President Murmu Reviews IMA Passing Out Parade; NDA Women Cadets Commissioned
First NDA women cadets commissioned into Indian Armed Forces.
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, marking a historic moment for the Indian Armed Forces with the commissioning of the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA). The event was witnessed by senior military officials and dignitaries and is being seen as a significant milestone in the increasing integration of women into combat leadership roles.
At the ceremony, nine women cadets from the NDA’s inaugural female batch were commissioned as officers into the Indian Army after successfully completing their rigorous training at the IMA. In addition, five women cadets from the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, were commissioned into the Indian Air Force, reflecting a broader shift toward gender inclusivity across the armed services. The Passing Out Parade symbolized the culmination of years of training and discipline for all graduating cadets.
The inclusion of women cadets from the NDA marks a historic turning point, as the institution had traditionally been restricted to male candidates. Following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in June 2022, women were permitted entry into the NDA, opening new pathways for their participation in the armed forces. This year’s commissioning is the first tangible outcome of that policy change, underscoring evolving opportunities for women in military leadership roles.
Also Read: President Murmu Meets Myanmar President, Stresses Peace And Bilateral Cooperation
A total of 515 cadets passed out from the Indian Military Academy this year, including 34 foreign cadets from 16 countries, highlighting the academy’s global outreach and collaborative training environment. Among the graduating batch are the nine women cadets from the NDA’s first female intake, who have completed intensive military training and are now set to serve in various capacities within the Indian Army.
In parallel, the Indian Air Force also saw the commissioning of 231 flight cadets from its 217th course at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. The batch includes cadets from both Flying and Ground Duty branches, with 37 women officers among them. Notably, five of these women belong to the NDA’s pioneering female batch, further reinforcing the growing representation of women across defence services.
The combined graduation ceremonies across the Indian Military Academy and Air Force Academy were marked by grand military displays, including aerial performances by Sukhoi fighter jets, the Sarang helicopter display team, and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team. The events collectively highlighted the discipline, precision, and evolving inclusivity of the Indian Armed Forces.
Also Read: PM Modi, President Murmu Extend Eid-ul-Adha Greetings to Nation
