NDA makes history with first-ever women graduates
June 3, 2025 | Tuesday | News
Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh, one of the female cadets, topped in the Arts stream
In a landmark moment for gender inclusion in the Indian Armed Forces, the first batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune on Thursday
In a landmark moment for gender inclusion in the Indian Armed Forces, the first batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune on Thursday. The women were awarded degrees overall 339 cadets during the convocation ceremony of the 148th NDA course.
The NDA, often referred to as the "cradle of leadership," trains officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This year’s convocation saw a total of 339 cadets conferred degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), including 84 Bachelor of Science (BSc), 85 Computer Science, 59 Bachelor of Arts (BA), and 111 Bachelor of Technology (BTech) graduates.
Vice-Admiral Gurcharan Singh, NDA Commandant, praised the milestone achievement of the first group of female cadets and expressed confidence that they would emerge as inspiring leaders in the armed forces.
The event’s chief guest, Professor Poonam Tandon, Vice-Chancellor of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, lauded the NDA's legacy of producing over 40,000 officers who have brought honour to the nation. Addressing the graduating cadets, she said, “Your achievement today is not just your own. It represents a breakthrough for thousands of young women across India who now see a new path open to them. You are the torchbearers of change, courage, and capability.”
Among the cadets, several were recognised for academic excellence. Cadet Lucky Kumar secured the top position in the Science stream, Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwah led the Computer Science stream, while Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh, one of the female cadets, topped in the Arts stream. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi emerged as the overall topper in the BTech stream.
The event marks a significant chapter in the NDA’s history and signals a progressive shift in India’s defence landscape, paving the way for greater gender equality in the armed forces.
