Captain Shivani Sehrawat has created history by becoming the first woman officer of the Indian Army to be appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). She assumed the prestigious appointment in mid-July 2026 and is serving as part of the personal staff of General Dhiraj Seth, the 31st Chief of the Army Staff.
The appointment marks another significant milestone for women officers in the Indian Army and highlights the steadily expanding range of responsibilities being entrusted to them. The role of an ADC to the Army Chief is considered one of the most prestigious and high-trust staff appointments for a young officer, requiring exceptional professionalism, discipline, organisational ability and knowledge of military protocol.
Captain Shivani Sehrawat Makes History
Captain Shivani Sehrawat has been appointed as one of the Aides-de-Camp serving the Chief of the Army Staff. Her selection makes her the first woman officer to hold the position of ADC to the serving Army Chief.
An officer selected for such an appointment works closely with the senior-most officer of the Indian Army and becomes part of an environment involving important military, government, ceremonial and diplomatic engagements.
The appointment therefore carries considerable responsibility and requires an officer capable of functioning efficiently under pressure while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism and attention to detail.
Captain Sehrawat assumed her responsibilities shortly after General Dhiraj Seth took over as Chief of the Army Staff on 30 June 2026.
What is an Aide-de-Camp?
An Aide-de-Camp, commonly abbreviated as ADC, is a military officer appointed to assist a senior commander or constitutional authority in carrying out official responsibilities.
In the case of the Chief of the Army Staff, an ADC functions as an important member of the Chief’s personal staff and assists in coordinating various official engagements.
The responsibilities of an ADC can include managing and coordinating the Army Chief’s programmes, official visits and engagements, accompanying the COAS during important military and ceremonial events, coordinating with formations and government authorities, facilitating interactions with visiting dignitaries and ensuring that established military protocols are followed.
The officer may also assist with correspondence, administrative coordination and liaison between the office of the Army Chief and different military or government establishments.
Although ADCs are frequently visible during ceremonial occasions, their responsibilities are not limited to ceremonial functions. Considerable administrative planning and coordination takes place behind the scenes.
A Highly Prestigious Military Appointment
The position of ADC is regarded as a coveted appointment because of the level of responsibility and trust involved.
Officers serving in this capacity operate in close proximity to senior military leadership and are exposed to important aspects of strategic-level military administration, protocol and decision-making processes.
Selection generally requires an excellent service record along with strong organisational abilities, professional conduct, communication skills and a thorough understanding of military traditions and protocol.
The officer must also be capable of dealing with rapidly changing schedules and coordinating engagements involving senior military commanders, government officials and foreign dignitaries.
Captain Shivani Sehrawat’s selection for the position therefore represents an important professional achievement in addition to its historic significance.
Serving Under General Dhiraj Seth
Captain Sehrawat is serving as ADC to General Dhiraj Seth, who assumed office as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on 30 June 2026.
General Seth is an Armoured Corps officer commissioned into 2nd Lancers. During his long military career, he has held several important command and staff appointments.
Before becoming the Army Chief, he served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He has also commanded the Southern Command and South Western Command, giving him extensive experience in formations responsible for India’s western borders.
His other important appointments have included command of XXI Corps and Delhi Area.
Captain Sehrawat’s appointment came during the early weeks of General Seth’s tenure as COAS.
Another Milestone for Women Officers
The appointment also reflects the expanding professional opportunities available to women officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Over the past several years, women have entered roles that were previously unavailable to them, including permanent commission in multiple branches, command appointments, operational postings and responsibilities in difficult terrain.
Women officers have also increasingly been appointed as ADCs to senior military leaders and constitutional authorities.
Captain Shivani Sehrawat becoming the first woman ADC to the Chief of the Army Staff adds another significant achievement to this continuing transformation.
Rather than being merely ceremonial, such appointments indicate the confidence placed in officers selected to operate alongside the highest levels of military leadership.
Inspiration for Women Defence Aspirants
Captain Sehrawat’s achievement is particularly significant for thousands of young women aspiring to join the Armed Forces through entries such as the National Defence Academy, Combined Defence Services Examination and other officer-selection routes.
Women cadets are now training alongside their male counterparts at institutions including the National Defence Academy, while increasing numbers of women officers are taking up important operational, instructional, command and staff responsibilities.
For defence aspirants preparing for the SSB interview, achievements such as Captain Sehrawat’s demonstrate the diversity of opportunities that can become available during a military career.
An officer’s career can extend beyond conventional unit responsibilities into prestigious appointments involving senior leadership, strategic headquarters and important national-level assignments.
A Significant Moment in Indian Army History
Captain Shivani Sehrawat’s appointment as the first woman Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of the Army Staff represents another noteworthy chapter in the evolving role of women within the Indian Army.
The ADC appointment demands competence, discretion, discipline and exceptional organisational capability because the officer works directly alongside the Army’s highest-ranking serving officer.
Her selection illustrates how women officers are increasingly being entrusted with prestigious and high-responsibility assignments across the Armed Forces.
For young defence aspirants, Captain Shivani Sehrawat’s achievement is also a reminder that a career in the Indian Army can provide opportunities to serve in positions of considerable responsibility and distinction.
As women officers continue to enter new domains and assume increasingly important appointments, Captain Sehrawat’s historic selection as ADC to the Chief of the Army Staff stands as another important milestone in the transformation of India’s Armed Forces.
