A New Chapter in NDA’s Glorious Legacy
For the first time in the history of the National Defence Academy (NDA), 17 women cadets marched out shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, marking a watershed moment for gender inclusion in India’s armed forces. The Passing Out Parade (POP) held at the iconic Khetrapal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra, celebrated not just the culmination of a rigorous training journey for 336 cadets—but also the dawn of a new era in Indian military history.
Founded in 1954, the NDA has long been regarded as the cradle of leadership in India’s armed forces. Located near Pune, the tri-services training institute prepares young cadets for commissioning into the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Until recently, this institution remained an all-male bastion. But in 2021, following a landmark Supreme Court decision allowing female candidates to sit for the NDA entrance exam, the gates of Khadakwasla were thrown open to young women with dreams of donning the uniform.
Women in Uniform: Breaking Barriers, Making History
The graduation of the first batch of 17 women cadets is not merely symbolic—it is transformational. These women completed the same demanding military and academic regimen as their male counterparts, proving their mettle in a highly disciplined environment. The historic POP was reviewed by Mizoram Governor and former Chief of Army Staff, General (Dr) V.K. Singh (Retd), who commended the cadets’ exemplary conduct.
A total of 1,341 cadets participated in the ceremony, including the 336 from the current Passing Out Course. Academy Cadet Captain Udaivir Singh Negi of ‘G’ Squadron led the parade, which was commanded by Adjutant Lieutenant Colonel Praveen Kumar Tiwari. Cadets Prince Raj, Udaivir Singh Negi, and Tejas Bhatt were awarded the President’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals, respectively. The Golf Squadron bagged the prestigious Chief of Staff Banner for overall excellence.
The Bigger Picture: Women in India’s Armed Forces
The induction of women into NDA follows a broader national strategy to enhance gender diversity in the armed forces. Women have already been serving in various roles in the Army, Navy, and Air Force—though historically limited in combat and leadership tracks. Over the past decade, however, key reforms have unlocked several avenues.
As of 2023, there are over 11,000 women serving in India’s armed forces. The Indian Air Force leads the way, with women pilots now flying fighter jets, including the formidable Rafale. The Army and Navy have expanded permanent commission roles and combat-support opportunities for women officers, though frontline combat positions remain selectively open.
The inclusion of women in NDA, a premier institution for leadership training, ensures that future generals, admirals, and air marshals will rise from a gender-diverse pool. This change is expected to influence not only the armed forces but also society’s perception of leadership and gender roles.
A Salute to Change
The passing out of the first women cadets from the NDA is more than a ceremonial occasion—it is a clarion call for change. As India strides forward on the global stage, the empowerment of its daughters in the defense sector signals a stronger, more inclusive republic. The march of these 17 brave women is not just toward a parade ground—but into history.
(With agency inputs)
