Meet Major Navya Shekhawat: 1st Woman Indian Army Officer to Serve as ADC to the President of India

In a landmark development for the Indian Armed Forces, Major Navya Shekhawat of the Army Service Corps has been appointed Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. She is the first woman officer from the Indian Army to hold this prestigious position and only the second woman overall to serve as ADC to the President, following Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy, who was appointed in May 2025.

Her elevation to this elite staff role at Rashtrapati Bhavan marks a significant stride in the ongoing integration of women officers into the highest echelons of military protocol and leadership. As of mid-2026, Major Shekhawat continues to serve in this capacity, representing the Army with distinction during official ceremonies and duties.

The Journey and Commissioning at OTA

Major Shekhawat’s entry into the Indian Army was merit-based. She successfully cleared the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Her name featured in the final merit list for the Short Service Commission (Women) Non-Technical Course at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.

Following rigorous training that emphasizes leadership, physical endurance, military tactics, and officer-like qualities, she was commissioned into the Indian Army, most likely in mid-2021. She was allotted to the Army Service Corps (ASC), a vital branch responsible for logistics, supply chain management, transportation, and administrative support—functions essential to sustaining operational readiness across the force.

Her progression from a CDS qualifier to a commissioned officer exemplifies the competitive yet rewarding route available through OTA for women aspirants. Within a relatively short span, she earned promotion to the rank of Major, a testament to consistent performance, professional competence, and leadership potential.

Building a Stellar Career

Her relatively rapid rise—commissioned around 2021 and appointed ADC by late 2025—underscores exceptional merit and the confidence placed in her by the selection process. The Army Service Corps background, far from being a limitation, highlights that excellence in any arm or service can lead to the most prestigious appointments when paired with the right attributes.

The Historic ADC Appointment

The position of ADC to the President is one of the most sought-after and demanding staff appointments in the Indian military. ADCs form part of the President’s personal staff at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Their responsibilities include:

• Assisting with the President’s daily schedule and official engagements
• Facilitating communication between the President and senior military and civilian officials
• Participating in state ceremonies, investitures, guard of honour, and diplomatic events
• Maintaining protocol and representing the dignity of the Armed Forces

Traditionally held by male officers from various arms, these roles have gradually opened to women as part of broader policy shifts promoting gender equality in the services. Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki’s appointment in May 2025 as the first woman ADC (from the Navy) paved the way. Major Shekhawat’s subsequent selection as the first from the Indian Army completed another milestone.

Her appointment, reported across defence-focused platforms in early 2026, has been widely celebrated as a symbol of “Nari Shakti” in uniform. Images and videos of her standing beside the President during official functions have circulated widely, resonating strongly with defence aspirants and the public.

A Symbol of Progress for Women in the Armed Forces

Major Shekhawat’s achievement must be viewed against the evolving landscape of women’s participation in the Indian military. Women officers entered the Army through Short Service Commission in 1992. Landmark judicial and policy interventions—most notably the 2020 Supreme Court judgment granting permanent commission to women officers—have expanded career horizons significantly.

Today, women serve in diverse roles, including combat support arms, and are eligible for command and staff appointments based on merit. The ADC role, requiring impeccable personal standards and the ability to operate at the apex of national protocol, represents the pinnacle of such recognition.

Her story also illustrates that branches like the Army Service Corps—often perceived as “non-combat”—offer equally valid and prestigious pathways when officers demonstrate all-round excellence. For SSB aspirants, her journey reinforces the importance of holistic development: strong academics (evident in CDS merit), physical fitness, officer-like qualities, and consistent performance throughout training and early service.

Her presence at Rashtrapati Bhavan serves as visible proof that dedicated service, irrespective of gender or initial perceptions of a branch, can culminate in historic recognition.

Conclusion

Major Navya Shekhawat’s appointment as the first woman Indian Army officer to serve as ADC to the President is more than a personal milestone—it is a milestone for the institution. It reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to recognizing talent and leadership wherever it exists, and it provides powerful motivation to thousands of young women and men aspiring to wear the uniform.

As she continues her duties at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Major Shekhawat stands as a living testament to discipline, merit, and the quiet strength of service.