Dehradun: On June 13, 2026, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun witnessed a groundbreaking moment as, for the first time in the academy’s 94-year history, nine women officer cadets graduated during the Spring Term Passing Out Parade 2026. They became the first women ever to pass out from the IMA and receive permanent commissions as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.
President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the historic achievement. On Saturday, President Murmu reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the IMA.
The ceremony was also attended by Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd), Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Army Training Command GOC-in-C Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, and Indian Military Academy (IMA) Commandant Lieutenant General Nagendra Singh.
A total of 484 officer cadets, including nine women cadets, were commissioned into the Indian Army following the parade. Meanwhile, 34 officer cadets from 16 friendly foreign countries also completed their training and joined their respective armies.
President Murmu termed it a watershed moment in the history of the prestigious academy.
“This is a watershed moment in the history of IMA. It is not only a milestone in the history of India’s defence forces but also an inspiring example of India’s march towards women-led development. I am sure that many more women cadets will join the Academy,” the President said while addressing the Passing Out Parade, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Women were first inducted into the Indian Army in 1992 under the Women Special Entry Scheme and subsequently served in various branches of the force.
In 2021, a landmark moment came when the Supreme Court allowed women to appear for the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination.
Last year, in May, the first-ever batch of 17 female cadets was among the 336 cadets who passed out of the NDA. Out of these 17 cadets, nine opted to join the Indian Army.
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