In a landmark moment for India’s armed forces and a definitive step toward gender equality in military leadership, the National Defence Academy (NDA) will, for the first time in its 75-year history, witness the graduation of its first batch of women cadets on May 30, 2025.
The graduating class includes 19 women cadets, who were admitted to the NDA in 2022 following a landmark Supreme Court judgment that opened the academy’s doors to women for the first time. The decision overturned a long-standing policy that had, for decades, restricted NDA entry to male candidates only.
Now, after completing three years of rigorous academic, physical, and leadership training alongside their male counterparts, these pioneering women will pass out as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Their inclusion marks a significant institutional transformation at one of the country’s most prestigious military training academies.
“Our gender never came in the way,” one cadet reflected. “From the obstacle courses to leadership camps, we were pushed to meet the same high standards, and we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow cadets.”
The Passing Out Parade, a ceremonial culmination of training at the Khadakwasla campus, will be held under the watch of top defence officials, dignitaries, and proud families. The event will celebrate not only the cadets’ transition into active service but also the evolving ethos of India’s defence forces—towards inclusion, meritocracy, and modern leadership.
While women have served in the armed forces for decades, their entry into the NDA signifies early integration into leadership pipelines—a move long advocated by veterans, defence experts, and gender rights activists.
With the success of this first batch, the NDA is expected to expand its infrastructure and policies to accommodate larger cohorts of women cadets in the coming years. As the institution continues to evolve, the graduation of these 19 officers will be remembered as a pivotal turning point in the narrative of India’s military history.
