In a historic stride towards inclusivity, the National Defence Academy (NDA) is set to witness a groundbreaking moment as the first batch of women cadets takes part in the passing out parade alongside their male counterparts on November 30. President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will preside over the ceremony, marking a significant shift in the tradition of the prestigious tri-services institution.
The journey began a year ago when the initial group of 19 women cadets embarked on their training at NDA, Khadakwasla. Known for producing exceptional military officers, the institution is witnessing a transformative phase as these cadets, currently in their second year of military-cum-academic training, prepare to create history.
While the female cadets participated in autumn and winter passing out parades during the first two terms of their initial year, this parade is monumental as they will now be an integral part of the marching contingent. The batch, consisting of 19 members (10 for the Army, six for the Air Force, and three for the Navy), belongs to the 148th course and is slated to graduate in May 2025. This progressive step follows a landmark Supreme Court order that led to the NDA opening its doors to women, breaking the tradition of being a male-only institution.
As pioneers, the first batch of female cadets will complete their training in 2025 and transition to other single-service academies based on their chosen service—Army, Air Force, or Navy.
The Passing Out Parade of the 145th NDA course promises to be a grand spectacle of honor and tradition. The defense spokesperson in Pune expressed excitement, stating, “Ready for a grand spectacle of honour and tradition? The Passing Out Parade of the 145th NDA course promises just that! Delighted to announce that Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India, will review the parade. Stay tuned for an unforgettable ceremony!”
