Set in 1998 before the historic Kargil war, four boys set foot in the prestigious Armed Forces Academy. Cadets is a coming-of-age story about a world where boys become men of honour.
In AFA, Manoj, Albert, Randhir, and Neeraj are assigned an overstudy Gagan, who makes life difficult for them. They avenge the humiliation with a plan. However, happiness doesn't last long as the menacing 6th-term BCL Kawaljeet takes over.
Cadets take on their first cross-country race. Ustaad Natarajan spots them taking shortcuts and punishes them with a hike. The boys cheat on the hike that brings them closer. They evade Ustaad Natarajan, but in the end get caught by Jeet.
Commandant Sabharwal implements the 'Buddy System'. Albert and Randhir get their first 'Sunday Pass', but they get into a heated scuffle after a face-off with Fateh Company. Albert in his secret hideout, a war tank, makes a confession.
In the second term, the boys gear up for the prestigious Commandant's Tea. Albert's antics land him in trouble, but Manoj saves the day. Cadets begin prep for the first camp, but the announcement of the commanding cadet surprises everyone.
Manoj gets selected to lead at the camp, and cold wars begin with Randhir. As camp progresses, Manoj's leadership is under scrutiny. Randhir's recklessness costs Manoj the leadership position, thereby causing the friends to drift apart.
Amidst the ongoing tiff between Randhir and Manoj, they are both made Corporals in the fourth term. At the AFA ball, the cadets try their luck at romance. However, the ball is abruptly cut with the announcement of India at war in Kargil.
The sixth term begins as cadets start training for their final camp. However, a news from the war comes in that devastates Randhir. Cadets learn the true meaning of being a soldier and gear up to restore their Company's lost glory.
Camp Everest is the last and most challenging feat in their cadet life. However, midway Manoj makes a sacrifice which shows everyone the true meaning of being a Cadet. The season reaches a climactic high as the boys complete the glory run!
