Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 13 Jun: In a historic moment, nine women cadets graduated from the Indian Military Academy here on Saturday for the first time. These nine women cadets received commissions as officers in the Indian Army. Signficantly, it may also be added here that besides the nine female cadets graduating from the IMA today, five women cadets from the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Hyderabad have also been commissioned into the Indian Air Force. Thus, on a single day, the Armed Forces of India have received 14 women officers.
The President today expressed pride at this achievement, calling it a significant step in the changing face of the nation’s defence institutions. is a matter of pride that today, along with the historic commissioning of nine women officers from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, five women cadets from the Air Force Academy at Dindigal, Hyderabad have also been commissioned into the Indian Air Force. Thus, on a single day, the Armed Forces of India have received 14 women officers. The President expressed pride at this achievement, calling it a significant step in the changing face of the nation’s defence institutions.
The Passing Out Parade of the Spring Term 2026, held at the renowned Chetwode Building Drill Square, marked a milestone in the Academy’s illustrious history. President Droupadi Murmu, the Reviewing Officer and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, took the salute amidst the disciplined march and solemn commitment to national service displayed by the cadets. This was the second occasion when a woman President reviewed the parade, the first being Pratibha Patil.
It may be pointed out here a total of 515 cadets took the Antim Pag, the symbolic final step into commissioned service. Among them were 481 Indian cadets including, nine female cadets and 34 cadets from 16 friendly foreign countries. The nine women cadets, now commissioned as Lieutenants, joined their male colleagues from the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course, thereby opening a new chapter in gender integration within the Indian Army. Their commissioning is a landmark in the ongoing expansion of permanent commissions for women officers across various arms and services, reflecting judicial and policy directives that have reshaped opportunities in the Armed Forces.
The parade began at 6:40 am with President Murmu arriving at the Chetwode Building as scheduled. Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, senior Army officers and top officials of the administration were also present to witness the ceremony. The cadets’ synchronised march and display of discipline, dedication and resolve for national service created an atmosphere of pride and inspiration. It was truly a defining moment came when the nine women cadets, trained at IMA, stepped forward as commissioned officers, symbolising both institutional evolution and individual excellence.
Following the parade, the traditional Pipping Ceremony was also held, during which ranks were placed on the shoulders of the newly commissioned officers by their proud families. The presence of relatives, dignitaries and fellow officers added to the emotional resonance of the occasion. For the nine women officers, the journey from aspirants to commissioned leaders has been arduous and demanding, yet their success sends a powerful message to young women across the country preparing for NDA, CDS or AFCAT examinations. It demonstrates that while the standards are high and the training rigorous, the goal is attainable through perseverance, resilience and commitment.
The commissioning of the nine women officers at IMA is not merely a ceremonial achievement but a milestone in Indian military history. It underscores the Army’s commitment to inclusivity and operational effectiveness, while inspiring countless aspirants to pursue the path of service before self. As these officers begin their careers, they carry with them the pride of their families, the aspirations of the nation and the responsibility to uphold the finest traditions of the Indian Army.
These women cadets chose the Indian Army and entered the IMA in July 2025 for their final year of pre-commission training. This marked the first occasion where women cadets entered the IMA through the challenging NDA route to secure permanent commissions in the regular Army. Their commitment to the Army and the demanding one-year program at IMA highlights their dedication to uphold the highest standards of military leadership.
Since their arrival at IMA in July 2025, these women have trained alongside their male peers in every aspect of the curriculum. No separate standards or reduced physical requirements were set. They engaged in the same intensive schedule of drills, physical training, weapons handling, tactical exercises, field tactics, leadership development, and academic instruction that characterizes the IMA experience.
The training at IMA is crafted to develop officers capable of leading in the most demanding operational circumstances. By completing the program without any gender-specific concessions, these cadets have proven that excellence in military training is driven by merit, resilience, and dedication, qualities that transcend gender.
Their successful completion of this phase places them on equal terms with all other officers commissioned through the NDA–IMA pathway.
