Harshita Kadian, a 24-year-old from Rohtak, Haryana, has secured All India Rank 3 in the 2025 Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, as announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday.
Harshita, who is set to join the Indian Army as a gazetted officer, credits her achievement to her family’s unwavering support, especially her grandfather’s encouragement.
Her accomplishment has been widely celebrated by officials and the community, marking a significant moment for women’s representation in the armed forces.
A Family’s Legacy: Harshita’s Roots and Upbringing
Harshita Kadian’s journey is deeply intertwined with her family’s values and educational background. Born and raised in Rohtak, she completed her schooling at O.P. Jindal Modern School, Hisar, where she consistently excelled academically.
She went on to pursue her undergraduate studies in History at Delhi University, graduating with honours. Her parents, Ashok and Kiran Kadian, are educators who run an English and IELTS academy in Hisar, fostering an environment of learning and ambition at home.
The family hails from Dubaldhan village in Jhajjar district, reflecting strong rural roots. Harshita’s grandfather, Ran Singh, is a retired Superintendent from the Public Works Department (PWD), and her grandmother, Omwati Devi, is a retired government Hindi teacher.
Their stories of discipline and service inspired Harshita from a young age. “The respect for the army uniform has always lived in my heart. Today, my entire family is proud that I will soon serve the nation as an officer,” she said.
Breaking New Ground: Women in Defence
Harshita’s achievement in the highly competitive CDS exam, which opens doors to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy, is a testament to her perseverance and the changing landscape for women in India’s defence services.
She successfully cleared the rigorous SSB interview at Prayagraj, a key milestone in the selection process. Defence officials and local leaders have praised her, noting that her success is a source of pride for Haryana and a beacon for young women nationwide.
“Her accomplishment demonstrates the growing opportunities for women in the armed forces and the importance of nurturing talent from all backgrounds,” said a senior defence official.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we see Harshita Kadian’s journey as a powerful example of how family support, education, and self-belief can break barriers and create new possibilities. Her story is not just about personal achievement but also about the progress of women in fields once considered out of reach.
We believe her success will inspire countless young women from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams, challenge stereotypes, and serve the nation with pride. As a society, how can we further empower and support talented youth like Harshita, especially girls from rural and semi-urban backgrounds, to realise their full potential?
