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.
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.