In a groundbreaking moment for India’s armed forces, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune celebrated the graduation of its first-ever batch of female cadets on May 30, 2025. Seventeen women completed the rigorous training, symbolizing a major stride toward gender inclusion in the country’s military institutions.
This historic achievement follows a 2021 Supreme Court verdict that allowed women to be admitted to the NDA, a move hailed as a significant step toward equal opportunities in the armed forces. The graduation ceremony was attended by senior military officials and dignitaries who lauded the cadets’ determination and resilience in navigating one of the most demanding military training programs in the world.
Among the trailblazing graduates was Harsimran Kaur from Punjab, who shared her journey from preparing for engineering entrance exams to joining the NDA. “I was told by one of my friends that NDA is open for women as well. Then I thought of giving it a try. I just want to say that don’t be afraid of anything. You can do whatever you want, just believe in yourself and go for it,” she said, inspiring many with her message of courage and self-belief.
She hails from a distinguished military lineage. Her father is a retired Havildar, while both her paternal and maternal grandfathers also proudly served in the Armed Forces.
The graduation of these cadets reflects a broader trend in the Indian military, which has seen a steady rise in the number of women officers, reaching over 9,000 by early 2021. The presence of women at the NDA signals a cultural shift, challenging long-held norms and setting the stage for further reforms aimed at building a more inclusive and modern defense force.
This milestone also resonates globally, as nations increasingly move toward gender parity in their armed forces. The graduating cadets not only represent the future of the Indian military but also stand as role models for young women across the country, embodying a message of empowerment, perseverance, and progress.
