A year after they crossed the symbolic Antim Pag (the final step) at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, the first batch of 17 women cadets trained at the NDA was commissioned on Saturday as officers, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of women's participation in military service. This is the first time women officers are joining the forces with a permanent commission. So far, short service commission women officers could join the forces and later seek permanent commission after completion of 14 years of service. This was made possible by an interim order passed by the Supreme Court in August 2021, while hearing a plea seeking directions to let eligible women take the NDA and Naval Academy entrance exams conducted by the UPSC. The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA in July-August 2022 as part of its 148th course. The 17 women cadets completed their rigorous pre-commission training at their respective service academies, the Ministry of Defence said. In the Indian Army, nine women officers were commissioned during the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course held at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu. In the Indian Air Force, five officers were commissioned during the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217th Course at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad, reviewed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh; they were among 231 Flight Cadets (194 men and 37 women) commissioned. In the Indian Navy, three officers were commissioned during the Spring Term 2026 Passing Out Parade at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala, on May 28. The Ministry said the commissioning reflects the nation's commitment to equal opportunity, merit and excellence in military service.
First batch of NDA-trained women cadets commissioned as officers
The first batch of 17 women cadets trained at the NDA was commissioned as officers on Saturday, becoming the first women to join the armed forces with a permanent commission. This followed an August 2021 Supreme Court interim order allowing eligible women to take the NDA and Naval Academy entrance exams.
Key facts
- The first batch of 17 women cadets trained at the NDA was commissioned as officers on Saturday, a milestone in women's participation in military service.
- This is the first time women officers are joining the forces with a permanent commission; earlier only short service commission women could join and seek permanent commission after 14 years of service.
- An interim order by the Supreme Court in August 2021 allowed eligible women to take the NDA and Naval Academy entrance exams conducted by the UPSC.
- The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA in July-August 2022 as part of its 148th course.
- Nine women officers were commissioned in the Indian Army at IMA Dehradun (158th Regular Course), reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu.
- Five officers were commissioned in the IAF at AFA Dundigal (217th Course) and three in the Navy at INA Ezhimala on May 28.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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With reference to the commissioning of the first batch of NDA-trained women cadets, consider the following statements: 1. They are the first women officers to join the armed forces with a permanent commission. 2. The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA in July-August 2022 as part of its 148th course. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. According to the source, this is the first time women officers are joining the forces with a permanent commission, and the first batch of women cadets joined the NDA in July-August 2022 as part of its 148th course.
Source: The Indian Express
Frequently asked questions
What milestone was marked on Saturday?
The first batch of 17 women cadets trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA) was commissioned as officers, the first women to join the armed forces with a permanent commission.
How was this made possible?
By an interim order passed by the Supreme Court in August 2021, allowing eligible women to take the NDA and Naval Academy entrance exams conducted by the UPSC.
How were the 17 officers distributed across the services?
Nine were commissioned in the Indian Army at IMA Dehradun, five in the Indian Air Force at AFA Dundigal, and three in the Indian Navy at INA Ezhimala.
How did the earlier system for women officers differ?
Earlier, short service commission women officers could join the forces and seek permanent commission only after completing 14 years of service.
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