Stint at NDA transformative, readies us for military roles and leadership, say first women cadets set to graduate from academy

Time of India

24-05-2025

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Pune: Cadet Ishita Sharma stands at a pivotal moment, just eight days away from a significant milestone not just for her, but for the country.
She is part of the first group of 17 women cadets who will graduate from the National Defence Academy (NDA) on May 30, along with around 300 male counterparts.
This achievement marks a historic moment for the Indian Armed Forces, following their decision to allow women to enter the academy in June 2022.
"I come from a non-military background. My parents work in the corporate sector, and my brother is an IT professional. I was pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics when the NDA announced its entry for women. I didn't think twice before applying," Ishita told TOI.
The maiden graduating cadets share the common experience of stringent physical training, military routines, and strong bonds formed over three years at the academy.
They echoed that a key aspect of their journey has been personal development, reflecting NDA's reputation for transforming young individuals into accomplished military personnel.
Ishita added, "After spending three years here, I can confidently say that my personality underwent a complete transformation."
Achieving several accomplishments along the way, Ishita earned the honorary appointment of 'Division Cadet Captain' (DCC) for her outstanding performance in all areas of training.
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"This is how one gets the opportunity to become a leader right from the academy. It develops your leadership character naturally," she remarked.
Her fellow graduating cadets echoed similar sentiments about their stint at the academy, acknowledging the significant and transformative impact of training on their confidence.
"Before joining the academy, I was an introvert. Here, I made several friends for life. In fact, my course mates feel like family now.
I would not have imagined it. You form unbreakable bonds that last forever," Ishita said, speaking to TOI outside the Sudan Block of NDA.
The cadets emphasised that they never had to compete with their male counterparts for opportunities during their training — they received equal chances to excel.
"Equal opportunity naturally empowers each individual. That is what makes the academy unique in all aspects," Ishita added.
All cadets faced challenges during military training in the initial stages. They worked hard on both physical fitness and overcoming mental barriers.
"Once you break that mental barrier, you push your limits to the next level each time. That is what truly matters, not how many push-ups one can do at a time," elaborated Ishita.
For cadet Shriti Daksh, the initial weeks at the academy brought about a stark realisation about the realities of military training.
"At the academy, I actually understood what the real experience of military training feels like," said Shriti, the daughter of a retired Wing Commander, who was motivated to follow in her father's footsteps. "I had no other dream or career plan than to join the Indian Armed Forces," she added.
Shriti said, "When the NDA opened its doors for girls, I was elated as I wanted to join the same academy from which my father graduated decades ago.
It was a significant milestone for me personally. It was a special day for both my father and me when he dropped me off at the academy, a mix of nostalgia and pride for him. Now, I am just a few days away from the moment my father experienced in his life, and I am excited to share that moment with him on May 30.
"
Balancing military training with academics has been one of the most challenging aspects for the cadets. They often feel pressed for time, as participation in various activities alongside their daily schedules tests their mental endurance.
"You are involved everywhere — from the drill square to the swimming pool to equestrian activities. So, maintaining a balance is the most difficult challenge we face. We are always short on time. That's the level of our schedule," Shriti explained.
Ritul Duhan, the first Battalion Cadet Captain (BCC) from the group, is aware of the significant responsibility she carries.
"We are not just completing our training; we are paving the way for future leadership and inspiring younger cadets who will follow our path," she said.
Ritul lauded the academy's adaptation to integrate female cadets. "The atmosphere has become increasingly conducive," she said, adding, "I encourage girls to join with a broader purpose, understanding that this training develops every aspect of your personality."
Cadet schedule:
> Every cadet wakes up at 5am
> Cadets assemble at squadron parade ground to recite the NDA prayer and honour code
> Then starts the outdoor training, including physical training, drills and academic sessions
> This is followed by breakfast and then academic classes from 9am to 1pm
> Lunch comes after classes, followed by a practice games period, where they train for various sports, including preparation for camps
