For the first time in its 75-year history, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, witnessed a moment of national pride and transformation – 17 trailblazing women cadets marched shoulder-to-shoulder with over 300 men, successfully completing their rigorous training and graduating as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
This milestone was made possible after the Supreme Court’s 2021 landmark verdict allowing women to join the NDA – a previously male-only institution. Nearly three years later, these young women have defied stereotypes, shattered barriers, and set a precedent for generations to come.
Urmi Sahu: Turning Pain into Power
From the small town of Chhattisgarh, Cadet Urmi Sahu ranked 11th among the women cadets – and her story is one of personal tragedy and unshakeable resolve.
“When I was disturbed, my father’s words encouraged me, and my mother inspired me. That’s how the dream came true.”
Urmi cleared the NDA exam in her first and only attempt, racing against age eligibility. She prepared for the written exam on her own, timing her mock tests and studying from digital resources – all while pursuing B.Tech.
In her second term at NDA, her father, Digambar Singh Sahu, met with a tragic accident and passed away. Emotionally devastated, she considered leaving the academy. But her mother, Sunita Sahu, reminded her of the dream she had worked so hard for. With renewed strength, Urmi continued and emerged as a symbol of endurance and dignity.
Ritul Duhan: The First Woman Battalion Cadet Captain
Cadet Ritul Duhan, hailing from Hisar, Haryana, created history as the first-ever woman to be appointed Battalion Cadet Captain – a leadership position traditionally held only by male cadets.
Coming from a humble background, Ritul’s rise to the top wasn’t easy. But her resilience, natural leadership, and athletic excellence stood out. A national-level runner, she won five gold medals in the NDA’s brutal 14-kilometre cross-country races.
“The SSB is about who you already are. You can’t fake it.”
She openly discussed her SSB interview, where her honesty and authenticity shone. Her younger brother now sees her as a role model – someone who embodies strength, patience, and leadership.
Ishita Sangwan: From Kota’s Coaching Centers to the Cockpit
Cadet Ishita Sangwan, the youngest in the cohort, joined the NDA at just 16 years old. Raised in Rajasthan and born into an academic family, Ishita was preparing for the JEE in Kota when she heard that girls could now apply for the NDA.
Her father, a school principal, urged her to try. Ishita, using her natural flair for mathematics, cleared the NDA written test, the SSB interview, and even the elite CPSS — qualifying her for the flying branch of the Indian Air Force.
“Once I wanted to become an IAS officer, but now I dream of flying fighter jets.”
She will now head to the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Telangana, breaking stereotypes along the way.
Shriti Daksh: Legacy, Leadership, and Literary Excellence
Cadet Shriti Daksh, an alumnus of the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce, topped the Bachelor of Arts stream and was appointed as Division Cadet Captain.
With roots in Haryana and a father who served in the same NDA squadron – Hunter Squadron – Shriti chose to follow in his footsteps. Despite being warned during her SSB interview about the toughness of the squadron, she insisted:
“Now, I definitely will join. I could see he was proud.”
A six-term torchie, she represents academic brilliance and unmatched grit. Her transformation at NDA — from a civilian to a commanding leader – was both mental and emotional. Her confidence has only grown, along with her pride in her identity as a woman in uniform.
Ishita Sharma’s Journey: From Fashion to Fighting Spirit
Ishita Sharma, a young woman from Uttarakhand with no military background, stumbled upon the National Defence Academy’s opportunity almost by chance. After seeing a newspaper advertisement, she decided to apply, not fully knowing what awaited her. When she cleared the written exam, she traveled to Bhopal for the grueling Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Her father had only booked one night’s stay, expecting an early rejection, but Ishita stayed the full eight days – and succeeded.
Once at the NDA, Ishita embraced the intense, disciplined lifestyle. The first major challenge was shaving her long, waist-length hair – a symbolic shedding of her past life. “Before the NDA, I was very fashionable,” she said, but understood the practical need for the change in her new environment.
The daily grind was tough: early mornings, physical drills, academic lessons, and tactical training. Ishita excelled, overcoming physical obstacles like push-ups and rope climbing. She was also a key player in Torna, an eight-day tactical camp, leading her squadron to victory.
One of the toughest tests was the 40km Josh Run through hilly terrain, carrying heavy packs and rifles for up to 12 hours. It tested not only her physical strength but her mental resilience and teamwork.
From a quiet introvert to a confident leader, Ishita found family in her fellow cadets. The NDA transformed her – not just physically but in mindset – preparing her to step into her role as one of India’s first women officers, proud and ready to serve.
Through every challenge, Ishita grew in confidence and leadership. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “The NDA didn’t just train my body; it transformed my mind and spirit. I’m not the same person who walked in – I am stronger, ready, and proud to serve.”
Harsimran Kaur & Others: From Discipline to Destiny
Cadet Harsimran Kaur from Gurdaspur, Punjab, reflects the ethos of NDA – “They used to say the academy turns boys into men, now they’ll say it turns girls into women.”
She, too, was preparing for the JEE when NDA opened to women. Like 14 of the 17 women graduates, she earned the elite torchie title – for outstanding academic performance.
Many of these cadets had no military background. Some saw a newspaper ad, others followed a family legacy. But all of them displayed unmatched discipline, courage, and character. The iconic moment when they had their heads shaved, like the male cadets, symbolized not loss but transformation. Their identity was no longer defined by appearance – but by purpose.
The Training: Where Grit Meets Glory
At NDA, there are no shortcuts. From early morning drills at 5 a.m. to long tactical marches and evening sports, the training is identical for men and women.
The cadets study subjects ranging from military history and international relations to geopolitics and engineering. Life is lived under canvas tents, with cold meals and rationed supplies. Phones are surrendered during terms. Yet, this life forges leaders.
A Future Redefined
This first batch of women NDA graduates has not just earned their commissions – they’ve rewritten the narrative of what it means to serve the nation. They have paved the way for thousands of young girls across India who now dare to dream of wearing the uniform.
As these 17 young women prepare to enter the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, they carry with them not only their own hopes but also the aspirations of a changing nation.
They are no longer just cadets. They are commanders of change.
