is an oval ground in the middle of the college around which all the six wings are located. Recently, every wing has been given a slogan and a mascot. A road, "Scholar's Walk" as called by BOGs, surrounds the Oval.[16] It is a cricket ground with flood lights installed around for playing cricket matches even at night.
The founding principal, Hugh Catchpole, had expressed his wish to be buried on the premises of Cadet College Hasanabdal. After his death on February 1, 1997, there came two groups. One was against the idea to have anyone's grave on an academic institution whereas, the personal interest of then Air Chief Marshal Muhammad Abbas Khattak and other prominent Abdalians made this possible to find a quiet corner for the founding principal.[18]
Placement of Shuhada Monument
To pay homage to the brave sons of the soil, who laid their lives down while defending their motherland, the Shuhada Monument was constructed in the year 2003.[19] When it came to construct the monument, its location divided the Abdalian community. Some were of the view to construct the monument in place of the fountain which used to be in N. D. Hassan Square - in front of the Academics Block; others opposed it. Finally, the current place, closer to the main gate, was amicably agreed.
David Headly & Tahawwur Rana
The college came in the limelight after 2008 Mumbai attacks,[20] in view of the alleged involvement of two of its alumni; David Headly (Syed Daud Gillani) and Tahawwur Rana, from 21st Entry (1974–1979).[21][22]
Cambridge Stream and Hefty Fee
In very recent times, college embarked on a journey to be an all-Cambridge institution.[23] This decision received a great amount of criticism and divided the alumni. This decision, coupled with heavy fees, due to discontinuation of grant in aid by the Government of Punjab, has put the college administration in a very tight situation.[24]
Display of Military Equipment
Cadet College Hasanabdal started as military feeding nursery and the majority of the early cadets joined forces. Once they reached to their better profiling in the forces they presented obsolete military equipment for display on the campus. Some alumni were of the view that as college does not have any affiliation with the armed forces now, so this military apparatus must not be displayed.[25]
Notable alumni
The following notable people are graduates of the college:[26][27]
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