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IMA To Induct Women Cadets
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun is set to welcome its first batch of women officer cadets in July 2025. This historic induction follows the Supreme Court’s 2021 directive allowing women to enroll in the National Defence Academy (NDA), which led to the admission of the inaugural batch of female cadets in August 2022.
Out of the 18 women cadets currently in their final term at NDA, eight have chosen to serve in the Indian Army. After completing their three-year training at NDA in May 2025, they will undertake an additional year of rigorous preparation at IMA before being commissioned as officers.
Pioneering Women at NDA
The journey began when the NDA opened its doors to women in August 2022, admitting 19 female cadets into its rigorous three-year training program. This initiative marked a significant shift in the Indian Armed Forces approach to gender equality. ​
According to the Ministry of Defence, 35 cadets from Haryana have enrolled, making up about 28% of the total female cadet strength. Till date, 126 women have joined the prestigious academy.
Transition to IMA
Upon completing their training at NDA in May 2025, eight of these trailblazing women have chosen to serve in the Indian Army. They will undergo an additional year of specialized training at IMA before being commissioned as officers in 2026. To accommodate this change, IMA has prepared separate accommodations for the women cadets while ensuring they train alongside their male counterparts in various companies, fostering an environment of equality and mutual respect.
Preparations and Insights
To facilitate a smooth integration, IMA officials have studied training methodologies from other academies that have experience in training women officers, such as the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. This proactive approach aims to address gender-specific requirements while upholding the high training standards that IMA is renowned for.
The upcoming induction of women officer cadets into IMA is a historic milestone that reflects the evolving dynamics of the Indian Armed Forces. It signifies a progressive shift towards inclusivity and sets a precedent for future generations of women aspiring to serve the nation in uniform.
