Divyanshi Singh creates history as first woman cadet to join IAF ground duty branch

PTC Web Desk: Flight Cadet Divyanshi Singh is set to create history by becoming the first woman trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, to be commissioned into the Ground Duty branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Divyanshi was among the first batch of women cadets admitted to the NDA in 2022 after the Supreme Court allowed women to appear for the NDA entrance examination. The landmark decision ended decades of male-only admissions to the prestigious military academy.

The first batch of women cadets completed their training at the NDA in March 2025. After graduating from the tri-services academy, they underwent specialised training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal before becoming eligible for commissioning.

Divyanshi's journey began when she successfully cleared the NDA entrance examination and secured a place in the academy. During her training, she earned the appointment of Cadet Quarter Master Sergeant, a leadership role involving responsibilities related to cadet administration and management.

Over the course of three years, she underwent rigorous military training alongside her male counterparts. The training focused on physical fitness, discipline, leadership skills and teamwork.

Her achievement comes at a time when women are making significant strides in India's armed forces. Earlier this year, the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, also passed out its first batch of woman officer cadets.