Haryana has emerged as the leading contributor of female cadets to the National Defence Academy (NDA), Kharakvasla, since the prestigious Tri-Service training academy opened its doors to women in 2022. According to data shared by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Parliament, Haryana accounts for 28% of the total female cadets, with 35 girls having joined the NDA so far.
State-wise Female Cadet Representation
- As per the MoD’s data:
- Haryana – 35 cadets (28% of the total strength)
- Uttar Pradesh – 28 cadets
- Rajasthan – 13 cadets
- Maharashtra – 11 cadets
- Punjab – 5 cadets
- Himachal Pradesh – 4 cadets
The total number of women cadets in NDA stands at 126, representing 17 states and union territories. However, several states have yet to send any female representation to the NDA.
Historic Inclusion of Women in NDA
The first batch of female cadets joined the NDA in August 2022 as part of the 148th course. This milestone followed a Supreme Court directive, which ruled that since women officers were granted Permanent Commission, they should also have access to NDA training—similar to their male counterparts.
The pioneering batch of 19 female cadets was distributed across the three services:
- Army – 10 cadets
- Air Force – 6 cadets
- Navy – 3 cadets
This batch is set to pass out in May 2025 after completing their three-year military training and academic curriculum.
Increased Outreach to Encourage Women in the Armed Forces
Responding to queries from Members of Parliament Niranjan Bishi and Sulata Deo, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth highlighted the steps being taken to encourage more female candidates to join NDA. These include:
- Awareness campaigns in schools and colleges through Zonal Recruiting Offices and National Cadet Corps (NCC).
- Engagement via print, digital, and social media to educate young aspirants.
- Motivational lectures and interactive sessions to inspire girls to consider careers in the armed forces.
Women Cadets Make Their Mark at NDA
In November 2023, NDA witnessed a historic moment as the first batch of female cadets participated in the Passing-Out Parade (POP) alongside their male counterparts. The event was reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The success of women at NDA signifies a progressive shift towards gender inclusivity in the armed forces. With Haryana leading the way, the growing numbers reflect the increasing acceptance of female cadets in India’s military leadership pipeline.
NDA: A Premier Military Training Institution
Established in December 1949, the National Defence Academy remains the cornerstone of India’s military officer training. NDA cadets undergo a three-year residential graduation program in humanities and sciences, along with basic military training. Following this, they proceed to their respective service academies for specialized pre-commission training.
With two batches inducted every year, NDA trains about 350 cadets per course, ensuring a steady flow of well-prepared officers into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Conclusion
The inclusion of women in NDA is a transformative step in India’s military history, ensuring that future armed forces leadership is diverse, inclusive, and merit-based. With Haryana taking the lead, the increasing representation of women in NDA marks a new era of gender equality and empowerment in India’s defence forces.
