Sun Jun 01 16:54:10 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**First Women Graduate from National Defence Academy, Marking Historic Milestone**
**Khadakwasla, Maharashtra – June 1, 2025** – In a watershed moment for India’s armed forces, the first batch of 17 women cadets graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) on May 29th, 2025. The ceremony, marking the 148th course graduation, was held at the NDA’s Sudan Block, witnessed by proud parents, instructors, and officers.
The graduation comes after a Supreme Court verdict in September 2021 paved the way for women to enter the academy, ending decades of gender restrictions. The court ruling followed a petition arguing that the NDA’s exclusion of women violated their rights to equality.
The 17 women join over 300 men, all poised to become officers in the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Of the pioneering women, nine will join the Army, three the Navy, and five the Air Force.
“I did it,” exclaimed Jasmine, 21, dressed in her white uniform, echoing the sentiments of her fellow graduates. Jasmine, like many of her peers, comes from a non-military background, highlighting the growing accessibility of the armed forces to women from diverse communities.
The rigorous NDA training was adjusted to accommodate physiological differences while maintaining equal standards. Cadets describe the experience as demanding, requiring immense mental strength and endurance. Challenges included obstacle courses, route marches, and a grueling 40km “Josh Camp.”
NDA Commandant Vice-Admiral Gurcharan Singh emphasized the importance of gender neutrality within the academy to prepare all cadets for the demands of service.
The historic moment underscores India’s commitment to gender equality and promises to reshape the landscape of the nation’s defense forces.
First Piper 