In a first, 17 women cadets to graduate from NDA alongside 300 male soldiers on May 30

On May 30, Cadet Ishita Sharma will step onto the National Defence Academy ( NDA) parade ground in Pune, not just as a graduate but as part of a moment that will go down in history.

She is among the first 17 women cadets who will pass out of the prestigious military institution — a landmark event in the journey of gender integration in India’s armed forces.

These 17 women, alongside nearly 300 male cadets, are set to become NDA’s first co-ed graduating batch since the academy opened its doors to female aspirants in 2022.

For decades, the NDA had remained an all-male bastion. That changed following a Supreme Court directive, and now, three years later, the results of that shift are ready to be commissioned into military life.

“A complete transformation”
“I come from a non-military background. My parents work in the corporate sector, and my brother is an IT professional. I was pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics when NDA announced its entry for women. I didn't think twice before applying,” Ishita, who now holds the honorary title of Division Cadet Captain (DCC), told ToI.

Reflecting on her time at the academy, she said, “After spending three years here, I can confidently say that my personality underwent a complete transformation.”

For Ishita, leadership was not just taught, it was lived — with responsibilities like being DCC offering a chance to develop character and command from within the ranks.

Her experience is echoed across the batch, with cadets describing the three years as intense, transformative, and deeply personal. “Before joining the academy, I was an introvert. Here, I made several friends for life. In fact, my course mates feel like family now,” she said.

Breaking barriers, shaping futures
Another cadet, Shriti Daksh, daughter of a retired wing commander, shared how the NDA experience not only matched but exceeded her expectations. “At the academy, I actually understood what the real experience of military training feels like,” she said.

The first day at NDA was more than a moment of pride — it was a generational milestone. “It was a special day for my father and me when he dropped me off at the academy, a mix of nostalgia and pride for him. Now, I am just a few days away from the moment my father experienced in his life, and I am excited to share that moment with him on May 30,” she added.

Cadet Ritul Duhan, who became the first woman to be appointed Battalion Cadet Captain (BCC), knows the weight her position carries.

“We're not just completing training; we are paving the way for future leadership and inspiring younger cadets,” she said.

Despite the physically and mentally demanding training, the women cadets said the environment was one of equal opportunity. “Equal opportunity naturally empowers each individual. That is what makes the academy unique in all aspects,” Ishita noted.

Their time at NDA was defined not just by military drills and academic learning, but by breaking mental barriers. “Once you break that mental barrier, you push your limits to the next level each time,” Ishita said.

The historic passing-out parade on May 30 will not only celebrate the graduation of these cadets, but also reflect a new chapter for the armed forces — one that signals inclusivity, resilience, and a future where leadership wears no gender.

(With ToI inputs)