First Group of Female Cadets Graduates from National Defence Academy
© AP Photo / Aijaz RahiIndian army women recruits demonstrate their shooting skills as part of their training during a media visit in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

© AP Photo / Aijaz Rahi
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In a landmark moment for gender equality and military history, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, witnessed the graduation of its first batch of female cadets on Friday morning.
Seventeen trailblazing young women successfully completed their rigorous training at the prestigious institution, marking a turning point in the evolution of the Indian Armed Forces.
🚨🇮🇳💪HISTORY MADE: First group of female cadets graduates from National Defence Academy
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) May 30, 2025
This milestone comes after the Supreme Court's decision in 2022, which opened the doors for women to join the academy.
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This historic achievement was celebrated with a grand ceremonial parade held at the Arun Khetapal Parade Ground, where the female cadets stood proudly alongside 336 of their male counterparts. Together, they crossed the final threshold of their training, symbolizing their readiness to step into the next chapter of military service.
The inclusion of women at the NDA was made possible following a Supreme Court directive in 2022, which opened the doors of one of India’s most elite military academies to female aspirants for the first time. This ruling was a significant stride toward gender inclusivity in India’s defence forces.
Having completed their training at NDA, the female cadets will now move on to the respective service academies — the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun for the Army, the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala for the Navy, and the Air Force Academy in Dundigal for the Air Force. Following an additional 1.5 years of specialized training, they will be commissioned as officers in their respective branches.