First batch of women cadets trained at NDA commissioned into Defence Forces

📌 Summary:

• The first batch of women cadets trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA) has been commissioned as officers in the Defence Forces — a historic milestone in women's military participation
• 17 women cadets joined the NDA in August 2022 as part of the 148th Course and completed pre-commission training at their respective Service academies
• Army: 9 officers commissioned at the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course, IMA Dehradun (13 June 2026), reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu
• Air Force: 5 officers commissioned at the Combined Graduation Parade, Air Force Academy, Dundigal; Navy: 3 officers commissioned at INA Ezhimala (28 May 2026)
• Outcome of the Supreme Court-enabled admission of women to the NDA

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS1 Society (women's empowerment, gender equality in institutions) and GS2 — judiciary-driven reform expanding women's access to the armed forces.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Women first admitted to NDA via the 148th Course (joined August 2022); first batch commissioned June 2026
• Army academy: IMA Dehradun (158th Regular Course); Air Force: AFA Dundigal; Navy: INA Ezhimala
• IMA parade reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu

🔑 Key Term: National Defence Academy (NDA) — the tri-service academy at Khadakwasla where cadets train jointly before commissioning into the Army, Navy or Air Force.