On May 30, 2025, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune will celebrate a historic event as its first-ever batch of 17 women cadets graduate alongside 300 male cadets. This milestone follows the Supreme Court’s landmark 2021 directive that opened the doors of the NDA to women, ending decades of gender-based exclusion.
These women, hailing from diverse regions and backgrounds, have successfully completed three years of rigorous academic, physical, and leadership training. Officials and cadets alike have emphasised that gender was never a barrier during their journey.
The graduation parade not only honours their individual achievements but also signals a transformative shift towards gender inclusivity in India’s armed forces.
Breaking New Ground: Cadets’ Stories and Institutional Change
The 17 women cadets, selected from a staggering 178,000 female applicants, have undergone the same demanding training regimen as their male counterparts, which includes physical endurance tests, military tactics, academics, and leadership development.
Cadet Ishita Sharma, who comes from a civilian family with no prior military background, shared, “The NDA has been a life-changing experience for me. It challenged me physically and mentally, shaping me into a confident leader.”
Another cadet, Harsimran Kaur, whose father is a serving army officer, reflected, “The academy first breaks you down and then builds you up stronger. Our gender never came in the way of our determination or camaraderie.”
To accommodate women cadets, the NDA undertook significant infrastructural changes, including the creation of separate living quarters, enhanced security arrangements, and dedicated recreational facilities, ensuring a supportive and comfortable environment.
The academy also appointed women officers as mentors, helping the cadets navigate the unique challenges they faced. Several women from this batch have earned prestigious leadership positions such as Division Cadet Captain and Battalion Cadet Captain, underscoring their competence and the academy’s commitment to meritocracy.
From Supreme Court Ruling to Historic Parade
The inclusion of women in the NDA was made possible by a landmark Supreme Court ruling in August 2021, which directed the government to grant women the right to appear for the NDA entrance exam. This verdict overturned a long-standing policy that had barred women from joining the academy since its inception in 1954.
The first NDA entrance exam open to women was conducted in November 2021, and after a highly competitive selection process, 17 women secured their place in the academy’s prestigious training programme. Since then, the NDA has inducted a total of 126 women cadets across batches, steadily normalising their presence within the traditionally male-dominated institution.
The upcoming passing-out parade on May 30 will be a grand ceremony attended by senior defence officials, dignitaries, and proud families, celebrating not only the cadets’ personal achievements but also the broader societal progress towards gender equality in India’s armed forces.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Rajiv Menon said, “The successful training and graduation of these women cadets is a proud moment for the nation. It reflects the armed forces’ commitment to inclusivity and excellence.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The graduation of the NDA’s first women cadets is a powerful symbol of India’s evolving commitment to gender equality and empowerment. These young women have shattered long-standing barriers, proving that courage, discipline, and leadership know no gender.
At The Logical Indian, we applaud their perseverance and the institutional changes that made this possible. This milestone should inspire all sectors of society to embrace diversity and foster environments of respect, empathy, and equal opportunity.
As India moves forward, how can we ensure that such transformative changes become the norm rather than exceptions? What steps can communities and institutions take to support and celebrate women breaking new ground?
