In a moment that will be etched in the annals of Indian defence history, the National Defence Academy (NDA) saw the first-ever batch of 17 female cadets pass out, joining their 319 male counterparts in the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 148th Course – Spring Term 2025. The grand event, held at the historic Khetarpal Parade Ground, marks a pivotal step towards greater gender inclusion in the Indian Armed Forces.
A Parade of Pride and Progress
Out of a total of 1,341 cadets, 336 cadets participated in this ceremonial milestone — the culmination of three years of intense military, academic, and physical training. The Reviewing Officer, General (Dr) VK Singh (Retd) and Governor of Mizoram, took the salute at the parade, witnessing firsthand the discipline, coordination, and grit that define future officers of the Indian military.
The parade, led by Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi of G Squadron, displayed faultless precision. Adjutant Lt Col Praveen Kumar Tiwari, mounted on his charger Reliant Robin, led the ceremonial proceedings with military flair and tradition.
Recognizing Excellence
In a ceremony that celebrated both heritage and change, cadets were honoured for their exemplary performance:
President’s Gold Medal – Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj
President’s Silver Medal – Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi
President’s Bronze Medal – Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhatt
Golf Squadron was awarded the Chiefs of Staff Banner for its overall excellence in training and performance.
A Breathtaking Finale
The ceremony concluded with an awe-inspiring aerial flypast — featuring Chetak helicopters trooping the national flag, Super Dimona gliders, and the formidable Sukhoi-30 fighter jets roaring across the sky. It was a powerful tribute to the cadets’ journey from students to future military leaders.
This event holds historic significance as the first time women cadets have graduated from NDA since the institution’s establishment in 1954. Their inclusion signals a new era in Indian military training — one that promotes equality, inclusiveness, and the untapped potential of women in uniform.
Surrounded by proud families, veterans, and schoolchildren, the moment wasn’t just about a parade — it was about rewriting history and reimagining the future of India’s defence forces.