Lucknow: Major Garima Yadav, an officer of the Indian Army’s Army Service Corps (ASC), has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
She assumed the appointment on September 14, 2025, and is serving as ADC to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at Raj Bhavan in Lucknow. Her appointment marks an important moment for women officers in the Armed Forces, highlighting their expanding participation in prestigious ceremonial, administrative and institutional assignments.
Major Yadav’s journey to this position has included academic achievement, success in a competitive defence examination, military training and a career in uniform. Before joining the Army, she also won the India’s Miss Charming Face beauty pageant in November 2017.
A graduate of St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi, she secured All India Rank 2 in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination I, 2017, and was recommended for the Indian Army in her first Services Selection Board (SSB) attempt.
Her career reflects an unconventional path to military service, moving from an interest in the civil services and a brief experience in the pageant world to a professional commitment to the Indian Army.
Who Is Major Garima Yadav?
Major Garima Yadav is an Indian Army officer serving in the Army Service Corps, one of the Army’s key logistical branches. She came into the spotlight following her historic appointment as ADC to the Uttar Pradesh Governor, becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to hold this position.
Her professional journey combines academic achievement, competitive examination success and military training. She initially considered a career in the civil services and prepared for the Union Public Service Commission’s Civil Services Examination. Although she could not clear the Mains stage, she later pursued another route to public service by appearing for the CDS examination.
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Her success in CDS 1, 2017, opened the door to a career in the Armed Forces. She secured All India Rank 2 and cleared the SSB selection process on her first attempt.
Early Life and Education: From Army Public School to St. Stephen’s College
Major Yadav completed her schooling at Army Public School before moving to New Delhi for higher education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, one of the country’s well-known educational institutions.
Her academic background gave her a foundation in analytical thinking and helped prepare her for competitive examinations. Initially, she aspired to join the Indian Administrative Service and pursued preparation for the Civil Services Examination.
However, her career direction changed when she qualified for the Combined Defence Services Examination. Her performance in CDS 1, 2017, and recommendation by the SSB on her first attempt marked the beginning of her journey towards becoming an Army officer.
Her transition from civil services preparation to military service demonstrates how career aspirations can evolve as new opportunities emerge.
From Beauty Pageant Winner to Army Officer
Before joining the Indian Army, Garima Yadav participated in the India’s Miss Charming Face beauty pageant and won the title in November 2017.
Following her victory, she reportedly received an opportunity to participate in an international beauty pageant in Italy. However, she chose to pursue her ambition of joining the Armed Forces rather than follow the international pageant route.
Her decision attracted attention because it represented a shift from the world of beauty pageants to the demanding environment of military training and service.
Rather than treating these experiences as contradictory, her journey illustrates the variety of paths through which individuals arrive at their professional goals. Her subsequent success in the CDS examination and military training established her career in the Indian Army.
CDS 2017: Secured All India Rank 2
The Combined Defence Services Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, is one of the principal routes through which eligible candidates can enter the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers.
Garima Yadav secured All India Rank 2 in CDS 1, 2017, and was recommended for the Indian Army in her first SSB attempt.
The selection process requires candidates to demonstrate a combination of aptitude, officer-like qualities, psychological suitability, leadership potential and physical fitness. Clearing the examination and SSB process paved the way for her admission to the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.
Her performance in the competitive selection process stands out as one of the defining milestones in her journey from a college graduate to a commissioned Army officer.
Commissioned Into the Indian Army on March 9, 2019
Major Garima Yadav underwent pre-commission training at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, before being commissioned into the Indian Army on March 9, 2019.
She joined the Army Service Corps (ASC), which plays a vital role in sustaining military formations through logistics and supply support.
The Army Service Corps contributes to the movement and supply of essential resources required by the Army. Its responsibilities include important logistical functions associated with transport, supply and the maintenance of operational support systems.
Service in this branch requires discipline, coordination and an understanding of the logistical requirements that underpin military operations.
After her commissioning as a Lieutenant, Garima Yadav continued her military career and eventually attained the rank of Major. Her progression reflects her development as an officer within the Army’s professional structure.
Historic Appointment as Aide-de-Camp to Uttar Pradesh Governor
On September 14, 2025, Major Garima Yadav assumed charge as Aide-de-Camp to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. With this appointment, she became the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as ADC to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
The appointment is significant because the ADC position involves close coordination with a senior constitutional authority and participation in official, ceremonial and institutional engagements.
An Aide-de-Camp is an officer appointed to assist a senior dignitary with official programmes, protocol, ceremonial responsibilities and coordination with relevant authorities. In the case of a Governor, these duties can involve state functions, official visits, interactions with visiting dignitaries and engagements with government and educational institutions.
In her present role, Major Yadav serves alongside the Governor during official engagements and supports the coordination required for such programmes.
Her appointment represents an important milestone in the representation of women officers in prominent military assignments associated with India’s constitutional institutions.
Major Garima Yadav Accompanies Governor on Official Visits
Major Yadav has also been seen accompanying Governor Anandiben Patel during official engagements.
On July 21, 2026, she was among the officials accompanying the Governor during a visit to Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut. The engagement highlighted her role as part of the Governor’s official team during institutional visits.
Such assignments require coordination, attention to protocol and the ability to work with officials from different government departments and institutions.
For an Army officer, the ADC appointment offers experience in an environment where military discipline and protocol intersect with constitutional responsibilities and public engagements.
Why Major Garima Yadav’s Achievement Matters
Major Garima Yadav’s appointment is notable not only because she is the first woman Indian Army officer to serve as ADC to the Uttar Pradesh Governor, but also because it highlights the expanding range of professional responsibilities undertaken by women in uniform.
Women officers in the Indian Armed Forces have increasingly taken on diverse assignments involving leadership, administration, operational responsibilities and institutional representation. Appointments such as hers demonstrate their participation in roles that demand professionalism, coordination and a strong understanding of protocol.
Her career also offers an example to young women preparing for competitive examinations and considering a career in the Armed Forces. Her initial preparation for the civil services, success in the CDS examination and subsequent commissioning show that a change in career direction can lead to a different path towards public service.
From winning a beauty pageant to securing a top rank in CDS 2017, completing military training and assuming a historic appointment at Raj Bhavan, Major Garima Yadav’s journey stands out for its varied milestones.
Her achievement adds another chapter to the evolving role of women in the Indian Army and provides an encouraging example for aspiring defence officers.
Major Garima Yadav: Key Details at a Glance
- Service: Indian Army
- Branch: Army Service Corps (ASC)
- Current Appointment: Aide-de-Camp to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel
- Assumed ADC Appointment: September 14, 2025
- Historic Distinction: First woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as ADC to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh
- Educational Institution: St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Economics
- Schooling: Army Public School
- CDS Achievement: All India Rank 2 in CDS 1, 2017
- SSB Selection: Recommended for the Indian Army on her first attempt
- Training Academy: Officers Training Academy, Chennai
- Commissioning Date: March 9, 2019
- Earlier Achievement: Winner of India’s Miss Charming Face beauty pageant in November 2017
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