NDA Passing Out Parade 30 May 2025 Pictures and Video

The National Defence Academy (NDA) celebrated a landmark occasion today as it held the Passing Out Parade (POP) for its 148th course, featuring for the first time in history, a batch of 17 women cadets marching proudly alongside their male counterparts.

Held at the Khetrapal Parade Ground, nestled in the scenic Sahyadri ranges, the event was reviewed by General V.K. Singh (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff and current Governor of Mizoram. A total of 338 cadets took part in the grand ceremony, which was marked by military precision, pride, and emotion as the iconic tune of Auld Lang Syne echoed during the farewell march.

General Singh addressed the cadets and presented medals to those who achieved top honours:

• 🥇 President’s Gold Medal: BCA Prince Raj (Charlie Squadron)
• 🥈 President’s Silver Medal: ACC Udayveer Singh Negi (Golf Squadron)
• 🥉 President’s Bronze Medal: BCC Tejas Bhat (November Squadron)
• 🏆 Chiefs of Staff Banner: Golf Squadron

On the eve of the POP, a convocation ceremony was held where 339 cadets, including 17 women, were awarded degrees and certificates from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Among the academic achievers was Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh, one of the first women cadets, who topped the Arts stream.

This course marks a turning point in the history of NDA. Following a Supreme Court directive in August 2021, women were allowed to take the NDA entrance exam for the first time. The 17 trailblazing women cadets of the 148th course joined the academy in July-August 2022, undergoing the same rigorous military and academic training as their male counterparts.

With the successful completion of their three-year journey at NDA, cadets will now move on to specialized training at their respective service academies:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal

The 148th POP will be remembered not only for its ceremonial grandeur but also for marking the dawn of a more inclusive era in India’s armed forces.