In a landmark moment in India’s defence history, the first batch of 17 women cadets officially graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, joining over 300 male counterparts in the prestigious Passing Out Parade of the 148th course. Held at the iconic Khetrpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, this event signaled a transformative milestone in the journey towards gender inclusivity and empowerment in the Indian Armed Forces.
This momentous occasion marked the culmination of three years of rigorous tri-service training, character-building, and academic instruction, affirming the NDA’s commitment to shaping future military leaders, regardless of gender.
The Road to Equality: How Women Entered NDA
The entry of women into the NDA was made possible by a Supreme Court directive in 2021 that mandated the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to permit women candidates to apply for the academy. The ruling broke a long-standing gender barrier, and in 2022, the NDA admitted its first cohort of women cadets into the 148th course.
Since this landmark ruling, a total of 126 women cadets have enrolled in the NDA across six batches (148th to 153rd), with five resignations reported to date. While the NDA has maintained gender-neutral training principles, certain adjustments have been made to accommodate physiological differences, ensuring both inclusivity and effectiveness in training standards.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Passing Out Parade of 148th Course, National Defence Academy (NDA) underway in Pune.
The parade is being reviewed by General VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), Governor of Mizoram & former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
(Source: National Defence Academy) pic.twitter.com/R8qdjStG16— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025
The Passing Out Parade: A Moment of Pride and Unity
On Friday, the historic Passing Out Parade was held in full ceremonial grandeur at the Khetrpal Parade Ground, also known as the “cradle of leadership.” The event witnessed 339 cadets, including the 17 trailblazing women cadets, taking their final step—known as the Antim Pag—towards joining their respective military academies.
- Leadership at the Helm
Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Negi commanded the 148th course parade, a role reserved for the most exemplary cadet in leadership and overall merit. The Reviewing Officer for the parade was General Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), the current Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff.
- General VK Singh’s Message
Calling it a “significant and historic” moment, General Singh underscored the broader impact of this milestone on national defence and gender empowerment.
“Today is a uniquely significant day in the history of the academy as the first batch of female cadets pass out from the NDA. This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment,” he said.
He further lauded the women cadets as living symbols of Naari Shakti, representing not only the advancement of women but also women-led development. “This is just the beginning of a transformation that aligns with the times we are heading into. I am confident the NDA will ensure this transformation—physically tough and mentally agile—will continue,” Singh added.
He also expressed his belief that one of these cadets may someday rise to occupy the highest leadership roles within the Indian Armed Forces.
#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra | General VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd) says, "Today is also a uniquely significant day in the history of the academy, the first batch of female cadets pass out from NDA today. This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey towards… https://t.co/Q1mwicI7Og pic.twitter.com/E26SxZZo2I— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025
Academic Achievements and Awards
In the lead-up to the parade, cadets received their degrees from Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in a convocation ceremony held on Thursday. A total of 339 cadets were awarded degrees across various disciplines:
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Bachelor of Science (B.Sc): 84 cadets
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Bachelor of Computer Science: 85 cadets
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Bachelor of Arts (BA): 59 cadets
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Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech): 111 cadets
Top Academic Performers from the 148th Course
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Shriti Daksh, Division Cadet Captain, emerged as the top cadet in the Bachelor of Arts stream.
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Lucky Kumar topped the Science stream.
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Prince Kumar Singh Kushwaha, Battalion Cadet Captain, ranked first in Computer Science.
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Udayveer Singh Negi, Academy Cadet Captain, secured the highest rank in the B.Tech stream.
These achievements reflect the comprehensive nature of education and training provided at NDA, which combines academic excellence with military discipline and physical endurance.
Maharashtra: The 148th Course Passing Out Parade of the National Defence Academy (NDA) is underway in Pune pic.twitter.com/siOG2FAKJf— IANS (@ians_india) May 30, 2025
Voices from the First Batch of Women Cadets
- Division Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh
Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Daksh said the three-year training at NDA was an emotional rollercoaster. Initially, the adjustment period was difficult, but support from instructors and peers helped her assimilate into the academy culture.
“My father is an ex-NDA officer from the Hunter Squadron. I am from the same squadron. So I am carrying forward the legacy of my family,” she proudly shared with PTI.
- Cadet Prince Kumar Singh Kushwaha
Son of an ex-serviceman, Mr. Kushwaha emphasized how the academy taught him invaluable life lessons through its intense training modules. He also highlighted the cultural shift towards gender integration.
“We are the ones who have seen the academy evolving from a male-dominated institute to an integrated academy. It’s like watching the NDA transition from the moon to the sun,” he remarked.
- Cadet Lucky Kumar
Sharing his transformation story, Kumar stated that NDA broadened his horizons beyond academics.
“Before coming here, I didn’t even know how to play hockey. But by the last term, I was the captain of the hockey team, and we won a trophy,” he said.
These testimonials reflect not just personal growth, but also the power of an inclusive system that fosters talent across all backgrounds.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Female cadets celebrate after their 'Passing Out Parade’ held at Pune, which was reviewed by Mizoram Governor and former Chief of the Army Staff VK Singh
The first batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) along with over… pic.twitter.com/yCnDU3SiLL— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025
"Breaking Barriers": A Special Tribute
To commemorate this groundbreaking moment, a special edition magazine titled “Breaking Barriers: Female Cadets” was launched. Vice Admiral Gurucharan Singh, who was also present at the event, stated that the publication was a tribute to the transformation of NDA into a gender-inclusive institution.
“This is the foundation—and the stronger the foundation, the better the structure that stands upon it. Everything has been done very meticulously—and it shows. The fact that you couldn’t spot the difference during the parade says it all,” he remarked.
Pune, Maharashtra: The first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) 148th course took part in the passing out parade and posed for a photo session pic.twitter.com/MSwEzYw7N4— IANS (@ians_india) May 30, 2025
Next Steps: Pre-Commissioning Academies
Having completed their NDA training, cadets will now proceed to their respective pre-commissioning institutions, where they will receive specialized training in their chosen service arms:
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Indian Military Academy (IMA) – Dehradun
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Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Ezhimala
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Air Force Academy (AFA) – Dundigal
This next phase will further hone their leadership, tactical, and technical skills in preparation for commissioned service in the Indian Armed Forces.
A Transformative Chapter in Indian Defence
The graduation of the first batch of women cadets from the NDA is more than a ceremonial event—it is a powerful affirmation of India’s evolving military ethos. By opening its gates to women, the NDA has not only rewritten history but also paved the way for a more inclusive, diverse, and empowered future force.
These 17 women cadets, alongside their 300-plus male counterparts, now carry the responsibility of upholding the honour and integrity of the armed forces. Their success marks the beginning of a new era—one that is as inclusive as it is formidable.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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