On May 30, the National Defence Academy (NDA) celebrated a historic milestone as it graduated 17 female cadets for the first time during the Passing Out Parade (POP) for the 148th Course – Spring Term 2025. This event took place at the Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra, where a total of 336 cadets completed their rigorous military and academic training. The parade was reviewed by General (Dr) VK Singh (Retd), Governor of Mizoram.
The ceremony featured notable performances, with the parade led by Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi and conducted by Adjutant Lt Col Praveen Kumar Tiwari on horseback. Among the cadets, top honors were awarded, including the President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, the Silver Medal to Udayveer Singh Negi, and the Bronze Medal to Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhatt. Additionally, Golf Squadron received the Chiefs of Staff Banner for best overall performance.
This graduation marks a significant step towards gender inclusion in India’s Armed Forces, following the NDA’s decision to admit female cadets in 2021. The newly graduated cadets will proceed to their respective service academies for further training before being commissioned as officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
