Breaking Ranks, Shaping History: Women Cadets Lead a New Dawn at NDA

With the hauntingly beautiful strains of the Scottish classic Auld Lang Syne echoing across the Khetrapal Parade Ground, and the majestic Sahyadri hills standing in solemn witness, cadets of the 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) marked the end of their transformative three-year journey. Among them marched, for the first time ever, 17 trailblazing women cadets—poised, proud, and paving the way for a new chapter in Indian military history.

A total of 336 cadets, including the first batch of female cadets, passed out of the hallowed portals of NDA in this landmark parade. The passing out parade (POP) was reviewed by Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff, who pinned medals on outstanding cadets and addressed the gathering with words that echoed with patriotism and purpose.

Top Honours

• President’s Gold Medal: Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, Charlie Squadron

• President’s Silver Medal: Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi, Golf Squadron

• President’s Bronze Medal: Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhat, November Squadron

• Champion Squadron Banner: Golf Squadron

The parade featured a line-up of 1,341 cadets, divided into 18 contingents representing each squadron. Of these, 336 were from the outgoing course while the rest were junior cadets, including the newly inducted female cadets—now an integral part of NDA's evolving legacy.

A Moment of Remembrance

Before the parade, Gen Singh visited the Hut of Remembrance (HOR)—the sacred heart of NDA—to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. The HOR, built between the 10th and 17th NDA courses, stands as a solemn memorial for Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II and subsequent operations post-independence. Over time, it has also become a sanctuary honoring NDA alumni who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

A March into the Future

As the parade concluded and the bugles played their final notes, a wave of emotion swept through the cadets and the crowd alike. For the 148th course, especially the pioneering women cadets, this was more than a passing out parade—it was a promise fulfilled, a new legacy forged.

Their boots leave behind imprints not just on the drill square, but on the very soul of an academy that has always stood for excellence, resilience, and transformation.