Col Dev Anand Lohamaror
On May 30, 2025, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, established in 1954, witnessed a historic milestone. Seventeen women cadets, alongside 300 male counterparts, marched past the ‘Antim Pag’ (Final Step) at the parade ground during the Passing Out Parade of the 148th course. This event marked a seismic shift in India’s defence landscape—the formal induction of women into the nation’s premier tri-service training institution.
India’s journey toward gender inclusion in the armed forces began decades ago. Women first joined the Military Nursing Service in 1958, followed by commissioning as officers in non-combat roles in 1992. These early steps, however, were often limited to support functions. Real change gained momentum in the 2010s, driven by judicial rulings and public advocacy.
On August 13, 2021, during a nationally broadcast video conference, I urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to institutionalize gender parity in military recruitment and training. His positive response, echoed by Captain Amrit Kaur, National President of Bhootpurva Sainik Vikas Samiti, amplified the call for reform. Media and civil society further propelled this shift, culminating in a landmark policy change.
For over six decades, the NDA epitomized elite military training—exclusively for men. From 1954 to 2021, women were barred, forced to pursue officer roles through alternate routes like the Short Service Commission (SSC). This exclusion reflected deep-rooted biases linking leadership to masculinity.
Here’s a timeline of women’s entry into the Indian Armed Forces: In 1888-1950, women served in Military Nursing Services, formalized post-Independence under the Army Medical Corps. In 1958, women were commissioned as doctors in the Indian Army Medical Corps. In 1992, the Special Entry Scheme allowed women into SSC roles in non-combat branches. In 2008, the Indian Air Force inducted women pilots into transport and helicopter squadrons. In 2015, a Supreme Court ruling paved the way for Permanent Commission (PC) for women in the Judge Advocate General and Army Education Corps. In 2019, PC extended to non-combat roles, though command positions remained elusive. In 2020, women gained PC and command authority in select branches. On August 13, 2021, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh endorsed gender equality in the military. On August 18, 2021, the Supreme Court deemed NDA’s gender bar unconstitutional, ordering the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to admit women. On September 8, 2021, the government agreed in principle to admit women to NDA, requesting time for infrastructure upgrades. On September 22, 2021, the Supreme Court rejected delays, mandating women’s inclusion in the 2021 NDA exam. In November 2021, women appeared for the NDA entrance exam for the first time. In July 2022, nineteen women cadets joined the NDA. In March 2023, 272 women Agniveers began training at INS Chilka, with the Army and Air Force following suit. On May 30, 2025, seventeen women graduated from NDA, eligible for PC in all three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Women face the same criteria as men: aged 16.5 to 19.5 years, having passed Class 12 (with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths for Navy and Air Force), and meeting rigorous physical fitness standards.
The NDA’s three-year program—blending academics, military strategy, leadership, and physical training—forged these trailblazers. In December 2022, 19 women joined from 1.7 lakh female applicants, a record. Of these, 17 completed the grueling course. To date, 126 women have enrolled across six batches (Courses 148 to 153), with five resignations. The NDA adapted with structural and cultural changes, maintaining largely gender-neutral training. These women excelled in drill, academics, leadership, and sports, debunking myths about gender and capability.
Women’s inclusion at NDA transcends tokenism—it’s a structural overhaul. A historically male-dominated institution is evolving into a modern, inclusive force. This aligns national defence with constitutional equality, bolstering the military’s democratic legitimacy. These graduates pave the way for combat roles, command posts, and military diplomacy. Equal opportunities in promotion and deployment are essential to sustain this progress.
Celebration must not overshadow lingering issues. Infrastructure—barracks, field postings—remains male-centric. Investments in inclusive facilities and robust sexual harassment redressal are critical. Gender sensitization for troops and officers is vital to dismantle biases. Entry is only the first step; respect and parity must follow.
Modern warfare prizes adaptability, intelligence, and tech-savvy—areas where women excel. Excluding them weakens national security. Symbolically, these women inspire a more equitable India, challenging disparities in education, work, and safety.
These pioneers must become the norm. Next steps include granting command and combat roles based on merit, modernizing infrastructure for female personnel, ensuring transparent, gender-neutral promotions, and leveraging diversity as a strength for national unity.
May 30, 2025, marks a new chapter. These 17 women are not just officers but trailblazers, reshaping India’s military ethos. As India aims for global prominence, its daughters must march alongside its sons—in strategy, sacrifice, and service. This is no fleeting victory; it is a legacy in the making.
(Note:Colonel Dev Anand Lohamaror is a seasoned Indian military veteran and commentator on strategic affairs, foreign policy, and defense infrastructure. He regularly contributes insightful analyses to leading national dailies, focusing on India’s military and geopolitical landscape.).
