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A New Chapter: NDA Celebrates First-Ever Women Graduates

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: May 30, 2025

Summary: The first graduation of 17 female cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) was a significant and historic moment in India's military history.

The National Defence Academy (NDA) officially graduated its first class of female cadets in a historic and emotional event for India's military services. While the discrimination was still on high, a group of 17 courageous women marched with 300 men at Pune's famous Khetarpal Parade Ground.

This event will have an impact on the future of India's military; it is more than just a graduation. Following a Supreme Court decision, the NDA legally allowed women to enrol in 2021, ending years of admitting only men. In just a few years, these young women have proven to be as much a part of this community as everyone else.

The event was filled with joy, emotion, and a genuine sense of transformation. The 17 female cadets marched with pride, demonstrating bravery, grace, and perseverance in front of families and senior officials.

Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, the Commandant of the NDA, addressed the graduating cadets and commended their commitment and effort. He underlined how challenging it is to train in an environment that has previously been controlled by men. He said, "This isn't just your achievement; it's a significant milestone for the nation."

These female cadets will now progress in their quest to become future officers in the Indian armed forces by joining their respective service academies, like the Indian Naval Academy, the Indian Military Academy, and the Air Force Academy, after a demanding selection process and training in the same demanding conditions as their male counterparts.

This batch, in total, had 370 cadets, including 199 from the Army, 113 from the Air Force, and 58 from the Navy. But the spotlight shone on the 17 young women who stood as symbols of progress, change, and equality.

The message was clear: the Indian Armed Forces are changing, and women are no longer just supporting the system; they are becoming an essential part of it.

This is more than just a chapter in the NDA's history; it marks the start of a new era for India's defence forces. And it was written by seventeen brave women who dared to dream and serve.