On December 13, 2025, the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – India’s premier officer training institution – witnessed a moment that redefined history. As proud parents stepped forward to place the rank stars on the shoulders of their 23-year-old daughter, it became clear that this was no ordinary parade.
It was the moment when a 93-year-old all-male legacy ended and a new chapter began.
Sai Jadhav, standing tall in uniform, became the first woman officer ever to pass out from the Indian Military Academy, etching her name permanently in the history of the Indian Army. She was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army, achieving what no woman had accomplished since the academy’s establishment in 1932.
“It feels wonderful. It is really an honour to be passed out from the IMA,” Sai said moments after the historic ceremony.
Speaking about her journey, she added, “Training was challenging in the initial days. But gradually we all got used to the training and the routine, so it became quite exciting.”
Ending a 93-Year All-Male Legacy
Since its founding in 1932, the Indian Military Academy had trained only male officers. Over 67,000 cadets had graduated from its hallowed grounds – not a single woman among them. That record stood unbroken for 93 years, until Sai’s commissioning changed it forever.
Her success was not symbolic or ceremonial. She earned her place after completing a rigorous six-month specialised training course at IMA, meeting the same standards, drills, discipline, and expectations as her male counterparts. There were no relaxations, no shortcuts, and no exceptions.
She was also the only woman among 16 officer cadets in her batch – a distinction that made her achievement even more remarkable.
A Historic Moment: Parents Pin the Stars
One image from the Passing Out Parade captured the essence of the moment – Sai standing proudly as her parents pinned the rank stars on her shoulders. The sight symbolised not only a daughter’s achievement but also the continuity of service and sacrifice.
The moment quickly went viral on social media platforms, especially on X, drawing praise from veterans, serving officers, and civilians alike. Many called it “a proud day for the Indian Army”, while others described it as “a turning point for future generations.”
A Legacy Four Generations Strong
Sai originally hails from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Her journey is deeply rooted in a four-generation Army legacy. Wearing the uniform was not new to her family – it was tradition.
- Her great-grandfather served in the British Army
- Her grandfather was a commissioned officer in the Indian Army
- Her father, Colonel Sandeep Jadhav, is currently serving in the Indian Army
- And now, Sai Jadhav has become the fourth generation to serve the nation in uniform
Her commissioning was not just a personal victory, but a continuation of a family’s lifelong dedication to the country.
Education, Discipline, and Determination
Sai is not only a soldier but also academically accomplished. She is pursuing an MBA from Symbiosis, Pune. Due to her father’s postings, her education spanned multiple states, beginning in Belgaum, Karnataka, and continuing across different parts of the country.
After completing her graduation, she cleared a national-level examination, which led her to the Service Selection Board (SSB). Her strong performance there opened the doors to the Indian Military Academy – an institution that had remained inaccessible to women for decades.
She entered IMA under special permission, a path that demanded exceptional mental and physical resilience.
Breaking Barriers Through the IMA Route
Women have served in the Territorial Army before. However, no woman had ever been commissioned into the Territorial Army after passing out from the Indian Military Academy.
That distinction is what makes her achievement historic.
By successfully completing her training at IMA and earning her commission as a Lieutenant, Sai filled a long-standing void and proved that even the most tradition-bound institutions can evolve.
The Territorial Army: Service Beyond the Ordinary
The Territorial Army (TA) plays a crucial role in India’s defence system by allowing citizens to serve the nation while maintaining civilian careers. Officers in the TA receive the same pay, ranks, and benefits as their counterparts in the regular army.
As a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army, Ms Jadhav will receive –
- Pay Level 10, at par with regular Army officers
- Basic pay starting at ₹56,100
- Additional allowances including Dearness Allowance (DA), Field Area Allowance, Travel Allowance, and Kit Maintenance Allowance (approximately ₹1,500)
According to reports, her monthly earnings could range between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.25 lakh or more, depending on deployment and allowances.
Part of a Larger Change in the Indian Army
Sai’s commissioning comes at a time when the Indian Army is gradually opening more doors for women. Currently, eight female cadets from the first women’s batch of the National Defence Academy (NDA), inducted in 2022, are undergoing training.
Her success reinforces that these reforms are not symbolic – they are real, measurable, and impactful.
The March That Will Echo in History
Sai’s journey is far from over. In June 2026, she will once again be part of history when she marches in front of the Chetwode Building during the ceremonial parade reserved for IMA graduates.
Her presence there will stand as proof that even the oldest military institutions can change, and that courage, discipline, and merit know no gender.
More Than a First – A Path Forward
Her story is not just about being the first woman to pass out from the Indian Military Academy. It is about determination meeting opportunity, about legacy meeting progress, and about a door that is now open for countless young girls watching from the sidelines.
For them, her journey sends a powerful message –
This path is no longer closed.
