Meet Major Priya Jhingan: The First Lady Cadet Who Paved the Way for Women Officers in the Indian Army

Major Priya Jhingan stands as a pioneering figure in the history of the Indian Armed Forces. Recognised as Lady Cadet No. 1, she was among the first batch of 25 women officers commissioned into the Indian Army in a non-medical role in 1993. Her determination not only broke longstanding gender barriers but also laid the foundation for subsequent generations of women to serve as officers with equal opportunities. Through her service in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Branch, advocacy for women’s permanent commission and command roles, and post-retirement contributions as an educator, mountaineer, author, and leadership mentor, Major Jhingan has exemplified resilience, professionalism, and visionary leadership.

Early Life and Formative Aspirations

Born in Himachal Pradesh into a family with a strong tradition of public service, Major Priya Jhingan is the daughter of a police officer. From an early age, she harboured a profound desire to serve the nation in uniform, viewing it as a path of purpose rather than mere prestige. Initially aspiring to join the Indian Police Service, she pursued a law degree, which equipped her with the analytical skills that would later prove invaluable in her military career.

Her turning point came when she proactively addressed a letter to the then Chief of the Army Staff, General Sunith Francis Rodrigues, inquiring why women were not permitted to serve as officers in the Indian Army beyond medical roles. This bold initiative reflected her conviction that women could contribute meaningfully to the armed forces. General Rodrigues responded affirmatively, indicating that the Army planned to induct women officers within a year or two. True to her resolve, Major Jhingan set aside other career plans and awaited the opportunity.

The Historic Induction: Lady Cadet No. 1 at OTA Chennai

In 1992, a newspaper advertisement announced the opening of the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai to women cadets. Major Jhingan applied promptly and secured her place as the first in the inaugural batch. On 21 September 1992, she enrolled as Lady Cadet No. 001 alongside 24 other women, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in Indian military history.

The training regimen at OTA was rigorous and identical to that of male cadets, with no concessions for gender. Major Jhingan later recounted the challenges and lighter moments of this period, including an incident during swimming drills where the female cadets, ordered to stand at attention, experienced an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction with their towels—an anecdote that underscored the novelty and intensity of integrating women into military training. She also demonstrated composure under pressure, such as when she confronted an intruder in her quarters, leading to disciplinary action.

On 6 March 1993, Major Jhingan graduated as the Silver Medallist of the First Women’s Course. She was commissioned into the Corps of Judge Advocate General, having requested assignment to an infantry battalion—a request denied at the time due to prevailing policies excluding women from combat arms.

Military Career in the Judge Advocate General Branch

Over the next decade, Major Jhingan served with distinction in the JAG Branch, where she handled legal matters, conducted court martials, and represented the Army in various proceedings. Her legal background enabled her to excel in this role, and she performed her duties with the same discipline and dedication expected of all officers. She was addressed as “Sir” by her subordinates, a practice that reflected the Army’s early adaptation to women officers.

Her tenure coincided with evolving discussions on the role of women in the forces. Major Jhingan consistently advocated for gender equality, later defending women officers amid controversies, including the case involving Lieutenant Sushmita Chakravarty. She publicly emphasised that women in uniform deserved respect and equal treatment.

In accordance with the terms of her Short Service Commission, she was released from service in 2003 (some accounts note 2002) at the rank of Major.

Advocacy for Gender Equality and Lasting Influence

Even after her release, Major Jhingan remained a vocal proponent of equal opportunities for women in the Indian Army. In February 2020, she contributed an opinion piece to The Times of India articulating the case for permanent commissions and command appointments for women officers. Her perspectives informed broader discourse and contributed to the Supreme Court of India’s landmark ruling in 2020, which granted women officers parity in these areas—17 years after her own service concluded.

In recognition of her trailblazing role, she was felicitated by President Ram Nath Kovind in February 2018 as one of 112 distinguished women pioneers across various fields.

Post-Retirement Contributions and Multifaceted Career

Transitioning to civilian life, Major Jhingan cleared the Haryana Judicial Services examination but opted not to pursue a judicial career. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and served as editor of the weekly Sikkim Express in Gangtok. In 2013, she joined The Lawrence School, Sanawar, as an English teacher and House Mistress, where she inspired students through her experiences and leadership.

An avid adventurer, she completed skiing courses in Gulmarg, India, and Almaty, Kazakhstan. In August 2019, she successfully led an all-female expedition comprising seven students and a teacher from Sanawar to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.

In 2013, she participated as a contestant in the reality television show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 1, further showcasing her adventurous spirit. She also authored her autobiography, Marching On: An Autobiography of Major Priya Jhingan, Lady Cadet No. 1 of The Indian Army, published in 2021, which chronicles her journey and offers insights into leadership and perseverance.

Establishing the Major Priya Jhingan Leadership Academy

Committed to nurturing future leaders, Major Jhingan founded the Major Priya Jhingan Leadership Academy. Through customised, activity-based programmes, the academy focuses on leadership development, teamwork, and personal growth. Her work as a motivational speaker and life coach continues to inspire young professionals and students across India.

Personal Life

Major Priya Jhingan is married to Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Malhotra (Retd.), who operates an adventure sports company. The couple resides in Chandigarh and has a son, Abhimanyu. Her family shares her passion for adventure and service.

Enduring Legacy

Major Priya Jhingan’s pioneering journey from a determined law graduate who wrote a single letter to the Army Chief to Lady Cadet No. 1 has reshaped opportunities for women in the Indian Armed Forces. Her story underscores that meaningful change often begins with courage and persistence. As she has noted, “The uniform never leaves you; it becomes who you are.”

Today, as women officers command units, lead contingents, and reach senior ranks, Major Jhingan’s contributions remain a cornerstone of this progress. Her life serves as a testament to the power of vision, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Through her academy, writings, and public engagements, she continues to guide the next generation, ensuring that the path she blazed remains open and expansive for all who aspire to serve with honour.