Five NDA Women Cadets Make History At Dundigal
Flying Officer Ritul from Haryana described the occasion as a proud moment. “Being part of the first batch is a very proud and fulfilling experience for all of us.
HYDERABAD: For the first time, five women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) joined branch‑specific training at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, and were commissioned as officers by Defence minister Rajnath Singh, marking a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force. They are part of the first batch of women cadets from NDA, Pune, who passed out in May 2025 and underwent further training at AFA.
For some, the achievement was about carrying forward a family legacy, while for others it was about fulfilling a dream their fathers could not achieve themselves.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Flying Officer Shambhavi Singh from Bihar said: “My father wanted to join the armed forces but could not. He always dreamed that his son would join the services. When the NDA entry opened for women, it became an opportunity for me to accomplish that dream. With the blessings of my family and hard work, I achieved it. I am the first person in my family to join the armed forces.”
A total of 17 women cadets graduated from NDA in the first batch, of whom five joined the Air Force, Dundigal, Hyderabad, for branch‑specific training and were commissioned on Saturday by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Flying Officer Ritul from Haryana described the occasion as a proud moment. “Being part of the first batch is a very proud and fulfilling experience for all of us. A lot of effort has gone into shaping us, including our parents, officers and instructors. I am extremely grateful to all of them as they played a major role in making me what I am today.”
Another cadet, Ishita Sangwan, encouraged young women to make use of the opportunity provided through NDA and join the armed forces with commitment and determination. She said this also proves how women are competing alongside men both physically and mentally.
Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh from Gopalpur in Bihar’s Chapra district said: “I am a second‑generation Air Force officer as my father is serving in the Indian Air Force. I have seen the uniform since childhood and always wanted to wear it one day. NDA made that dream possible. Coming from a small village, I want to tell young girls to keep dreaming big. No dream is too far if you work hard for it.”
Defence minister Rajnath Singh said the day would be remembered in IAF history as the first batch of NDA women cadets graduated from AFA as officers. “With this opportunity now open to women, we are encouraging Nari Shakti to join the defence forces. It is a significant step towards inclusivity.”
A total of 231 Flight Cadets graduated, including 194 men and 37 women. Flying officer Divyanshi Singh was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in the overall order of merit in the Ground Duty branches.
Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav was awarded the coveted President’s Plaque and the Nawanagar Sword of Honour for standing first in the overall order of merit in the pilot course. Flying Officer Ekta Gupta was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in the overall order of merit in the Navigation stream. Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh from Gopalpur in Bihar’s Chapra district was awarded the President’s Plaque for Ground Duties.
