First Place Acquired by Haryana with the Maximum Number of Female Cadets in NDA
Haryana has made a record for the largest number of girl cadets getting admitted into the National Defence Academy (NDA) in India. This feat is evidence of an excellent gender breakthrough in the military forces. In an enormity of progress, Haryana is the leading state with the largest number of lady cadets admitted into the renowned National Defence Academy (NDA) in India. This is an important milestone showcasing the forward-looking spirit of the state towards the equal treatment of men and women in the military. Other regions of the country could learn and emulate this example. This time, Haryana leads in Female Cadet Enrollment at NDA.

Breaking Barriers: Women’s Participation in the NDA,
The initial phase in becoming a military officer began when those female cadets registered for the NDA for their 148th course, after the Supreme Court allowed female cadets to sit for NDA entrance exams, which was established in August 2021. This added women officers to the military’s officer cadre when they were allowed to sit for NDA exams. The very first course included 19 women cadets, representing a critical transition toward gender equality in military training and leadership roles.
Haryana Female Cadet at NDA
Recent data obtained from the Ministry of Defence confirms that Haryana is again the frontrunner in several female cadets entering NDA, with 35 cadets, which is almost 28% of total female cadets (As per DTE statistics). This speaks to the Haryana government and its support of women in the defence services, both in terms of encouraging more and more women to explore those options as careers and for them to realize their potential.
State-wise Female Cadet Enrollment
The distribution of female cadets across various states is as follows:
- Haryana: 35 cadets
- Uttar Pradesh: 28 cadets
- Rajasthan: 13 cadets
- Maharashtra: 11 cadets
- Madhya Pradesh: 6 cadets
- Punjab: 4 cadets
While these numbers are reflective of a growing interest of women nationwide to join the armed forces, Haryana continues to be the leader in this respect.
Factors Contributing to Haryana’s Success
Numerous Factors for the Success of Haryana’s Women’s Enrollment:
- Educational Institutions: Haryana is home to well-known educational institutions such as Sainik School, Kunjpura (Started admitting female students in 2021), which provided an excellent opportunity and momentum for young females excited to secure future careers in the armed forces.
- Schemes by State Government: The Haryana government has schemes for women’s education and discussed their schemes of scholarships and awareness to join the armed forces.
- Change in mindset: Gradual shift in mindset from families regarding young women for their women to apply for a military job.
Training and Integration at the NDA
Like their male counterparts, female cadets go through a demanding three-year training program that includes leadership development, physical conditioning, and academic instruction. Enough facilities have been set up to guarantee a favourable training environment that promotes respect and camaraderie among all cadets.
Obstacles and the Way Forward
While the increasing number of female cadets is a positive development, challenges remain:
- Retention Rates: Five of the 126 women who have joined since 2022 have left. It is essential to address the factors that affect retention.
- Equal Opportunities: For real inclusion, it is necessary to have equal access to the possibilities of career progress as their male colleagues.
Conclusion
An important step towards the inclusion of gender in India’s armed forces is the leadership of Haryana in the recruitment of women’s cadets in NDA. This achievement encourages young women across the country to find a career in the defence services and also shows the progressive ideas of the state.
FAQs about Haryana Female Cadet at NDA
Ans. Following an order from the Supreme Court in 2021, NDA began to accept ladies’ cadets in August 2022.
Ans. From March 2025, NDA has about 126 women’s cadets.
Ans. At the age of 35, Haryana has the best number of women cadets, about 28% of all ladies’ cadets.
Ans. As their male colleagues, female cadets undergo a tough three-year workout program. This includes leadership development, physical training,g and educational courses.
Ans. Indeed, the NDA has set up sufficient facilities to guarantee that female cadets receive training in a favourable environment on par with that of male cadets.