Who is Major Navya Shekhawat: First woman Army officer now serving as President Murmus ADC
Her appointment makes her the second woman overall to hold the President’s ADC post, after Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy in 2025.
PTC News Desk: Major Navya Shekhawat, a young Indian Army officer has scripted history after becoming first woman from the Army to be appointed as an Aide-de-Camp(ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu. Her appointment makes her the second woman overall to hold the President’s ADC post, after Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy in 2025.
At official events at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) are military officers who accompany the President and assist with official engagements and ceremonies. Major Navya Shekhawat has now joined this team, becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to be appointed as an ADC to the President.
Her appointment comes a year after Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy became the first woman officer overall to serve as an ADC to the President in 2025.
What Does a President’s ADC Do?
An Aide-de-Camp (ADC) is a military officer assigned to assist the President during official duties, including meetings, public engagements and ceremonial events.
The President traditionally has five ADCs — three from the Army, one from the Navy and one from the Air Force. Their responsibilities include helping with coordination, communication and official protocol.
The role is not limited to accompanying the President at public events. ADCs are part of the military support system attached to the President’s office and help ensure that official programmes and engagements are conducted smoothly.
Major Navya Shekhawat’s Army Career
Major Shekhawat joined the Army after appearing for the Union Public Service Commission’s Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. She was later selected for the Short Service Commission Women Non-Technical Course and underwent training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.
According to reports, her name also featured in the official CDS (I) 2020 OTA women’s merit list.
After completing her training, Shekhawat was commissioned into the Army Service Corps, which is responsible for providing logistical support to the Army. She received her commission in 2021 and rose to the rank of Major in about five years, according to reports.
Her appointment at Rashtrapati Bhavan marks a significant milestone in her Army career. In her new role, she will accompany President Droupadi Murmu during official engagements and ceremonial functions.