Major Garima Yadav, an officer of the Indian Army’s Army Service Corps (ASC), has created history by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. She assumed the prestigious appointment on September 14, 2025, marking a significant milestone for women officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Currently serving as ADC to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Major Garima Yadav is also the first woman to hold the position of ADC to the Governor in the state. Her appointment highlights the expanding responsibilities of women officers in military administration, leadership and important constitutional establishments.
Major Garima Yadav was commissioned into the Indian Army on March 9, 2019, after successfully completing her training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. She belongs to the Army Service Corps, an important logistical arm of the Indian Army responsible for providing essential supply, transportation and logistical support to military operations.
Before joining the Armed Forces, Garima Yadav completed her schooling at Army Public School, Dagshai, and pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi. Initially aspiring to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, she prepared for the Civil Services Examination but could not clear the Mains examination.
Her career took a different direction when she appeared for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination. Demonstrating exceptional determination, she secured All India Rank 2 in CDS 1 2017 and was recommended for the Indian Army in her first Services Selection Board (SSB) attempt.
Interestingly, before beginning her military career, Garima Yadav also won the India’s Miss Charming Face beauty pageant in November 2017. She reportedly had an opportunity to participate in an international beauty pageant in Italy but chose to pursue her dream of becoming an officer in the Indian Army instead.
Following her selection, she underwent rigorous military training at OTA Chennai, where she developed the leadership qualities, physical endurance and professional skills required of an Army officer. She was subsequently commissioned into the Indian Army on March 9, 2019.
During her commissioned service, Major Garima Yadav has held various operational and administrative appointments, gaining valuable experience in military logistics, leadership, coordination and administration. Her professional journey reflects the diverse responsibilities undertaken by officers serving in the Army Service Corps.
On September 14, 2025, she took over as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, becoming the first woman Indian Army officer to hold this appointment. The position of ADC involves assisting the Governor during official engagements, ceremonial functions, institutional visits and other protocol-related activities.
In her present assignment, Major Garima Yadav works closely with the Governor’s Secretariat and coordinates with government departments and institutional authorities to facilitate official programmes and engagements.
Her participation in official engagements has also been documented publicly. On July 21, 2026, she accompanied Governor Anandiben Patel during a visit to Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut, where the Governor reviewed the institution’s infrastructure and ongoing development activities. The university’s official report identified Major Garima Yadav as the Governor’s ADC.
Major Garima Yadav’s journey has attracted attention not only because of her historic appointment but also because of her transition from civil services preparation and beauty pageants to a successful career in the Indian Army.
In an earlier interaction with SSBCrack in March 2019, shortly after her commissioning, she shared her experiences of preparing for the CDS Examination, appearing for the SSB interview and undergoing military training at OTA Chennai. She also spoke about the important role played by her mother in encouraging and supporting her ambitions.
Her journey serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through the CDS Examination and other officer-entry schemes. From securing All India Rank 2 in the CDS Examination to becoming an Indian Army officer and subsequently taking up a prestigious appointment at Raj Bhavan, Lucknow, Major Garima Yadav has demonstrated determination, perseverance and dedication to service.
Her appointment as the first woman Indian Army ADC to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh represents another milestone in the growing role of women officers in the Armed Forces and highlights the opportunities available to women pursuing careers in military leadership and public service.
