President Droupadi Murmu inspected the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun on Saturday.
The ceremony marked a landmark occasion for the Indian military as the first group of women trained through the National Defence Academy (NDA) graduated as commissioned officers.
A total of nine women from the NDA’s inaugural female batch received commissions in the Indian Army during the parade.
Five women from the same batch completed their training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, and were commissioned into the Indian Air Force. Their induction follows the Supreme Court’s historic 2022 verdict that granted women entry into the NDA.
The decision opened new pathways for women seeking careers in the armed forces.
President Murmu reviewed the parade at the IMA campus in Dehradun.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the corresponding commissioning ceremony held at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal.
This year, 515 cadets graduated from the Indian Military Academy.
The passing-out contingent, however, included 34 foreign cadets representing 16 different nations.
Among the graduating cadets were nine women from the NDA’s first female intake. They completed extensive military training before earning their commissions.
The Indian Air Force’s 217th course saw 231 flight cadets complete their pre-commissioning programme. The graduating batch comprised 194 men and 37 women.
Five of the female cadets belonged to the NDA’s pioneering women’s cohort. Their achievement reflects the expanding opportunities available to women across India’s defence services.
The successful completion of training by these officers highlights the capability of women to meet the demanding standards of military service. It also reinforces the armed forces’ commitment to greater inclusion and equal opportunities.
The graduation celebrations, however, concluded with a series of impressive aerial performances.
An advanced Sukhoi fighter aircraft carried out precision manoeuvres over the venue.
The Sarang helicopter display team also demonstrated its flying skills before the audience.
The renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team added to the spectacle with a vibrant display, bringing the historic event to a memorable close.
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