In a watershed moment for gender inclusivity within the Indian Armed Forces, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, celebrated the graduation of its first-ever batch of women cadets on Friday, May 30, 2025. This historic event saw 17 women cadets pass out alongside over 300 of their male counterparts, marking a significant milestone in the academy's legacy.
The passing out parade, a spectacle of precision and military bearing, was held at the Khetrpal Parade Ground. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Negi commanded the parade of the 148th course. The reviewing officer for the event was General V.K. Singh (Retd), the Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff, who lauded the young women as "Nari Shakti," embodying women-led development.
The inclusion of women in the NDA began in 2022, following a Supreme Court directive in 2021 that allowed women to apply to the prestigious defense academy. This decision paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive training environment, challenging traditional gender roles within the armed forces. The June 2022 batch initially included 19 women, with 10 joining the Army, six the Air Force, and three the Navy. After completing their rigorous training at NDA, the cadets will now proceed to their respective service academies for specialized training before being commissioned as officers.
A total of 339 cadets received degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at the ceremony. The degrees awarded included BSc degrees to 84 cadets, Computer Science degrees to 85 cadets, BA degrees to 59 cadets, and B.Tech degrees to 111 cadets. Division Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh distinguished herself by topping the Bachelor of Arts stream, carrying forward her family's legacy as her father is also an ex-NDA officer from the same squadron.
The event was attended by proud families, distinguished dignitaries, schoolchildren, civilians, and both serving and retired armed forces personnel. This momentous occasion not only signifies a new chapter in the NDA's history but also reaffirms India's commitment to empowering women in the armed forces.
