On May 30, 2025, the National Defence Academy (NDA) witnessed a truly historic moment. For the first time in its 76-year history, 17 women cadets graduated alongside 300 male cadets, breaking barriers and redefining the future of India’s armed forces. This first co-ed batch is a direct result of the Supreme Court’s 2020 landmark ruling that granted women officers eligibility for Permanent Commission across key corps in the army, setting a new course for equality and inclusivity in military leadership.
Trailblazing Achievements
Among the standout graduates was Cadet Shriti Daksh, who not only completed her rigorous training but also topped the arts stream—a first for a female cadet at the NDA. Hailing from a family with a strong military background—her father being a retired Air Force helicopter pilot—Shriti balanced the demands of physical and academic excellence. Her achievement symbolizes the evolving role of women in military service, proving that dedication and talent transcend gender.
A Timeline of Women’s Progress in Indian Armed Forces
🔹 1888 | The Indian Military Nursing Service is launched
🔹 1992 | Women join as Short Service Officers
🔹 2008 | Permanent commissions open in Legal and Education Corps
🔹 2015 | IAF inducts women fighter pilots
🔹 2020 | Supreme Court ruling allows permanent commissions across key corps
🔹 2021 | NDA opens to women
🔹 2025 | First women cadets graduate from NDA
A Supreme Court’s Game-Changing Decision
The Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment, delivered by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized that women officers deserve the same opportunities as their male counterparts. The ruling challenged long-standing biases and allowed women to seek Permanent Commission, paving the way for women to enter prestigious training institutions like the NDA. This inclusion opened the gates for women to command units and hold senior leadership positions, a crucial development in India’s military history.
The Journey of the First Co-Ed Batch
These 17 women joined the NDA in 2022, enduring the same rigorous training as male cadets—from physical endurance to military tactics and leadership lessons. Their graduation is not just a personal victory but a testament to their resilience and commitment. The ceremonial passing-out parade was reviewed by General V.K. Singh, former Chief of Army Staff and current Governor of Mizoram, who lauded the achievements of these pioneering women and called the event a “historic milestone.”
“This is not just about women entering the forces. It’s about a generation that believes in merit, equality, and resilience. These young women have proven that they belong here, and their journey has just begun.”
– General V.K. Singh, Former Army Chief and Governor of Mizoram
The graduation of the first co-ed batch from the NDA represents more than just a ceremonial achievement. It is a powerful step in India’s evolving military structure, ensuring that women are not just included but are integral to its core leadership. With the Supreme Court’s directive ensuring women’s access to Permanent Commissions, their presence in command and combat roles is set to grow. This shift strengthens operational readiness and reflects a broader societal transformation—one where capability, discipline, and dedication define leadership, not gender.
“They were teenagers when they walked into one of India’s toughest military academies. Today, they pass out as officer cadets from NDA – a moment that marks not just personal triumph, but a generational shift in how India’s armed forces view gender, grit, and command.”
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