tarali 
In a historic milestone for India’s Armed Forces, the first batch of women cadets trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA) has been commissioned as officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
A total of 17 women cadets, who joined the NDA in August 2022 as part of the 148th Course, successfully completed their rigorous pre-commission training at their respective Service academies and entered the Defence Forces as commissioned officers.
In the Indian Army, nine women officers were commissioned during the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course at the Indian Military Academy on June 13, 2026. The parade was reviewed by the President of India Droupadi Murmu.
In the Indian Air Force, five women officers were commissioned during the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217th Course at the Air Force Academy. The parade was reviewed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The Indian Navy commissioned three women officers during the Spring Term 2026 Passing Out Parade at the Indian Naval Academy on May 28, 2026.
Addressing the officer cadets at the Indian Military Academy, President Droupadi Murmu described the commissioning of women cadets as a “watershed moment” in the history of the Academy and India’s Defence Forces.
The President congratulated the cadets on completing one of the country’s most challenging military training programmes and said that courage and wisdom would be their greatest strengths. She highlighted the presence of nine women cadets at IMA as a symbol of India’s progress towards women-led development.
She said that Army officers carry the responsibility of protecting the nation’s sovereignty, unity and integrity. Advising the young officers, she emphasised the importance of being lifelong learners, ethical leaders and courageous decision-makers in an era of rapidly changing security challenges and technological advancement.
The President also praised the participation of foreign cadets at IMA, stating that such exchanges strengthen friendship, cooperation and defence relations between nations.
The commissioning of these women officers marks a new chapter in India’s military history and is expected to inspire more young women across the country to pursue careers in uniform and contribute to nation-building.
About The Author
