In a historic move, the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, is set to induct its first batch of women officer cadets in July 2025. These women cadets will be joining IMA after graduating from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, where they were admitted for the first time in August 2022 following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2021.
First Batch of Women from NDA to Join IMA
Eight out of the 18 women cadets, who are currently in their sixth and final term of training at NDA, have opted to serve in the Indian Army. After completing their training at NDA in May 2025, they will undergo an additional year of rigorous military training at IMA before being commissioned as officers next year. This marks a significant step towards enhancing gender inclusivity in the Indian Armed Forces.
126 Women Cadets Enrolled at NDA Since 2022
Since the NDA opened its doors to women cadets, a total of 126 women cadets have joined the prestigious tri-services academy. The largest contingent of these women cadets hails from Haryana (35), followed by Uttar Pradesh (28) and Rajasthan (13). According to the Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, adequate infrastructure and facilities are being provided to women cadets at NDA, ensuring parity with their male counterparts.
About the Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Established in 1932, the 92-year-old IMA is one of the oldest and most prestigious military academies in India. Located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, IMA has been instrumental in producing some of the finest officers for the Indian Army. The academy’s motto, “वीरता और विवेक” (Valour and Wisdom), embodies the spirit of the institution.
- Initial Strength: 40 male cadets in 1932
- Current Capacity: 1,650 cadets
- Training Duration: 3 to 16 months, depending on the entry scheme
IMA is spread across 1,400 acres and is home to iconic landmarks such as Chetwode Hall, Khetarpal Auditorium, Somnath Stadium, Salaria Aquatic Centre, and Hoshiar Singh Gymnasium. Cadets are organized into a regiment with four battalions, each consisting of four companies. Upon successful completion of training, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.
Women in the Armed Forces: A Growing Presence
While women have been inducted into the armed forces since the early 1990s, their entry was earlier restricted to military academies such as the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, where they were trained for Short Service Commission (SSC). However, following the Supreme Court’s intervention, women officers can now receive permanent commission (PC) and have the opportunity to be promoted to commanding officer roles in the rank of Colonel.
Despite these progressive changes, women remain a minority in the armed forces. Currently, there are around 3,900 women officers (excluding the medical stream) in the 70,000-strong officer cadre of the Indian Armed Forces.
A Milestone for Gender Inclusion
The induction of women officer cadets at IMA is a significant milestone in India’s military history. It reflects the growing role of women in defending the nation and is a step towards building a more inclusive and equitable armed force. As the Indian Army prepares to welcome its first batch of women cadets at IMA in 2025, the move signals a new era of empowerment and opportunities for women in the military.
