Sai Jadhav Becomes First Woman Graduate of Indian Military Academy

Historic First as Woman Officer Passes Out from IMA Dehradun

At the age of just 23 , Sai Jadhav has created history by becoming the first woman officer to graduate from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun . Her commissioning marks the end of a 93-year-long all-male tradition at one of India’s most prestigious military training institutions and represents a defining moment in the Indian Army’s journey towards greater inclusivity.

Ending a 93-Year Legacy
Founded in 1932 , the Indian Military Academy has produced over 67,000 officers for the Indian Army. For more than nine decades, only men passed out from its portals. Sai Jadhav’s induction was enabled through special approval, but her training standards were identical to those of her male counterparts. She completed six months of intense military training , including physical drills, field exercises, leadership assessments, and discipline routines, without any relaxation in norms.

A Family Steeped in Military Service
Sai Jadhav’s achievement reflects a strong legacy of service. She is a fourth-generation member of her family to don the uniform. Her great-grandfather served in the British Army, her grandfather in the Indian Army, and her father, Sandeep Jadhav , is a serving officer. Growing up across multiple cantonments shaped her values of discipline, adaptability, and national service.

Commissioning into the Territorial Army
She has been commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army (TA) . While women officers have served in the TA earlier, Sai Jadhav is the first woman to enter the Territorial Army through the IMA route , opening a new institutional pathway for women in military leadership training.

A Signal of Institutional Change
Her milestone aligns with wider reforms, including the induction of women cadets into the National Defence Academy (NDA) from 2022. Sai Jadhav’s participation in the ceremonial parade at the historic Chetwode Building in 2026 will stand as a lasting symbol of change—demonstrating that tradition and inclusion can advance together in India’s armed forces.

Exam-Focused Points

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) was established in 1932 at Dehradun.

• Sai Jadhav is the first woman graduate of IMA.

• She has been commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army .

• Her graduation ends a 93-year-old all-male tradition at IMA.