In a historic first,17 women cadets graduate from NDA | WATCH

Pune: In a landmark moment for the National Defence Academy (NDA), 17 female cadets graduated on Friday, marching proudly alongside over 300 male cadets during the Passing Out Parade of the 148th course at the NDA campus in Khadakwasla, Pune.

First women cadets at NDA

These women cadets were the first to be admitted into the NDA following a Supreme Court interim order in 2022 that allowed female candidates to join the tri-services academy. Their graduation marks a significant step towards gender inclusion in India’s armed forces.

Academic achievements recognised

Among the graduating cadets, Division Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh secured the top position in the Bachelor of Arts stream. In other streams, Cadet Lucky Kumar led in Science, Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwaha in Computer Science, and Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi topped the B.Tech stream.

Speaking about her experience, Ms Daksh said, “The three-year training here was a mix of emotions. Initially, it took some time to adjust, but with support from instructors and staff, I gradually settled in. My father is an ex-NDA officer from the Hunter Squadron, and I’m proud to continue the family tradition by being in the same squadron.”

Mr Kushwaha, whose father is also a former serviceman, reflected on his time at the NDA.

“The three years were demanding and full of valuable lessons. We witnessed the academy's evolution from a male-dominated institution to an integrated one. We are the batch that has seen the transformation—‘from the moon to the sun’,” he said.

Mr Kumar highlighted the broad training he received at the NDA.

“I learnt everything here—from swimming and horse riding to playing hockey. I didn’t know how to play hockey before joining, but by the final term, I was the captain of the team and we won a trophy,” he shared.

Degrees conferred by JNU

On Wednesday, cadets received their academic degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi. Of the total graduates, 84 cadets were awarded BSc degrees, 85 received degrees in Computer Science, 59 earned Bachelor of Arts degrees, and 111 were conferred B.Tech degrees.

Passing out parade and future postings

The parade was reviewed by General Dr Vijay Kumar Singh, Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff. Following graduation, cadets will proceed to their respective pre-commissioning training academies—the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, and the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal.

Women at the NDA: The road ahead

Since 2022, a total of 126 women cadets have joined the NDA across six batches (from the 148th to the 153rd), with five resignations recorded so far. While the training structure remains largely gender neutral, a few physical drills have been adapted to accommodate physiological differences.

(With agency inputs)