A historic chapter was added to India's military journey as Divyanshi Singh became the first former NDA woman cadet to be commissioned into the Ground Duty branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Her achievement comes just a few years after women were allowed entry into the NDA, opening new pathways for female officers in the armed forces.
From air warrior’s daughter to history maker: Divyanshi Singh set to become first NDA woman cadet commissioned into IAF Ground Duty branch
— Abhilash Nair (@Haiabhilashnair) June 14, 2026
Divyanshi is set to become the first woman cadet trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune to be commissioned into the Ground Duty… pic.twitter.com/D2NWJvf2d2
A first for women NDA cadets
Divyanshi Singh was among the first batch of women admitted to the NDA following the Supreme Court's landmark decision allowing female candidates to join the academy.
After completing her training at the NDA and subsequent branch-specific training at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, she was commissioned into the IAF's Ground Duty branch.
Her commissioning marks the first time a woman who entered the armed forces through the NDA route has joined the Ground Duty branch of the Air Force, creating a new benchmark for future aspirants.
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— Ashish rai (@journorai) June 13, 2026
"देहरादून स्थित इंडियन मिलिट्री एकेडमी (IMA) की 158वीं पासिंग आउट परेड इतिहास के पन्नों में दर्ज हो गई। पहली बार आईएमए से प्रशिक्षित 9 महिला कैडेट्स ने पुरुष कैडेट्स के साथ 'अंतिम पग' लेकर भारतीय सेना में अधिकारी के रूप में कदम रखा। इनमें श्रीति दक्ष और… pic.twitter.com/cqD9jqU6Z6
Journey shaped by discipline and determination
Divyanshi grew up in an environment influenced by the values and traditions of the Air Force. Inspired by stories of service and dedication, she pursued a career in uniform and successfully cleared the NDA entrance examination when the academy opened its doors to women, as per India Today.
Her training journey involved the rigorous academic, physical and leadership requirements associated with the NDA and Air Force Academy. During her time in training, she also held leadership responsibilities and emerged as one of the standout cadets of her course.
Recognised for outstanding performance
Divyanshi's achievement was accompanied by academic and professional excellence. At the Combined Graduation Parade of the Air Force Academy, she was awarded the President's Plaque for securing first position in the overall order of merit among Ground Duty branches.
The award recognised her performance across various aspects of training and highlighted her standing among the graduating officers. Defence Ministry and Air Force officials acknowledged the accomplishments of the graduating cadets during the ceremony, according to India Today.
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Milestone in the armed forces
The commissioning of the first batch of women NDA entrants into the IAF has been viewed as a major step in expanding opportunities for women in military service. Divyanshi's entry into the Ground Duty branch adds another milestone to that journey and reflects the changing landscape of India's defence institutions.
Her accomplishment is expected to inspire many young women aspiring to join the armed forces through the NDA route, demonstrating the growing role of women across different branches of the military.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Divyanshi Singh?
Ans: Divyanshi Singh is the first former NDA woman cadet to be commissioned into the Ground Duty branch of the Indian Air Force.
Q2: Why is Divyanshi Singh's commissioning significant?
Ans: Her commissioning marks a milestone for women in the armed forces and highlights the opportunities created after women were allowed to join the NDA.