Indian Military Academy to Induct First Batch of Women Cadets in Historic Move
Dehradun: In a historic moment for the Indian military, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun is set to welcome its first-ever batch of women officer cadets in July 2025. This significant development follows the graduation of these women from the National Defence Academy (NDA), which began admitting female candidates three years ago after a Supreme Court ruling.
Out of the 18 women cadets currently in their final term at NDA, eight have chosen to serve in the Indian Army. After completing their three-year training at NDA in May 2025, they will undertake an additional year of rigorous preparation at IMA before being commissioned as officers. This marks a pivotal milestone for the 92-year-old academy, which has traditionally trained only male cadets.
A Watershed Moment in Military History
An official from the defense establishment described this move as a “watershed in IMA’s history,” as it remains the only major military academy in India that has yet to train women. This is poised to change following a 2021 Supreme Court directive that mandated women’s entry into the NDA, allowing them to serve in the armed forces on equal footing with men.
The IMA has been preparing for the induction of women cadets by examining training models from other academies, including the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, and the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala. At IMA, the women cadets will have separate accommodation but will train alongside their male counterparts in different companies.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Anu Singh Randhawa, a former officer in the Army Ordnance Corps, stated, “I don’t foresee any hurdles, as the army has been training women at OTA for more than 30 years. The same standards and practices will be followed at IMA, ensuring a seamless transition.”
Women Making Strides in the Armed Forces
The induction of women at IMA comes at a time when the Indian Army is increasingly integrating women into key roles. Currently, 60% of women commanding officers are leading units in operational areas, including high-security zones in the Northern and Eastern Commands. In the past two years, more than 145 women officers have been approved for promotion to the rank of colonel, with 115 already leading their units.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. A recent letter from Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri to Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari highlighted concerns about unit management under women officers. Nevertheless, the overall trend suggests greater acceptance of women in leadership positions within the armed forces.
The Road to Becoming an Officer
To enter the NDA, candidates must pass the rigorous NDA and Naval Academy Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) while in Class 12. They then undergo a five-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, followed by medical examinations, before the final merit list is published. After three years at NDA, cadets proceed to service-specific academies for specialized training before commissioning.
Women have already made significant contributions to the armed forces by flying fighter jets, serving on warships, and joining personnel below officer rank (PBOR) cadres. While the army has yet to induct women into combat roles such as infantry and tank units, the upcoming induction at IMA represents another major step toward gender inclusivity in India’s military forces.
