Meet Lieutenant Shanan Dhaka: NDA’s 1st Women Topper Commissioned into Indian Army

In a landmark achievement for women in the Indian Armed Forces, Lieutenant Shanan Dhaka was commissioned into the Indian Army on 13 June 2026. As the All India Rank 1 among women candidates — and overall AIR 10 — in the first National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination open to women, she has now completed the full training pipeline and joined the officer cadre. Her journey from a military family in Haryana to becoming one of the first women officers commissioned through the Indian Military Academy’s regular course represents a historic step in the integration of women into combat and leadership roles.

Early Life and Military Legacy

Shanan Dhaka was born into a family with a deep-rooted tradition of service to the nation. Hailing from Sundana village in Rohtak district, Haryana, she grew up in Army cantonments across Roorkee, Delhi, Chandimandir (Panchkula), and Chandigarh. This environment instilled in her the values of discipline, respect for uniform, and a profound sense of duty from an early age.

Her grandfather, Subedar Chanderbhan Dhaka (Retd.), laid the foundation of the family’s military service. Her father, Naib Subedar (also referred to as Hony Naik Subedar) Vijay Kumar Dhaka (Retd.) of the Army Service Corps, continued the legacy before retiring and taking up a role in private security. The family currently resides in Zirakpur, Punjab. Her elder sister serves in the Military Nursing Service, while her younger sister was in school as of 2022. Her parents consistently supported their daughters’ ambitions without imposing restrictions.

Shanan completed her schooling at Army Public Schools in Roorkee, Jaipur, and Chandimandir. She demonstrated consistent academic excellence, securing 97.4% in Class 10 and 98.2% in Class 12. Briefly enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts programme at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi, she pivoted decisively when new opportunities arose in the defence services.

The Historic NDA Opportunity and Instant Decision

The Supreme Court’s ruling in September 2021, which permitted women candidates to appear for the NDA examination, opened a new chapter. For Shanan, the decision to apply was instantaneous. Rather than waiting three years to appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination after graduation, she chose the direct entry route through NDA.

“I took inspiration to join the armed forces from my grandfather, Chanderbhan Dhaka, who was a Subedar, and my father, Vijay Kumar Dhaka, who retired as a Naib Subedar from the Army Service Corps,” she stated. “Growing up in cantonment areas, I saw the respect being accorded to Army officers. Plus the trust everybody has in Army personnel really motivated me to join the service. It’s an opportunity to serve the nation with unparalleled pride and honour.”

She appeared for the NDA entrance examination on 14 November 2021. Out of over 5.75 lakh applicants (including 1.77 lakh women), she achieved All India Rank 10 overall and emerged as the topper among women candidates. This performance earned her a place in the historic first batch of 19 women cadets (10 for the Army) who joined the NDA in June 2022.

Rigorous Training at NDA and Transition to IMA

Shanan joined the NDA as part of the 148th Course in June 2022 alongside male cadets. The training was conducted in a fully gender-neutral manner, testing physical endurance, leadership, academics, and military skills equally. She completed the demanding three-year programme and graduated during the NDA Passing Out Parade on 30 May 2025.

Following standard procedure for Army-bound cadets, she proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, for the final year of pre-commission training. This phase further honed her leadership abilities, tactical knowledge, and officer-like qualities.

Historic Commissioning at IMA – 13 June 2026

On 13 June 2026, Lieutenant Shanan Dhaka was commissioned into the Indian Army during the 158th Passing Out Parade at IMA Dehradun. She was among nine women officer cadets commissioned in this batch — the first group to complete the full IMA regular course pathway.

A total of 515 officer cadets were commissioned on the day. President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu reviewed the parade as the chief guest and reviewing officer. The ceremony was attended by senior military leaders, including the GOC-in-C of Army Training Command, the IMA Commandant, and families of the cadets.

The traditional pipping ceremony followed the parade, during which parents pinned the lieutenant’s rank insignia on their children’s shoulders — a deeply emotional moment symbolising the transition from cadet to commissioned officer. Lieutenant Dhaka has been posted to eastern Ladakh.

Personal Philosophy and Message to Aspirants

Throughout her journey, Lieutenant Dhaka has drawn inspiration from the life of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, admiring his rise through determination, skill, and integrity while remaining grounded.

At the time of her commissioning, she reflected: “Coming from a military family, joining the Army was not just a career choice but a way of life. I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility. I have a military background, so this was not just a career choice for me but a way of life that I witnessed right from my childhood.”

Her advice to young aspirants is clear and grounded: “Don’t aim to join the forces only for the charm of being an officer. Pursue this profession only if you are really passionate and ready to work hard.” She further encourages: “Dream big and keep working hard. One day, all your hard work will pay off and you will achieve what you are aiming for.”

Her father, Vijay Kumar Dhaka, expressed immense family pride: “It is a moment of immense pride and honour for our family. She has made each one of us proud, especially her grandfather who started the tradition of serving the nation.” He added that he would encourage every girl to consider the armed forces as a respected profession offering both service to the nation and personal fulfilment.

A Trailblazer for Future Generations

Lieutenant Shanan Dhaka’s achievement is more than personal success. She stands as a symbol of the Indian Armed Forces’ progressive integration of women into its officer cadre. From topping the first women’s NDA batch to marching out of IMA as a commissioned lieutenant posted to a forward area, her journey exemplifies discipline, focused preparation, family values, and unwavering commitment to service.

For defence aspirants across the country — particularly young women from both military and civilian backgrounds — her story offers a powerful blueprint: strong academics, self-driven preparation, authenticity in assessment, and passion for the profession matter more than prolonged coaching or privilege.

As the Indian Army continues to expand opportunities for women officers, Lieutenant Shanan Dhaka’s commissioning on 13 June 2026 will be remembered as a defining moment in that evolution. Her legacy, built on a foundation laid by her grandfather and father, now extends into the next generation of service.