Breaking Barriers: Women in NDA and the Future of India's Defence Forces

Key Highlights

• Historic Graduation: On 30 May 2025, 17 female cadets became the first-ever women to graduate from NDA, Pune.
• Equal Training: Women cadets undergo the same training as their male counterparts across all disciplines.
• Supreme Court Ruling (2021): Paved the way for NDA admission to be opened for women candidates.
• Oscar Squadron Created: A dedicated squadron and accommodation were set up to support female cadets.
• Defence Leadership Evolution: Marks a turning point in building a diverse and modern Indian Armed Forces.
  
  A Historic Milestone
   

For decades, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune—a cradle of military leadership—trained only male cadets. That changed in 2021, when the Supreme Court allowed women to appear for the NDA entrance exam. And on 30 May 2025, a historic milestone was reached: the first batch of 17 women cadets graduated from NDA, alongside their male peers of the 148th Course (Spring Term 2025).

This blog explores the significance of this event, the path it took to get here, and what it means for the future of women in the Indian Armed Forces.

A Glance Back: Women in the Indian Armed Forces

Women officially joined the Indian Armed Forces in officer roles starting in 1992 through Short Service Commissions. Over the years, their responsibilities have grown—from support roles to permanent commissions and even commanding units. Yet, until 2021, elite institutions like the NDA remained closed to them.

The change came when the Supreme Court directed the Ministry of Defence to allow women candidates into NDA, ensuring equal opportunity in military training from the earliest stage.

NDA Opens Its Doors to Women: Key Milestones

• August 2021: Supreme Court orders NDA admission to be opened for women.
• November 2021: Women appear for the NDA exam for the first time.
• 2022: First batch of 19 women cadets is inducted into NDA.
• 30 May 2025: 17 cadets from the first batch graduate, completing three years of rigorous training alongside over 200 male cadets.

 “Their passing out was not only historic but symbolic of India’s evolving military ethos,” noted the official PIB release on the graduation parade.

Eligibility & Selection: How Can Girls Join NDA?

Girls can now apply to NDA just like boys. Here are the key criteria:

Once selected, female cadets undergo the same academic, physical, and leadership training as their male counterparts across Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.

Life of a Female Cadet at NDA

NDA’s sprawling 7000-acre campus has now adapted to welcome women cadets. While training standards remain identical for both genders, new infrastructure includes:

• Separate living quarters (Oscar Squadron for women)
• Enhanced privacy and safety measures
• Dedicated support teams to guide integration

The ethos of service before self remains universal across squadrons—proving that gender has no bearing on discipline, resilience, or leadership.

What It Means for the Future of India’s Defence Forces

This development is more than just policy reform—it is a cultural transformation within India’s military ecosystem.
Here’s what the inclusion of women in NDA unlocks:

• Leadership from the ground up: Female officers will now receive foundational training from NDA.
• Permanent Commission access: NDA graduates are eligible for long-term leadership roles.
• Cultural shift in defence forces: Promotes inclusivity, equality, and representation.
• Inspiration for future aspirants: Young girls across the country now see defence as a viable, prestigious career path.

Real Stories: The First Women Graduates of NDA

Of the 19 women who joined NDA in 2022, 17 successfully completed training and graduated in May 2025. These young women come from varied backgrounds—some from service families, others from civilian households—all united by courage and commitment.

Their successful graduation signals that the Indian Armed Forces are ready for gender-inclusive leadership.

A New Era Begins

The graduation of women from NDA isn’t just a military milestone—it’s a symbol of progress for the nation. By investing in equal training and opportunity, India is shaping future military leadership that is diverse, inclusive, and forward-looking.

At udChalo, we honour these 17 trailblazing cadets and salute every woman aspiring to serve the nation in uniform. Your courage leads the way.

FAQs About Women in NDA

Q1. Can girls apply for NDA after Class 12?
Yes, eligible female candidates can apply for NDA through the UPSC entrance exam after completing Class 12.

Q2. What was the first batch size of women cadets in NDA?
19 women were inducted in the first batch in 2022. 17 of them graduated in May 2025.

Q3. Is the training different for male and female cadets?
No. Training is conducted with equal rigour across all cadets.

Q4. Are women NDA graduates eligible for all branches of the Armed Forces?
Yes. Women can join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force based on merit and preference.

Q5. What is the Oscar Squadron?
It is the dedicated squadron set up for women cadets at NDA to provide secure and well-equipped accommodation.