You dont absolutely have to but its generally recommended. i typicaly put the latest T train as much as possible as better support for features and hardware...although it wont guarantee that there are any major bugs etc..i would read the release notes of a specific IOS as well...
Go under software downloads , select your router platform and pick the T train latest IOS..
Sankar Nair
UC Solutions Architect
Pacific Northwest | CDW
CCIE Collaboration #17135 Emeritus