New Delhi: Major Navya Shekhawat has made history by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to be appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India. Her appointment is a proud moment for the Indian Armed Forces and a major step forward for women in the military. It also highlights that leadership roles in the Army are earned through merit, discipline, and professional excellence.
What Is an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President
An Aide-de-Camp (ADC) is a senior military officer who assists the President of India during official duties. The President is supported by five ADCs—three officers from the Indian Army and one each from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. ADCs accompany the President during state ceremonies, investiture functions, diplomatic meetings, military events, and other official programmes at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Being selected as the President’s ADC is considered one of the most respected ceremonial appointments in the Indian Armed Forces.
What Does the President’s ADC Do
The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. The President’s ADC assists during:
- State ceremonies
- Investiture ceremonies
- Military parades
- Diplomatic meetings
- Official visits
- National celebrations
- Rashtrapati Bhavan events
The role requires excellent discipline, leadership, military etiquette, communication skills, and professionalism.
Who Is Major Navya Shekhawat
Major Navya Shekhawat joined the Indian Army after clearing the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
She was selected for the Short Service Commission (SSC) Women Non-Technical Course and completed her military training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The academy trains future officers in leadership, discipline, physical fitness, and military skills.
After completing her training, she was commissioned into the Army Service Corps (ASC). The Army Service Corps plays a vital role in the Indian Army by managing logistics, transportation, fuel supply, food supplies, and other operational support that helps soldiers perform their duties effectively. Through her dedication and professional performance, Major Shekhawat rose to the rank of Major within a few years of service before being chosen for the prestigious ADC appointment.
The Indian Army has not officially released details about her age, birthplace, family, or educational background before joining the Army. Most publicly available information focuses on her military career and historic achievement.
Historic Achievement of Major Navya Shekhawat
Major Navya Shekhawat is the first woman officer from the Indian Army to become the President’s ADC.
She follows Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy, who became the first woman officer overall to serve as the President’s ADC in 2025.
With Major Shekhawat’s appointment, women officers are now making history across different branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
Major Navya Shekhawat: Journey From CDS to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Major Shekhawat’s journey started with success in the CDS Examination, one of India’s toughest defence entrance exams. After completing officer training at OTA Chennai, she served in the Army Service Corps, where she handled logistics and operational support responsibilities.
Her excellent service record and leadership skills helped her earn one of the country’s most prestigious military appointments at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Growth of Women in the Indian Army
Women first joined the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission (SSC) in 1992. A landmark Supreme Court judgment in 2020 allowed eligible women SSC officers to receive Permanent Commission on the same terms as male officers.
Since then, women officers have taken on leadership roles, commanded units, participated in international military exercises, and represented India in major military operations and national events. Major Navya Shekhawat’s appointment is another important milestone in this journey.
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