Overview
President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun on 13 June 2026. Nine women cadets from the first NDA batch were commissioned as officers in the Indian Army. A total of 515 cadets passed out, including 34 from friendly foreign countries.
A Historic Day at the Indian Military Academy
On 13 June 2026, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun witnessed a historic event. President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course. The parade was special because it included nine women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA). These nine women were part of the first batch of women cadets admitted to the NDA. After completing their training, they were commissioned as officers in the Indian Army. This marked a new chapter in India’s military history.
The Indian Military Academy: A Legacy of Excellence
The Indian Military Academy is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It was established in 1932. The IMA trains officer cadets for commissioning into the Indian Army. The Passing Out Parade is a grand ceremony. It marks the completion of pre-commission training. Cadets who pass out from IMA become proud officers of the Indian Army. They serve the nation with honour and courage. The 13 June 2026 parade was the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course.
Women in the National Defence Academy: A Long Struggle
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is located at Khadakwasla near Pune, Maharashtra. It was the only tri-service training academy that did not admit women for a long time. In August 2021, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment. It allowed women to appear for the NDA entrance examination. This opened the doors for women to join the armed forces as officers through the NDA route. The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA soon after. They trained alongside their male counterparts for three years. On 13 June 2026, nine of these women cadets passed out from IMA and were commissioned into the Indian Army.
The Passing Out Parade: Numbers and Details
A total of 515 officer cadets passed out from the Indian Military Academy in this parade. Among them, 481 were Indian Gentleman Cadets. The remaining 34 were foreign cadets from 16 friendly countries. These countries included Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Tanzania, and others. The parade was held at the IMA’s historic parade ground. President Murmu, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, took the salute. She inspected the parade and congratulated the cadets.
The Nine Women Cadets: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
The nine women cadets who were commissioned into the Indian Army on this day made history. They had cleared the NDA entrance examination after the Supreme Court order. They had undergone rigorous training at the NDA for three years. Then they came to IMA for further training. Their passing out proves that women can serve as frontline officers in the Indian Army. They will now join various branches of the army, including combat support and combat arms. Their achievement will inspire many young girls to join the armed forces.
President Murmu’s Address to the Cadets
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the cadets during the parade. She praised their dedication and discipline. She said, “You are the future of our nation. The Indian Army is proud of you. Remember that your duty is to protect the sovereignty and integrity of India. Always uphold the highest traditions of the armed forces.” She also congratulated the women cadets for breaking stereotypes. She said, “Women are no less than men in any field. Today’s commissioning proves that gender is not a barrier to serving the nation.”
A Human Touch: The Cadet’s Pride
Among the nine women cadets was Priya Singh from Lucknow. She said, “When I joined NDA, many people said girls cannot handle the tough training. But we proved them wrong. Today, when I took the oath as an officer, my parents were watching. My mother was crying. That moment made all the hard work worth it.” Another cadet, Tanvi Sharma from Jaipur, said, “The training was tough. There were times I wanted to give up. But my instructors and my fellow cadets pushed me. Now I am ready to serve my country.” These words show the human spirit behind the historic event.
Commissioning in Other Services
While nine women cadets were commissioned into the Indian Army at IMA Dehradun, five additional women cadets from the same first NDA batch were commissioned into the Indian Air Force. Their commissioning took place at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. This shows that women are now entering all branches of the armed forces through the NDA route. The Indian Navy also has women officers, though none from this batch joined the Navy immediately.
The Importance of This Day for India
The commissioning of the first women NDA batch into the Indian Army is a landmark moment. It shows that India is moving towards gender equality in the armed forces. It also shows that the Indian military is modernising. Women are now being given opportunities to serve in roles that were previously reserved for men. This will strengthen the armed forces by bringing in diverse talent.
Exam-Focused Points
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Event: Passing Out Parade of 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduate Course at IMA Dehradun.
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Date: 13 June 2026.
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Reviewing Officer: President Droupadi Murmu (Supreme Commander of Armed Forces).
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Total cadets passed out: 515 (481 Indian, 34 foreign).
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Foreign cadets from: 16 friendly countries.
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Women cadets commissioned into Indian Army from first NDA batch: 9.
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Women cadets commissioned into Indian Air Force from first NDA batch: 5.
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NDA location: Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra.
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IMA established: 1932 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
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Air Force Academy location: Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana.
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Supreme Court order allowing women in NDA: August 2021.
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Significance: First time women from NDA were commissioned into Indian Army.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When did President Murmu review the Passing Out Parade at IMA?
A: On 13 June 2026.
Q2: How many women cadets from the first NDA batch were commissioned into the Indian Army?
A: Nine women cadets were commissioned into the Indian Army at IMA Dehradun.
Q3: Where is the Indian Military Academy located?
A: It is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Q4: When did the Supreme Court allow women to take the NDA entrance examination?
A: In August 2021.
Q5: How many foreign cadets passed out from IMA in this parade?
A: 34 foreign cadets from 16 friendly countries.