For over seven decades, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, has been a crucible of courage — shaping boys into soldiers, into leaders, into warriors. But on May 30, 2025, as the 148th course marches proudly across the parade ground, history will be rewritten in bold.
For the first time in 76 years, NDA will see not just cadets — but seventeen trailblazing women cadets — take their place in the long line of India’s future military leaders.
A New Dawn Breaks at Khadakwasla
Three years ago, when the gates of NDA opened to women for the first time, these seventeen girls didn't hesitate. They didn’t flinch. They applied. They trained. And now — they stand shoulder to shoulder with their brothers in arms, ready to serve the nation.
From Kerala to Uttar Pradesh, Punjab to Delhi, they come from varied backgrounds — daughters of teachers, retired soldiers, corporate professionals. What binds them is grit. And an unshakable belief in equality.
No Pink in Camouflage: Cadets Have No Gender
“There’s a reason we don’t call them ‘girl cadets’,” a senior NDA officer explained.
“They’re just cadets. Period.”
Equal training. Equal expectations. Equal pressure. And these seventeen delivered. One standout moment? The 10-metre dive exercise — a terrifying leap designed to shatter fear and steel nerves.
Wing Commander Tokekar remembers it vividly:
> “The whole academy watches that jump. Many cadets hesitate. Some back out. But these girls? They just walked up… and jumped. All 17 of them. No second thoughts. The academy was stunned.”
From First Nurse to First Parade
The journey of women in Indian defence services has been slow but steady. Here's how the trail was blazed:
1888 – Indian Military Nursing Service begins
1992 – Women join through Short Service Commission
2008 – Legal and Education Corps open permanent commissions
2015 – Women inducted as IAF fighter pilots
2020 – Supreme Court allows permanent commissions across corps
2021 – NDA opens to women
2025 – First women cadets graduate from NDA
Beyond the Parade Ground
The first batch is headed for even greater milestones:
9 cadets will proceed to the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
5 cadets will join the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad
3 cadets are bound for the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala
NDA Commandant Vice Admiral Gurucharan Singh had this to say at the convocation:
> “These cadets are the torchbearers of a proud legacy. I have no doubt they will emerge as exemplary leaders — of both men and women.”
Voices from the Ranks
Former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane called this “just the first step toward gender equality in the armed forces.” Former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash went a step further:
> “As warfare becomes more tech-driven, women will thrive — in aviation, intelligence, strategy, cyber-ops. They will stand as equals.”
And as one cadet simply put it:
> “I didn’t think twice. NDA opened to women, and I applied. Here I am.”
It’ Not Just a Graduation. It’s a Revolution
With 126 more women cadets already marching through the six NDA batches that follow, India is witnessing a quiet, powerful transformation — not just in uniforms, but in mindset.
The once all-male chants on Khadakwasla grounds now ring out louder, prouder, more inclusive. This isn’t just about gender. This is about ability, integrity, and courage.
It’s about change.
And it’s just the beginning.
Because courage doesn't wear a skirt or pants.
It wears commitment. And boots.
