Breaking Barriers: 17 Women Cadets Graduate from NDA for the First Time Alongside 322 Male Cadets
In a landmark moment for India’s military history, the first-ever cohort of 17 women cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune on May 29, 2025, standing shoulder to shoulder with 322 male cadets of the 148th course. This momentous occasion marks a significant stride towards gender inclusivity in the Indian armed forces.
The grand Passing Out Parade was held at the prestigious Khetrpal Parade Ground, Khadakwasla, with General (Retd) VK Singh, former Chief of Army Staff and current Governor of Mizoram, serving as the Reviewing Officer.
A March into History: 'Antim Pag' for Women Cadets
The 17 women cadets, part of the first co-ed batch admitted to the NDA in 2021, marched past the symbolic ‘Antim Pag’, or ‘last step’, signifying the completion of their training and transition to the next stage of their military careers.
General VK Singh described the occasion as a “historic milestone in our collective journey towards inclusivity and empowerment.” Referring to the women cadets as the embodiment of "Nari Shakti", he emphasized their role in promoting women-led development in the defence sector.
Academic Excellence: JNU Degrees Awarded
All 339 graduating cadets, including the 17 women, were awarded degrees and course completion certificates from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The academic distribution was as follows:
- 84 cadets in Science
- 85 cadets in Computer Science
- 59 cadets in Arts
Additionally, 111 cadets from the BTech stream in the Navy and Air Force were awarded three-year course completion certificates. Their degrees will be conferred after completing a final year of technical training at their respective academies:
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
Top Performers from Each Stream
Academic and leadership excellence were recognized during the parade:
- Science Stream Topper: Cadet Lucky Kumar
- Computer Science Topper: Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwah
- Arts Stream Topper: Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh (a notable female cadet)
- BTech Stream Topper: Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi
Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi also had the honour of commanding the Passing Out Parade.
The Role of NDA in Defence Training
The National Defence Academy is India’s premier tri-service training institute, where cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force undergo a rigorous three-year training programme. The NDA fosters:
- Academic development in diverse streams
- Physical and endurance training
- Personality and leadership grooming
- Strategic and defence education
After completion, cadets move on to their respective academies for pre-commissioning training:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) – Army
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Navy
- Air Force Academy (AFA) – Air Force
Eligibility for NDA: Opening Doors for Young Women
Following the Supreme Court's landmark judgment in 2021, the NDA opened its doors to women candidates, revolutionizing the gender dynamics of India's military training structure.
To apply, candidates must be:
- Unmarried males or females
- Class 12 graduates or equivalent
- Meeting specific age and physical standards
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
A New Chapter in Indian Defence History
The graduation of the first 17 women cadets from NDA is more than a ceremonial milestone—it is a powerful statement about progress, equality, and the future of India’s armed forces. These women have not only completed a rigorous and prestigious training program but have also paved the way for countless other young women to pursue careers in defence.
As they continue their training at IMA, INA, and AFA, these cadets will serve as symbols of empowerment, commitment, and change.
Their journey reaffirms that the Indian military is evolving—with competence, courage, and inclusion at its core.
