Historic Moment: First Women NDA Cadets Commissioned into Indian Air Force!
Historic Moment: First Women NDA Cadets Commissioned into Indian Air Force!
Witness history unfold as the first batch of women NDA cadets, including Divyanshi Singh and Minakshi, join the Indian Air Force! A monumental step for gender equality in India's armed forces. #NariShakti
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has witnessed a groundbreaking moment, as the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) were officially commissioned. This landmark event follows the Supreme Court's pivotal verdict in mid-2021, which shattered a long-standing glass ceiling by opening the doors of the prestigious NDA to women for the first time. This ruling paved the way for young women to pursue their aspirations of serving the nation through the tri-services academy.
Among these pioneering women is Flight Cadet Divyanshi Singh, who is set to make history as the first NDA woman cadet to be commissioned into the IAF Ground Duty branch. For Divyanshi, joining the IAF was a lifelong dream, nurtured by her upbringing in a military family; her father, an air warrior, instilled in her values of discipline, honor, and selfless duty. Her journey began by clearing the rigorous entrance examination and then enduring the demanding training regimen at the NDA. Throughout her three years at the academy, Divyanshi demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, earning her the distinguished position of Cadet Quarter Master Sergeant, a testament to her capabilities and the trust placed in her by her peers and the institution.
Another inspiring story is that of Flight Cadet Minakshi, who also seized this historic opportunity. After successfully clearing the examination and the Service Selection Board (SSB), she received her call letter and stepped into NDA on August 6, 2022, becoming a part of this historic inaugural batch. On May 30, 2025, dressed in gleaming white patrols, Minakshi, along with her fellow cadets, proudly crossed the 'Antim Pag' at Khetarpal Parade Ground, officially earning the prestigious 'ex-NDA' title. After graduating from the NDA in March 2025, these five trailblazing women underwent specialized branch-specific training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, before their commissioning into the Indian Air Force.
The commissioning ceremony, which included 217 cadets, saw Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade. He awarded the 'President's Commission' to the graduating cadets and offered special congratulations to the women officers. The Minister underscored the vital role of "Nari Shakti" (women power) in strengthening the IAF, stating that their growing presence would make the force more robust and balanced. This achievement by Divyanshi Singh, Minakshi, and their batchmates represents more than just personal success; it signifies a new and inclusive chapter for women in India's armed forces, inspiring countless young girls across the nation to envision a future in uniform.
