Will Lady Cadets Passing Out from IMA Get Permanent Commission?

The integration of women into the Indian Armed Forces has marked a significant evolution in gender parity within India's defence structure. The Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, established in 1932, has traditionally been a bastion for training male officers for permanent commission in the Indian Army. However, recent policy shifts, driven by judicial interventions and governmental reforms, have opened its doors to women cadets. This article examines whether lady cadets passing out from IMA will be granted permanent commission (PC), a status that allows officers to serve until retirement age with full pension and benefits, as opposed to the short service commission (SSC), which is typically limited to 10-14 years. Drawing on official notifications, court rulings, and recent developments, the analysis confirms that such cadets are indeed eligible for PC, aligning with broader efforts toward inclusivity.

Historical Context of Women in the Indian Army

Women have served in the Indian Army since 1992, initially in non-combat roles under the Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES), which offered SSC. This scheme evolved into the SSC Women Entry in 2008, expanding opportunities but still restricting PC to select branches like the Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army Education Corps (AEC). Permanent commission remained largely inaccessible, leading to disparities in career progression, command opportunities, and retirement benefits compared to male counterparts.

A pivotal turning point occurred in February 2020 when the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of granting PC to women officers on par with men, dismissing arguments based on physiological differences or societal norms. The court mandated that all SSC women officers with up to 20 years of service be considered for PC, emphasizing equality under Article 14 of the Constitution. This judgment extended to command postings, further reinforced by subsequent rulings addressing evaluation criteria disparities. In 2021, the Supreme Court also directed the admission of women to the National Defence Academy (NDA), paving the way for their entry into pre-commission training academies like IMA.

These reforms have transformed the landscape, enabling women to pursue long-term careers in the Army. Unlike the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, which primarily awards SSC (with options to convert to PC after service), IMA has historically been the gateway for direct PC through entries like NDA and Combined Defence Services (CDS).

Pathways for Women Cadets to IMA

Women cadets reach IMA primarily through the NDA route, introduced following the 2021 Supreme Court directive. The NDA, located in Khadakwasla, Pune, conducts a three-year joint training program for cadets from all three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force). Upon completion, Army-wing cadets proceed to IMA for an additional year of specialized pre-commission training.

The first batch of women joined NDA in 2022, with 17 graduating in May 2025. Of these, eight opted for the Army and joined IMA in July 2025 for a year-long program, undergoing identical training standards as male cadets, albeit with separate accommodations. This training culminates in commissioning as Lieutenants, subject to medical fitness and performance.

Other entries, such as CDS, have faced scrutiny. A Delhi High Court petition in 2025 questioned why women are restricted to OTA via CDS, limiting them to SSC, while men can access IMA, Air Force Academy (AFA), or Indian Naval Academy (INA) for PC. However, for NDA graduates transitioning to IMA, the policy is clear: successful completion leads to PC.

Current Policy on Permanent Commission for IMA Graduates

Official Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) notifications for NDA explicitly state that upon successful training at IMA, cadets regardless of gender are granted PC in the rank of Lieutenant. This aligns with the Army's recruitment framework, where IMA entries are designed for long-term service. For instance, the Technical Graduate Course (TGC) notification for January 2026, while male-only in this cycle, reiterates that IMA commissioning results in PC. Extending this to women via NDA ensures parity.

As of February 2026, the first regular batch of women cadets at IMA is midway through training, with commissioning anticipated around June or July 2026. They will receive PC, enabling service in various arms and services, including potential command roles, in compliance with the 2020 Supreme Court mandate. This contrasts with SSC entries like NCC Special Entry, which offer initial SSC with options for PC after 10 years.

Notable Exceptions and Recent Milestones

A noteworthy case is Lieutenant Sai Jadhav, who in December 2025 became the first woman to complete training at IMA after a 93-year wait. However, her six-month course was under the Territorial Army (TA) entry, not the regular NDA pathway, resulting in a TA commission rather than regular Army PC. This highlights that while IMA facilitates training, the commission type depends on the entry scheme.

Broader integration efforts include 126 women admitted to NDA by 2025, with ongoing batches ensuring a steady influx to IMA. The Army emphasizes physical standards, such as running, push-ups, and swimming, applied uniformly, underscoring commitment to merit-based equality.

Implications and Future Outlook

Granting PC to lady cadets from IMA not only rectifies historical inequities but also enhances operational diversity. It positions women for senior roles, potentially including service chiefs, as NDA entry provides the requisite seniority. Challenges persist, such as infrastructure adaptations and cultural shifts, but progress is evident in allied reforms, like women in combat aviation since 2016.

Policies continue to evolve, with the government implementing Supreme Court directives at an advanced stage. For aspiring candidates, consulting the Join Indian Army portal or UPSC notifications is advisable for the latest eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

In summary, lady cadets passing out from IMA through the NDA route will receive permanent commission. This development, rooted in judicial advocacy and policy alignment, fosters a more inclusive Indian Army, ensuring women officers can contribute fully to national defence. As the first regular batch commissions in 2026, it symbolizes a transformative era in military gender dynamics.