Major Navya Shekhawat has created history by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India. Her appointment to this prestigious role at Rashtrapati Bhavan is a landmark moment for the Indian Armed Forces and a proud symbol of the growing role of women officers in positions of responsibility, honour, and national protocol.
An officer of the Army Service Corps, Major Shekhawat is currently serving as ADC to the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. She is the first woman from the Indian Army to hold this position and only the second woman officer overall to be appointed ADC to the President, after Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy, who became the first woman ADC in May 2025.
Her achievement is not just a personal milestone but also an important chapter in the journey of women in uniform. It reflects the changing landscape of the Indian military, where women officers are increasingly being recognised for their merit, professionalism, and leadership qualities.
Major Shekhawat’s journey into the Indian Army began through the highly competitive Combined Defence Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. She cleared the CDS examination and secured her place in the merit list for the Short Service Commission Women Non-Technical Course at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
OTA Chennai is one of India’s premier military training institutions, known for shaping young men and women into commissioned officers of the Indian Army. The training at OTA demands physical toughness, mental resilience, leadership ability, discipline, and strong officer-like qualities. Major Shekhawat successfully completed this demanding training and was commissioned into the Indian Army.
She was allotted to the Army Service Corps, one of the most important services of the Indian Army. The ASC plays a crucial role in maintaining the operational efficiency of the force by handling logistics, supply, transport, fuel, rations, and other essential requirements. In any military operation, the combat capability of troops depends heavily on efficient logistics, and the Army Service Corps remains central to this mission.
Major Shekhawat’s rise from a CDS-qualified aspirant to a commissioned officer and then to one of the most prestigious appointments in the military establishment highlights her dedication, competence, and professional excellence. Her selection as ADC to the President within a few years of service shows the confidence placed in her abilities by the institution.
The appointment of an ADC to the President is considered one of the most respected and visible staff roles in the Indian Armed Forces. ADCs form part of the President’s personal staff and assist in official, ceremonial, and protocol-related duties. They are seen during important national events, state ceremonies, investiture ceremonies, official engagements, and diplomatic functions.
The role demands exceptional discipline, confidence, bearing, communication skills, and a deep understanding of military protocol. An ADC represents not only their service but also the dignity and professionalism of the Armed Forces at the highest level of the Republic.
For decades, such appointments were largely held by male officers. However, the appointment of Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki from the Indian Navy in 2025 as the first woman ADC to the President opened a historic new chapter. Major Navya Shekhawat’s selection as the first woman Indian Army officer to serve in the same role has further strengthened that progress.
Her presence at Rashtrapati Bhavan has inspired many young defence aspirants, especially women who dream of joining the Armed Forces. Images and videos of Major Shekhawat standing beside the President during official functions have drawn wide attention and appreciation. For many, she has become a visible symbol of Nari Shakti in uniform.
Major Shekhawat’s achievement must also be seen in the broader context of women’s participation in the Indian Army. Women officers entered the Army through the Short Service Commission route in the early 1990s. Over the years, their role has expanded significantly across different arms and services.
The 2020 Supreme Court judgment granting permanent commission to women officers marked a major turning point. Since then, women officers have been given wider opportunities for command, staff appointments, and long-term career progression. Major Shekhawat’s appointment as ADC reflects this larger transformation in the Armed Forces.
Her career also shows that excellence is not limited to any particular arm or branch. While combat arms often receive public attention, services like the Army Service Corps form the backbone of military operations. Major Shekhawat’s journey proves that officers from every branch can rise to highly prestigious roles through merit, professionalism, and consistent performance.
For defence aspirants preparing for CDS, SSB interviews, and other entry routes into the Armed Forces, her story carries an important message. Success in the military is built on a combination of academic preparation, physical fitness, leadership ability, confidence, discipline, and character. Major Shekhawat’s journey from OTA to Rashtrapati Bhavan reflects the importance of developing all these qualities.
Her appointment is also a reminder that the Indian Army continues to evolve with time while maintaining its core values of duty, honour, and service. By recognising capable women officers for such high-visibility roles, the institution sends a strong message that leadership and excellence are defined by merit, not gender.
Major Navya Shekhawat’s historic appointment as the first woman Indian Army officer to serve as ADC to the President of India is a proud moment for the nation. It represents the growing confidence in women officers and their ability to serve with distinction in the most demanding and prestigious appointments.
As she continues to perform her duties at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Major Shekhawat stands as an inspiration for countless young Indians. Her journey reflects discipline, determination, professionalism, and the quiet strength of service. For every aspirant who dreams of wearing the uniform, her story is a powerful reminder that dedication and merit can open the doors to history.
