In a historic move for gender inclusivity, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun is set to welcome its first batch of women officer cadets in July 2025. This significant development follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2021, which mandated that women be allowed to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, thereby opening pathways for their entry into the armed forces through the regular entry route.
Out of the current 18 women cadets in the sixth and final term of their NDA training, eight have chosen to join the Indian Army. After completing a year of intensive training at IMA, these cadets will be commissioned as officers in 2026. This marks a transformative moment for IMA, which has exclusively trained male officer cadets for nearly 93 years.
The IMA has begun preparations for this new chapter by designating separate accommodations for women cadets, although they will train alongside their male counterparts. This arrangement includes being assigned to different companies, aimed at facilitating a smooth integration process during the training period. A senior official highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that IMA, the last military academy in the country to exclude women from training, is embarking on a significant evolution in its history.
To ensure that the induction of women cadets occurs seamlessly and that gender-specific needs are effectively addressed, IMA officials have proactively visited other military training academies. These visits included stops at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, and the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala to learn from their established practices in training women cadets.
The pathway for women to attend the NDA and Naval Academy was paved by the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2021, which dismantled entrenched gender barriers and allowed women to take the NDA entrance examination. This ruling came in the wake of another important Supreme Court decision that granted women officers who joined the Indian Army through Short Service Commission (SSC) entitlements for permanent commission and command roles, enhancing gender parity within the armed forces.
Since the commencement of women’s induction into NDA in August 2022, their training spans three years divided into six terms, culminating in graduation in May 2025. After this, the eight women cadets intending to join the Army will transition to IMA for specialized training before their commissioning.
The integration of women into the Indian military has witnessed remarkable advancements. Approximately 60% of the Indian Army’s women commanding officers are leading units in operational zones, including critical postings in the Northern and Eastern Commands, responsible for securing India’s borders. Additionally, over 145 women officers have received approvals for promotion to Colonel, and around 115 are currently commanding their respective units.
Despite these strides, several branches, particularly combat roles in infantry and tank units, remain closed to women in the Army. However, the forthcoming induction of women cadets into IMA signals a promising trend toward offering equal opportunities and expanding their future roles within the armed forces.
The transition toward gender inclusivity has faced challenges. Notably, a senior general expressed operational concerns regarding the integration of women in sensitive roles. In a letter penned in October 2024, Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri raised queries about command dynamics and the management of officer ranks involving women. Nonetheless, these apprehensions have largely been perceived as initial hurdles that can be overcome through experience and evolving operational standards.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Anu Singh Randhawa, who served for 21 years in the Army Ordnance Corps, remains optimistic about the future for women in the military. “I don’t foresee any hurdles, as the Army has been training women at OTA for more than 30 years. Similar training standards and practices will be adopted by IMA,” she remarked, emphasizing the acceptance of women in the military.
The selection process for candidates aspiring to enter the NDA and Naval Academy is both rigorous and competitive. Candidates, including women, are required to:
- Pass the Services Selection Board (SSB) assessments, which include a comprehensive five-day evaluation of personality and intelligence.
- Undergo a thorough medical examination.
- Have their performance consolidated into a final merit list prepared by the UPSC after the completion of all selection stages.
The women cadets joining IMA have successfully navigated these challenging rounds, positioning themselves well for the forthcoming training.
This landmark induction is more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a significant stride towards empowering women within the armed forces and fostering a culture of equality, professionalism, and opportunity. As these pioneering women prepare to commence their journey at IMA in July 2025, they embody the promise of breaking new ground and inspiring future generations of young women to pursue careers in the Indian Army.
