Reviewing the passing out parade, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the induction of the first batch of women officers for permanent commission, terming it as a ‘watershed moment’ in the IMA’s history.

“I am especially delighted to see the nine women cadets. This is ‘watershed moment’ in the history of the 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,” she said.

Over 93 years after it was established, the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun witnessed a historic moment when the first batch of women cadets for permanent commission took the ‘Antim Pag’ (final step) from the academy’s hallowed parade ground.

Nine women cadets of the pioneering batch will be pipped as Lieutenants alongside their male counterparts after having completed a four-year gruelling training regimen, including the first three years at the National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakvasla.

While permanent commission has been extended to women officers across all arms as part of the Supreme Court’s directives, they are still not eligible to join the IMA directly and have to become officers either through the NDA or the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.

As many as 515 cadets from the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduates Course, including nine women, were commissioned as officers from the IMA on Saturday.

Among those who passed out today were 29 cadets from friendly foreign countries. “Your countries had entrusted us with the responsibility of training you to the highest levels of military professionalism. I am confident that you will bring many laurels to your armed forces and countries through your service and the values you have imbibed here,” the President said.

Addressing the parade, she said that in an era of rapidly changing security challenges, technological advances and complex global environments, the Army must remain adaptive and future-ready.

She urged the new officers to be lifelong learners, courageous decision-makers and ethical leaders. “As Army officers, you will be responsible for leading, guiding and caring for the soldiers. You have to lead by example, inspire confidence and encourage the spirit of teamwork and dedication. By balancing operational effectiveness with the well-being of your soldiers, you will build trust and strengthen the fighting capability of the units you will lead. I expect you to lead from the front, care for your soldiers and uphold the finest traditions of our armed forces,” she said.

The President awarded the Sword of Honour for being the overall best cadet and the gold medal for standing first in the order of merit to Vishal Kumar. Prince Raj bagged the silver medal while Tejas Bhatt secured the bronze medal.