Military College Jhelum: A Legacy of Shaping Leaders for Pakistan

Military College Jhelum (MCJ) stands as a prestigious military high school in Pakistan, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and comprehensive military training. Situated in Sarai Alamgir, now within the Gujrat District, the college holds a unique association with the city of Jhelum, often considered within its cantonment limits. MCJ serves as a feeder institution to the esteemed Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, shaping future leaders for the armed forces and various sectors of Pakistani society.

Foundation and Early Years

The foundation stone of Military College Jhelum was laid on March 3, 1922, by Prince Edward VIII, then the Prince of Wales. Initially christened King George Royal Indian Military Schools (KGRIMS), the institution was one of five such cadet schools established across India to educate the sons of Royal Indian Army personnel. Regular classes commenced on September 15, 1925.

The college's original purpose was to provide quality education to the sons of enlisted men and Other Ranks of the British Indian Army. In its early years, KGRIMS aimed to produce educated individuals for service in the army. Talented students were sometimes selected for commission grants through Kitchener College Nowgong.

Evolution and Transformation

Following the creation of Pakistan, the institution was renamed Royal Pakistan Military College Jhelum. In 1956, it adopted its current name, Military College Jhelum, expanding its scope and services.

Initially, the school comprised two houses, Roberts House and Birdwood House, established in 1925. Sakeen House followed in 1928. The curriculum expanded with the introduction of Class Nine in 1930 and the addition of the first year in 1931. The first cohort of students successfully completed their five years of training and studies in October 1930.

Read also: Service Member Scholarship Guide

Location and Campus

Military College Jhelum is located in Sarai Alamgir, a town in the Gujrat District. The college campus spans approximately 170 acres along the Grand Trunk (GT) Road.

Houses of MCJ

The students, known as Cadets, reside in hostels called Houses. These houses foster a sense of community and healthy competition. The houses compete throughout the year in various events, including sports, debates, and assault courses, vying for the coveted "Champion of the Year" status.

Currently, there are seven houses:

Mehmood Ghaznavi House: Originally established in 1925 as Robert House, it was renamed in 1958 after the renowned conqueror Sultan Mehmood Ghaznavi. This house holds the distinction of receiving the first batch of 21 students on September 15, 1925.
Babur House: In 1943, the 4th house was established as Auckinlect house named after Field Marshal Sir Kalaad Auckinlect. Later in 1959, Auckinlect house was shifted in Sakeen house and was renamed as Babur House in honor of Zaheer Udddin Babur, founder of Mughal dynasty.
Aurangzeb House: Established in 1925 as Birdwood House, it was renamed in 1958 after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.
Tipu Sultan House: Established in April 1928 and named as “Sakeen House”. In 1959, it was renamed as Tipu Sultan House.
Jinnah House: Established in 1990 and named after the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Iqbal House: Established in 1992 and named after the philosopher and poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Initially a junior house, it later gained senior status.
Sir Syed House: Raised in August 2011 to accommodate the increased cadet intake.

Each house has its unique color and motto, fostering a strong sense of identity and pride among its members.

Academic Program

MCJ is an English medium institution offering classes from VIII to XII. The comprehensive academic curriculum is designed to prepare students for higher education and competitive exams. The college follows the syllabus prescribed by the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education.

Read also: Duty, Honor, Achievement at NMMI

The curriculum includes a range of subjects, including:

Mathematics
English
Urdu
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Computer Science

Military Training

A core aspect of MCJ's mission is to develop leadership qualities, physical fitness, and discipline through its military training programs. Cadets receive training in:

Drill
Weapon handling
Map reading
Field craft
Other essential military skills

Facilities and Infrastructure

Military College Jhelum boasts state-of-the-art facilities to provide a conducive learning environment, including:

Modern classrooms
Well-equipped science and computer laboratories
A library with a vast collection of over 30,000 books covering a wide range of subjects
An auditorium for events and gatherings
Sports facilities for various athletic activities
Language Lab: Inaugurated in 1994, this lab provides a facility for all students to improve their English language skills. The College possesses one of the few well-equipped labs in Pakistan and carries good audio and video systems.

Key Facilities in Detail

Library: Inaugurated in 1982, the main library of the college houses approximately 30,000 books on diverse subjects. It also provides access to newspapers and magazines and includes audio and video sections.
Computer Lab: The college provides a computer lab to enhance the cadets' digital literacy.
Yadgaar Lawn: A memorial of 1st World War martyrs.
Prayer Area: Prayers are compulsory for all cadets. Religious events are observed regularly.
Rashid Hall: Inaugurated on Alamgirians Re-Union (19-November-2000).
Hall: The main gathering hall of Military College Jhelum, used for events like Extempore.
Office Block: According to the OFFICE's records, it was constructed in 1937.

Cadet Housing

The cadet houses were built in the 1950s and are well-maintained. Each house includes:

House Office
Ante Room
Bath Rooms

Newer houses, constructed in the early 1990s, feature additional amenities:

Read also: Opportunities for Grandchildren

Ante Room
Classroom
Bath Rooms

College Life

Cadets participate in a wide range of sports, including field hockey, football, basketball, swimming, water polo, volleyball, squash, table tennis, tennis, and horse riding. Fitness activities include judo, karate, gymnastics, jogging, and running. Physical training (P.T.) is conducted in the morning, and sports take place in the evening.

Notable Alumni

Military College Jhelum has a distinguished Roll of Honour, featuring martyrs, heroes, and senior officers in both civil and military establishments.

The college has produced numerous high-ranking officers, including:

General (R) Muhammad Iqbal Khan (Ex-Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee)
Air Chief Marshal (R) Zulfiqar Ali Khan
Admiral (R) Abdul Aziz Mirza
General (R) Muhammad Yousaf Khan
General (R) Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

In addition, MCJ alumni include over 94 General Officers, 300 Brigadiers, and 2000 Colonels/Lieutenant Colonels, as well as many highly placed officers in civil services. The college boasts more than 30 Swords of Honour and numerous gallantry medals, including one Nishan-e-Haider.

Notable civil names associated with MCJ include:

Raja Abdul Wahid (former chairman of Sui Northern Gas)
Senator Malik Hayat
Major (R) Sadiq and Major (R) Tahir Iqbal (Federal Ministers)
Zamir Hussain Zamir (Ex-GM Wapda)
Ch. Maj Gen Junaid Rehmat (Secretary Interior)

Admission

The admission process to Military College Jhelum is highly competitive and rigorous. Candidates are selected based on academic performance, physical fitness, and overall potential. The college conducts an entrance examination to assess applicants' knowledge, analytical skills, and aptitude. The age limit for admission varies depending on the class.

College Motto

The college has adopted different mottos throughout its history. In 1938, the first motto was "Virtue non Verbis," meaning "virtue, not verbosity." In 1947, it was replaced by the Persian maxim "توانا بود هر که دانا بود," meaning "He who is wise, is strong."

Commandants

The following individuals have served as Commandants of Military College Jhelum:

Capt. W.L.
Capt. H.H.
Maj. W.P.
Lt. Col. T.H.L.
Lt.Col. T.H.L.
Maj.
Lt.Col. S.F.H.
Lt.Col.
Lt.Col.
Lt.Col. H.L.
Lt.Col.
Lt.Col.
Lt.Col.
Lt.Col.
Lt.Col.
Lt.Col. S.A.
Col. N.D.
Col.
Col.
Col.
Col.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.
Brig.

tags: #military #college #jhelum #history