 will induct its first batch of women officer cadets in July 2025, marking a historic milestone.){kind=link}
The Indian Military Academy (IMA), based in Dehradun, is set to mark a historic milestone in its 92-year history by inducting its first batch of women officer cadets in July 2025. This comes after the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, began admitting women three years ago following a Supreme Court ruling. Eight out of the 18 women cadets currently in their final term at NDA have chosen to serve in the Indian Army and will undergo an additional year of training at IMA before being commissioned as officers next year.
Historic Induction of Women at IMA
IMA has remained the only military academy in the country that has not trained women until now. The induction of women cadets is a significant step toward gender inclusivity in the armed forces. The Supreme Court’s 2021 decision allowed women to take the NDA entrance examination, leading to the admission of the first batch in August 2022. Currently, NDA has 126 women cadets undergoing training at different levels.
To ensure a smooth transition, IMA has undertaken extensive preparatory measures, including studying training protocols at other academies that have been training women, such as the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, and the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala. While women cadets will have separate accommodation, they will be integrated into different companies for training alongside their male counterparts.
Training and Selection Process
Women cadets undergo a rigorous selection process to join the NDA. Candidates must clear the NDA and Naval Academy Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) while in Class 12. Those who pass must then undergo the Services Selection Board (SSB) process, which includes a five-day personality and intelligence test, followed by a medical examination. UPSC releases a final merit list based on these assessments.
NDA training spans three years, divided into six terms. Following their training, cadets proceed to service-specific academies, such as IMA for Army aspirants, before being commissioned as officers. The Indian Army provides multiple entry points for both men and women to join its academies after completing their graduation.
Women’s Expanding Role in the Indian Army
The induction of women at IMA aligns with the broader efforts to expand career opportunities for female officers in the Indian Army. Currently, nearly 60% of the Army’s women commanding officers are leading units in operational areas, including forward locations in the Northern and Eastern Commands. Since the Army permitted command roles for women officers two years ago, over 145 women have been promoted to the rank of Colonel, with approximately 115 already heading their respective units.
Women are increasingly assuming pivotal roles in the armed forces, from piloting fighter aircraft to serving on warships. Additionally, the armed forces have initiated the recruitment of women in personnel below officer rank (PBOR) cadre. However, certain roles, such as serving in infantry combat positions and operating tanks, remain restricted for women in the Army.
Challenges and Gender Bias Concerns
Despite significant progress in gender inclusion, there are challenges. A controversial letter from Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri, then-commander of the 17 Corps, highlighted concerns regarding women officers in command positions. The letter, addressed to Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, cited an internal review conducted by the Panagarh-based Mountain Strike Corps. The letter raised issues such as officer management, perceived entitlement, complaints, and ambition levels among women officers.
While these concerns have sparked discussions, the armed forces continue to make strides toward gender equality. The inclusion of women in NDA and now IMA is a significant move in the direction of full integration, and the Indian Army remains committed to addressing gender-specific challenges while maintaining operational effectiveness. The upcoming induction at IMA signifies a transformative shift in India’s military landscape, further reinforcing the role of women in national defense.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
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