Women rewrite history at NDA: First batch of females graduates after 75 years alongside over 300 men
PTC Web Desk: In a landmark moment for India’s defence history, the first-ever batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) on Friday, marking a powerful symbol of gender inclusion and national progress. These trailblasing women joined over 300 male cadets in the passing out parade at the NDA campus in Khadakwasla, Pune.
This historic occasion follows a Supreme Court ruling in August 2021, which opened the gates of NDA for women for the first time in its 75-year history. The court’s decision came in response to a petition filed by advocate Kush Kalra, who challenged the exclusion of women from entry-level officer training at the NDA.
The result: in 2022, 17 female candidates were inducted into the academy’s rigorous three-year training programme. Today, they have made history by becoming the first-ever female NDA graduates, ready to serve in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
General V.K. Singh: "A Salute to Nari Shakti"
Retired Army Chief and Union Minister General VK Singh reviewed the parade and awarded the prestigious President’s Medals to outstanding cadets. In his address, he called the graduation of the first batch of women a salute to 'Nari Shakti'.
“This is not the end of training for these women; it’s the beginning of new possibilities,” Singh said. “This is the first time in NDA’s history that a batch of female cadets is passing out from this parade ground. These women have not just completed a course—they have created history.”
Historic and proud moment: — Air Marshal (retd.) Sanjeev Kapoor, Commandant NDA, 2022
— Air Marshal (Retd.) Sanjeev Kapoor, Commandant NDA, 2022
Cadets from diverse backgrounds lead the way
Among the graduating cadets is Harsimran Kaur from Haryana, daughter of a retired Army Havildar and granddaughter of an Army veteran. Set to join the Indian Naval Academy, Kaur said her inspiration came from her family’s military background.
“I wanted to start my military career early. NDA gave me that chance,” she shared. Kaur had initially been preparing for JEE Mains when a friend informed her that women could now apply to NDA. “I felt deeply connected to the armed forces because of my family’s legacy.”
#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: The first batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) today
Harsimran Kaur, one of the cadets, says, "I was actually preparing for JEE Mains and then NDA came in between as a blessing. I was told by one of my friends… pic.twitter.com/1d3Th81x9i — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025
Another inspiring story is that of Shreeti Daksh, daughter of a former Air Force Wing Commander. She said the NDA experience exceeded her expectations.
“Being here helped me understand what real military training feels like,” said Daksh. “Today, I get to experience the same pride my father once felt on this parade ground.”
Then there's Ishita Sangwan, who comes from a non-military background. Her parents work in the corporate sector, and her elder brother is an IT professional.
- With inputs from agencies
