The Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, witnessed a landmark moment in the history of India’s armed forces on June 13, 2026, as the first batch of nine women cadets trained through the National Defence Academy (NDA) was commissioned into the Indian Army. The occasion marked a major milestone in the country’s journey towards greater gender inclusion in military leadership.
President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, reviewed the Passing Out Parade at the historic Chetwode Drill Square and hailed the commissioning of the women officers as a “watershed moment” for the nation. Addressing the newly commissioned officers, she said the induction of the first women NDA cadets into the Army reflected India’s progress towards building a more inclusive and capable military force.
A total of 451 Indian Gentleman Cadets, 32 Gentleman Cadets from friendly foreign countries and nine women cadets successfully completed their training at the academy. Upon commissioning, the newly minted officers joined various arms and services of the Indian Army, while the foreign cadets returned to serve in the armed forces of their respective nations.
The commissioning of the nine women officers carries special significance. In August 2021, the Supreme Court directed that women be allowed to appear for the NDA entrance examination, ending decades of male-only admissions. The first batch of women subsequently entered the NDA in Pune and underwent the same rigorous academic, physical and military training as their male counterparts. Their commissioning at IMA now marks the successful completion of that historic pathway.
President Murmu reminded the young officers that the profession of arms demands not only physical courage but also integrity, discipline, compassion and unwavering commitment to national service. She urged them to lead by example and uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
The parade showcased the precision, discipline and military excellence for which the Indian Military Academy is renowned. The Reviewing Officer presented awards to outstanding cadets for exceptional performance during training. The ceremony culminated in the iconic “Antim Pag” (Final Step), when the graduating cadets crossed the historic threshold from trainees to commissioned officers, a tradition that symbolizes the beginning of their journey as leaders in uniform.
Established in 1932, the Indian Military Academy has produced some of India’s most distinguished military leaders. The commissioning of the first women NDA cadets now adds a new chapter to its legacy. Military observers view the development as a transformative step that will further strengthen women’s representation in leadership roles across the armed forces.
For many watching at Dehradun, the sight of the nine women officers marching alongside their male counterparts was more than a ceremonial moment—it was a reflection of a changing India, where opportunities in national service are increasingly determined by merit, dedication and capability rather than gender.
As the young officers marched out of the Drill Square to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne” and into their military careers, they carried with them not only the pride of commissioning but also the responsibility of shaping the future of the Indian Army.