For the First Time Ever, 17 Women Cadets Join NDA's Historic Passing Out Parade

By siliconindia  |  Friday, 30 May 2025, 12:46:28 PM IST

For the First Time Ever, 17 Women Cadets Join NDA's Historic Passing Out Parade
  • 17 women cadets participated in NDA’s Passing Out Parade for the first time.
  • Cadets received degrees from JNU; top performers named across streams.
  • Graduates to proceed to IMA, INA, and AFA for pre-commissioning training.
In a historic moment for India’s armed forces, the first batch of 17 women cadets graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, during the Passing Out Parade of the 148th course held on Friday. Marching alongside over 300 male cadets, these pioneering women have scripted a new chapter in the NDA’s legacy as the first female graduates of the tri-services military academy.
The milestone comes after the Supreme Court's interim order in 2021 allowed women to be admitted to the NDA for the first time in its history. The 17 cadets, who joined the academy in 2022, have undergone three years of rigorous military and academic training, proving their mettle in a previously male-dominated institution.
Division Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh emerged as the top cadet in the Bachelor of Arts stream. She proudly noted, “The three-year training was a mix of emotions. Initially, it took time to adjust, but gradually I assimilated into academy life with the help of instructors and staff. My father is also ex-NDA and from the Hunter Squadron. I’m carrying forward the legacy”.
Other academic toppers include Cadet Lucky Kumar (Science), Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwaha (Computer Science), and Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi (B.Tech). Cadet Kushwaha, the son of an ex-serviceman, shared that witnessing the NDA evolve into an inclusive institution was a transformative experience. “We have seen the academy transition from the moon to the sun”, he said, reflecting on the shift from an all-male to a gender-integrated environment.
Cadet Kumar highlighted the wide-ranging exposure the NDA provides. “I learnt swimming, horse riding, and even captained the hockey team, winning a trophy in the final term”, he said.
Cadets received their academic degrees conferred by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) earlier this week. A total of 84 cadets earned BSc degrees, 85 received Computer Science degrees, 59 earned BA degrees, and 111 were conferred B.Tech degrees.
General Dr Vijay Kumar Singh, Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff, was the Reviewing Officer for the parade. Graduating cadets will now proceed to their respective service academies: the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA).
Since women’s admission began in 2022, 126 female cadets have joined the NDA across six batches, with five resignations reported. While the training remains largely gender-neutral, certain drills have been adapted to address physiological differences, reflecting a balanced approach to inclusion and preparedness.

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