The direction and condition of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun is changing.Women cadets created history by crossing the final step in the passing out parade.For the first time, women cadets marched alongside male cadets at IMA

Dehradun.

The day of 13 June 2026 witnessed a historic mome⁶nt for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) located in Dehradun and the witness to this was India’s woman President Draupadi Murmu. The historic Chetwood Parade Ground of IMA Dehradun created a new history, which has happened for the first time in the 93 year long history of the Indian Army.In the IMA parade, female cadets created history and showcased the power of the mother. For the first time, female cadets walked the “last step” alongside male cadets in this year’s passing out parade.This year’s Passing Out Parade marked the first time women cadets have officially crossed the “last step” alongside male cadets and earned a permanent commission in the Indian Army. This is not just a military ceremony, but a reflection of Indian society, the military, and the changing role of women.The first batch of women cadets from the NDA at the Indian Military Academy included nine women cadets undergoing training for permanent commission. These women cadets completed three years of military training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, followed by the Indian Military Academy (IMA). The participation of women in the Indian Army is not new. The next passing out parade in December will see the number of women cadets at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, increase to 26, a record in itself.In 1992, women were first granted the opportunity to become officers through the Short Service Commission in branches other than the medical services. However, they were denied permanent commissions and equal access to prestigious military training institutions like the NDA and the Indian Military Academy (IMA).In 2021, the Supreme Court delivered a historic decision allowing women to appear in the NDA entrance exam. Following this, the Union Public Service Commission opened the doors of the NDA to women. In 2022, the first women cadets received equal military and academic training.The first ever “final step” of female cadets is being seen as the beginning of a new era in the history of the IMA. Mrs. Sadhna Singh, wife of the late Lieutenant Colonel Avnish Pratap Singh, says that this transformation in the Indian Army is not limited to increasing women’s participation, but also reflects the professional competence and modern thinking of the Indian Army.The Indian Army has long been considered a male-dominated institution. However, the situation has changed rapidly over the past decade. Today, women are flying fighter aircraft, deployed on warships, serving in border areas, and assuming various command responsibilities. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant permanent commissions to women, followed by the permission to enter the NDA, institutionalized this change. Now, women officers in the Army are no longer confined to supporting roles but are becoming part of the mainstream leadership.Established in 1932, the Indian Military Academy has produced thousands of officers for the Indian Army. These officers played a crucial role in the nation’s defense, from World War II to the wars of 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971, and the Kargil War. However, for nearly nine decades, IMA training was limited to male cadets. And now, the direction and status of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, is changing with the times. The entire nation is proud of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, a symbol of valor, service, and courage.