Pune: In a landmark moment for India’s armed forces, 17 female cadets created history as they participated in the National Defence Academy’s (NDA) 148th Passing Out Parade (POP) at the Khadakwasla campus in Pune on Friday. This is the first time that women cadets joined their male counterparts—over 300 of them—in the final ceremonial march, symbolising their successful completion of the rigorous three-year training programme.
Breaking the barriers: First women cadets graduate from NDA
These trailblazers had joined the NDA in 2022, following a Supreme Court interim order that opened the gates of the prestigious tri-services institution to women. Among them, Division Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh emerged as a standout performer by topping the Bachelor of Arts stream.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Female cadets celebrate after their ‘Passing Out Parade’ held at Pune, which was reviewed by Mizoram Governor and former Chief of the Army Staff VK Singh
The first batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) along with over… pic.twitter.com/yCnDU3SiLL
— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025
Speaking to PTI, she reflected on her experience: “The three-year training here was a mix of emotions. Initially, it took some time to assimilate, but gradually I got accustomed and assimilated into the academy with the help of instructors, staff. My father is also ex-NDA and from the Hunter Squadron. I am also from the same squadron. So I am carrying forward the legacy of my family.”
Cadets reflect on the transformation of the academy
Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwaha, who secured the highest rank in the Computer Science stream, also hails from a military background. Sharing his thoughts on the journey, he said the challenges he faced over the last three years imparted invaluable life lessons. “We are the ones who have seen the academy changing and evolving from the moon to the sun,” he told PTI, noting the shift from a male-only environment to a more inclusive one.
Meanwhile, Cadet Lucky Kumar, who topped the Science stream, described his holistic learning journey at the academy. “Before coming here, I did not know how to play hockey, but by the last term, I was the captain of the hockey team and we won a trophy,” he said. He credited the academy for teaching him everything from horse riding to swimming.
Degrees conferred by JNU as cadets prepare for next phase
As part of the convocation, cadets received their degrees from Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Wednesday. A total of 339 cadets were awarded degrees—84 in BSc, 85 in Computer Science, 59 in BA, and 111 in B.Tech.
The Reviewing Officer for the parade was General Dr Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), Governor of Mizoram and former Army Chief. Following the POP, cadets will head to their respective pre-commissioning training institutions: Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, and Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal.
NDA’s evolving legacy: Inclusion and adaptation
Since the landmark 2022 court ruling, 126 women have enrolled across six batches (148–153), with five resigning mid-training. While the NDA maintains a largely gender-neutral approach to training, certain drills have been adapted to account for physiological differences. The participation of women in the Passing Out Parade is seen as a powerful signal of institutional change and progress within India’s armed forces.
