Historic First: Women Cadets Graduate from NDA – Meet India’s Trailblazing Defence Officers

Introduction: A Landmark Day for Indian Defence and Gender Equality

On May 30, 2025, India’s premier military training institution, the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, created history as 17 women cadets graduated for the first time. This monumental moment unfolded during the 148th Passing Out Parade (PoP), alongside 336 male cadets.

Among these trailblazers was Cadet Ishita Sangwan, who has now become a household name as one of the first female NDA cadets to complete the rigorous three-year training program. Cadet Ritul Duhan made history by becoming the first Battalion Cadet Captain among women. Their graduation is not just ceremonial—it marks a new era in the Indian Armed Forces.

NDA 148th Passing Out Parade – A Parade to Remember

Held at the Khetarpal Parade Ground, the grand ceremony was reviewed by General V.K. Singh (Retd.), former Chief of Army Staff and the current Governor of Mizoram. He saluted the achievement of the women cadets, calling them a true representation of “Nari Shakti” (Women Power) in the defence forces.

The synchronised parade, the crisp salutes, and the powerful presence of women marching shoulder-to-shoulder with men sent a loud and clear message – India’s military is no longer a male-only domain.

Who Are These 17 Women Cadets? Meet the First Batch of Female NDA Graduates

After the Supreme Court’s historic verdict in 2021 allowing women into the NDA, the first batch of women joined in December 2022. Two and a half years later, 17 out of the 19 original cadets completed the full training and graduated.

Among the most notable names:

🔹 Cadet Ishita Sangwan (Haryana) – She emerged as a prominent face of the batch and is among the first women to graduate from NDA.

🔹 Cadet Ritul Duhan – Appointed as the first-ever Battalion Cadet Captain, a leadership role never held by a woman before in NDA.

🔹 Cadet Shriti Daksh – Topped the Bachelor of Arts stream and served as Division Cadet Captain.

These cadets have made their mark through excellence in academics, physical endurance, leadership roles, and overall discipline. They are the faces of change and courage.

What Was the Training Like for Women at NDA?

The training at NDA is identical for male and female cadets, ensuring no special concessions or relaxed standards.

Women cadets underwent:

✅ Intensive physical training – Long-distance running, drill, obstacle navigation.

✅ Joint services training – With Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.

✅ Academic curriculum – 3-year graduation (B.Sc./B.A./B.Sc. (Computer Science)).

✅ Leadership development – Holding cadet positions, planning exercises, and managing responsibilities.

The NDA also upgraded its facilities to accommodate women cadets—separate squadrons, barracks, toilets, and safety protocols were implemented to ensure dignity, respect, and security.

Why This Event Is Historic for India’s Defence Landscape

This graduation isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a policy-level transformation. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

📌 First-ever NDA women graduates – This paves the way for female officers in all three armed forces.

📌 Breaking stereotypes – These cadets have redefined what women can achieve in a combat training setup.

📌 Equal standards – No lowered benchmarks—women met the same bar as men in every test.

📌 Public inspiration – Young girls across the nation now have role models in uniform.

📌 Stronger armed forces – Diversity leads to better decision-making, leadership, and adaptability in combat environments.

What Happens After NDA? Next Step: Service Academies

After graduating from NDA, all cadets move to their respective Pre-Commission Training Academies:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – For cadets joining the Indian Army.

• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – For future naval officers.

• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – For those heading to the Indian Air Force.

After a year of specialised training, these cadets will be commissioned as Lieutenants, Sub-Lieutenants, or Flying Officers, depending on their respective wings.

Public and Military Reactions – India Celebrates Its Women Warriors

The event was widely covered across national media, with social media erupting in pride, applause, and celebration.

Key reactions included:

• 🇮🇳 General V.K. Singh called them the “torchbearers of future warfare and leadership”.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Proud families stood teary-eyed watching their daughters earn military honours.

• 🎙️ Media houses highlighted the strength, endurance, and intellect displayed by the cadets.

This is more than a symbolic gesture – it’s a permanent chapter added to India’s defence history.

What This Means for Aspiring Women Defence Candidates

If you’re a girl in Class 11, or 12 dreaming of wearing the uniform, this moment is your green signal.

✅ Women can now appear for the NDA exam conducted twice a year by UPSC.

✅ Selection is followed by the SSB Interview, medical tests, and finally, NDA training.

✅ You’ll train for 3 years at NDA and 1 year at the respective service academy.

This is the perfect time to start your NDA preparation journey with expert guidance.

🎯 Join the Best NDA Coaching – Choose Cavalier Delhi(Since 2001)

To crack the NDA exam and SSB interview, you need the right training, strategy, and mentorship.

At Cavalier Delhi, India’s No. 1 NDA Coaching Institute (Since 2001), we provide:

• 💡 Specialised NDA Written Coaching

• 🧠 Expert SSB Interview Preparation

• 🏠 Hostel Facility for Outstation Girls

• 👩‍🏫 Dedicated Faculty and Defence Mentors

• 📝 Test Series, Personal Doubt Clearing, Mock Interviews

📞 Call us today at 8766375168 

📍 Visit us at C-73, Shardapuri (Marble Mkt.), Rajouri Garden, New Delhi – 110015 

🌐 Website: www.cavalier.in 

📲 Book your free NDA counselling now!

Conclusion: 17 Women, 1 Milestone – A Nation Proud

The graduation of the first women cadets from NDA in 2025 is not just a milestone—it is a movement. A movement that tells every girl child in India that the sky is not the limit—it’s the beginning.

With determination, discipline, and a dream, these 17 women have shown us what’s possible.

The doors to NDA are open. The future is waiting. And the nation is watching.