President hails women cadets' debut at IMA passing out parade

President Draupadi Murmu on Saturday said that the inclusion of nine women cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) marks a "watershed moment" in its history and reflects an inspiring example of women-led development, during the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduate Course in Dehradun. Addressing the cadets, she said, the presence of foreign cadets from 29 countries at IMA reflects India's commitment to fostering friendship, cooperation and peaceful relations with countries across the world. Murmu futhrt said, in an era of rapidly changing security challenges, technological advances and complex global environments, the Indian Army must remain adaptive and future-ready.

In an era of rapidly changing security challenges, technological advances and complex global environments, the Indian Army must remain adaptive and future-ready. pic.twitter.com/nycAFf0Fan

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 13, 2026

At the IMA Passing Out Parade, nine female cadets from the NDA’s first women’s batch will join the Indian Army as officers. Five female cadets from the Air Force Academy at Dundigal in Hyderabad will also be commissioned into the Indian Air Force.
A total of 515 cadets are passing out from the IMA this year, including 34 foreign cadets from 16 countries. Among them are the nine brave women cadets from NDA’s first female batch, who have completed rigorous training and are now ready to serve the nation.
Under the 217th course of the Indian Air Force, a total of 231 flight cadets from the Flying and Ground Duty branches are completing their pre-commissioning training. This includes 194 male and 37 female cadets. Of these 37 women cadets, five belong to the NDA’s first women’s batch. This achievement highlights that women are equally capable of completing tough military training and contributing alongside men in the armed forces.
President Murmu reviewed the parade at the IMA, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was present at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal.