Historic Milestone: First Batch of 17 Women Cadets Among 336 Graduate at NDA Passing Out Parade 2025
Pune/Khadakwasla, 30 May 2025: In a momentous and emotionally charged ceremony at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground, the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, marked a historic milestone with the Passing Out Parade (POP) of its 148th course. A total of 1,287 cadets were on parade, including 336 from the passing out course — among them, for the first time ever, 17 trailblazing female cadets.
This landmark event was reviewed by General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff. Addressing the cadets, General Singh described the occasion as a proud and transformative moment in India’s military history. “This is inclusivity,” he said, emphasizing that the female cadets were “part and parcel of everything” and not to be seen differently.
Gen. Singh further reflected on his own NDA journey that began on 7 June 1969. “It is a matter of immense pride to stand where my journey began,” he remarked. Speaking to the cadets about the importance of discipline, courage, and service, he stated, “Glory is crafted through grit and great force of discipline… Pain is temporary, pride is permanent.”
An awe-inspiring Indian Air Force flypast crowned the ceremony, paying aerial tribute to the 340 cadets, including the 17 pioneering women, symbolizing a salute to India’s future defenders.
The presence of senior military leadership underscored the significance of the event. The ceremony was led by NDA Commandant Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, and attended by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth and Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, among other dignitaries.
The Spring Term 2025 Passing Out Parade was more than just a ceremonial conclusion to rigorous training — it was a celebration of legacy and a leap toward gender inclusion in the armed forces. The NDA, long regarded as the cradle of India’s military leadership, has now opened its doors to a new chapter.
Speaking to the media after the event, Gen. Singh addressed why it took time to integrate women into the NDA. “It is an evolving process. It took this long to integrate women because of the amount of work needed to prepare the environment and address all related concerns. It takes time.”
However, he expressed full confidence in the institution’s ability to adapt. “The NDA ensures to keep up with modern times and live to the culture,” he said, adding that while training methods have evolved, the core values of the Academy remain unchanged. “Whoever is there in NDA will find newness in the old culture.”
In a final message to the cadets, Gen. Singh urged them to wear their uniforms with pride, stay grounded with their troops, and uphold the sacred bond between leaders and the led. “Take care of your men and women. Know their stories. Stand by them. Earn the expertise to lead them in battle,” he said.
He also thanked the families of the cadets, saying, “You have given the nation its greatest strength. The nation shares your pride and your sacrifice.”
The 148th NDA Passing Out Parade will go down in the annals of Indian military history not only for its grandeur but also for breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks. With the inclusion of women cadets, the NDA has reaffirmed its commitment to evolving with the times while upholding its enduring spirit of excellence.
If you missed witnessing The 148th NDA Passing Out Parade live, watch it here
