In a groundbreaking moment for India’s defence sector, the National Defence Academy (NDA) will witness the graduation of its first batch of women cadets during the 148th Passing Out Parade on May 30, 2025. Seventeen pioneering women cadets will pass out alongside more than 300 of their male counterparts, marking a significant stride toward inclusivity and gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces.
This historic event follows the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling which allowed women to be admitted into the NDA — a move that redefined entry protocols and opened the gates of India’s most elite military training institution to women for the first time.
Among the graduating cadets is Harsimran Kaur, hailing from Haryana, who will become a Division Cadet Captain and proceed to the Indian Naval Academy. Coming from a family of military personnel, with her father and grandfather having served in the Indian Army, Kaur was inspired early on to wear the uniform. She vividly recalls her first moments on the NDA campus and the awe she felt when seeing the iconic Sudan Block. “The training was intense,” she admits. “The NDA breaks you first and then makes you. It taught me discipline, resilience, and leadership the essence of being an officer.”
Her journey mirrors that of Shriti Daksh, another division cadet captain who will head to the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun with aspirations to join the Artillery. With a legacy of military service in her family her father being a retired NDA officer and her sister serving in the Air Force Daksh described her experience as transformative. “The Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling changed everything. We trained shoulder to shoulder with our male counterparts from day one. From sports to drills, we were equal in every task. That’s what made us stronger,” she said.
Both Kaur and Daksh agree that being part of the first batch carries a special responsibility. “We’re here to set a benchmark for future women cadets. Our conduct and performance will influence generations,” said Kaur. As NDA adapts to accommodate more female cadets, improvements are underway. The curriculum is being aligned with the National Education Policy, incorporating technical education and preparing cadets for modern warfare and technology-driven military careers. Daksh reflected on the spirit of camaraderie that defined her NDA journey. “Playing games, participating in joint drills, and enduring tough days together created unbreakable bonds. That spirit is what makes us future officers.”
The graduation of the first-ever batch of women cadets marks a new chapter for the Indian military. As these 17 women step into their respective academies and roles in the armed forces, they carry with them the hopes of a more inclusive future one where dedication, skill, and leadership matter above all else. With grand celebrations scheduled for May 30, this event is not just a ceremonial milestone, but a cultural and institutional shift in India’s defence history. It symbolizes the breaking of barriers, redefining traditions, and inspiring countless young women across the country to dream of a life in uniform. This landmark moment will be remembered not just for what it achieves today, but for what it promises for tomorrow a truly unified, representative, and modern Indian military.
