Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun has welcomed girl cadets for training for the first time in its 92-year history. This historic step marks a significant stride towards gender exclusivity in the armed forces and reflects the Indian Army’s evolving approach to equal opportunities.
The girl cadets, who reported to the prestigious academy recently, will undergo the same rigorous training module as their male counterparts. After completing a year-long intense training regimen, these cadets will be commissioned as officers into the Indian Army. Their induction at IMA not only symbolizes progress but also sets a precedent for future batches of aspiring women officers.
Established in 1932, the IMA has trained thousands of officers who have gone on to serve the country with distinction. With the inclusion of women cadets, the institution enters a new era that aligns with the broader vision of empowering women in all sectors, including the armed forces.
Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande had earlier emphasized the importance of enhancing the role of women in the military, and this step fulfills that vision in a concrete way. The presence of girl cadets at IMA will inspire a new generation of young women to pursue careers in the defense forces and contribute meaningfully to national security.
The people of Dehradun and Uttarakhand have welcomed this progressive move with great pride, as IMA continues to shine as a beacon of excellence and change.
It would be pertinent to mention here that The Supreme Court’s 2021 decision to allow women to appear for the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination paved the way for their entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA). Following this, the first batch of women cadets, who had been training at the NDA, began transitioning to the IMA in July 2025 for specialized training before commissioning as officers.