> Then comes a study period of two hours
> After studying, they have dinner and go to bed by 10.15pm
Pune: Cadet Ishita Sharma stands at a pivotal moment, just eight days away from a significant milestone not just for her, but for the country.
She is part of the first group of 17 women cadets who will graduate from the National Defence Academy (NDA) on May 30, along with around 300 male counterparts.
This achievement marks a historic moment for the Indian Armed Forces, following their decision to allow women to enter the academy in June 2022.
"I come from a non-military background. My parents work in the corporate sector, and my brother is an IT professional. I was pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics when the NDA announced its entry for women. I didn't think twice before applying," Ishita told TOI.
The maiden graduating cadets share the common experience of stringent physical training, military routines, and strong bonds formed over three years at the academy.
They echoed that a key aspect of their journey has been personal development, reflecting NDA's reputation for transforming young individuals into accomplished military personnel.
Ishita added, "After spending three years here, I can confidently say that my personality underwent a complete transformation."
Achieving several accomplishments along the way, Ishita earned the honorary appointment of 'Division Cadet Captain' (DCC) for her outstanding performance in all areas of training.
"This is how one gets the opportunity to become a leader right from the academy. It develops your leadership character naturally," she remarked.
Her fellow graduating cadets echoed similar sentiments about their stint at the academy, acknowledging the significant and transformative impact of training on their confidence.
"Before joining the academy, I was an introvert. Here, I made several friends for life. In fact, my course mates feel like family now.
I would not have imagined it. You form unbreakable bonds that last forever," Ishita said, speaking to TOI outside the Sudan Block of NDA.
The cadets emphasised that they never had to compete with their male counterparts for opportunities during their training — they received equal chances to excel.
"Equal opportunity naturally empowers each individual. That is what makes the academy unique in all aspects," Ishita added.
All cadets faced challenges during military training in the initial stages. They worked hard on both physical fitness and overcoming mental barriers.
"Once you break that mental barrier, you push your limits to the next level each time. That is what truly matters, not how many push-ups one can do at a time," elaborated Ishita.
For cadet Shriti Daksh, the initial weeks at the academy brought about a stark realisation about the realities of military training.
"At the academy, I actually understood what the real experience of military training feels like," said Shriti, the daughter of a retired Wing Commander, who was motivated to follow in her father's footsteps. "I had no other dream or career plan than to join the Indian Armed Forces," she added.
Shriti said, "When the NDA opened its doors for girls, I was elated as I wanted to join the same academy from which my father graduated decades ago.
It was a significant milestone for me personally. It was a special day for both my father and me when he dropped me off at the academy, a mix of nostalgia and pride for him. Now, I am just a few days away from the moment my father experienced in his life, and I am excited to share that moment with him on May 30.
"
Balancing military training with academics has been one of the most challenging aspects for the cadets. They often feel pressed for time, as participation in various activities alongside their daily schedules tests their mental endurance.
"You are involved everywhere — from the drill square to the swimming pool to equestrian activities. So, maintaining a balance is the most difficult challenge we face. We are always short on time. That's the level of our schedule," Shriti explained.
Ritul Duhan, the first Battalion Cadet Captain (BCC) from the group, is aware of the significant responsibility she carries.
"We are not just completing our training; we are paving the way for future leadership and inspiring younger cadets who will follow our path," she said.
Ritul lauded the academy's adaptation to integrate female cadets. "The atmosphere has become increasingly conducive," she said, adding, "I encourage girls to join with a broader purpose, understanding that this training develops every aspect of your personality."
Cadet schedule:
> Every cadet wakes up at 5am
> Cadets assemble at squadron parade ground to recite the NDA prayer and honour code
> Then starts the outdoor training, including physical training, drills and academic sessions
> This is followed by breakfast and then academic classes from 9am to 1pm
> Lunch comes after classes, followed by a practice games period, where they train for various sports, including preparation for camps
> Then comes a study period of two hours
> After studying, they have dinner and go to bed by 10.15pm
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