Khadakwasla: The National Defence Academy (NDA) marked a historic moment on 30 May 2025, as its first-ever batch of 17 female cadets successfully completed training and participated in the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 148th Course – Spring Term 2025. This is the first time in NDA’s history that women cadets have passed out of the academy.
The parade, held at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground, featured a total of 1,341 cadets, including 336 from the passing out course. The event was reviewed by the Governor of Mizoram, General (Dr) VK Singh (Retd), who also presented awards to outstanding cadets.
The parade was led by Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi of ‘G’ Squadron and conducted by Adjutant Lt Col Praveen Kumar Tiwari, mounted on his charger ‘Reliant Robin’. The Reviewing Officer presented the President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, the President’s Silver Medal to Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi, and the President’s Bronze Medal to Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhatt. Golf Squadron received the Chiefs of Staff Banner for overall excellence.
The event concluded with a spectacular flypast that included Chetak helicopters, Super Dimona motorised gliders, and the Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft.
Family members, dignitaries, school students, civilians, and Armed Forces personnel — both serving and retired — attended the ceremony.
The inclusion of women in the NDA has been a significant policy shift. The successful completion of training by the 17 female cadets signals a new phase in India’s military training institutions, where gender no longer defines the scope of opportunity.
The Spring Term 2025 POP not only marked the end of rigorous military and academic training for 336 cadets, but also added a new chapter to the academy’s legacy with the presence of women ready to serve in uniform.
BI Bureau
