Major Navya Shekhawat Makes History as First Woman Indian Army Officer Appointed Presidential ADC

Major Navya Shekhawat Makes History as First Woman Indian Army Officer Appointed Presidential ADC

Major Navya Shekhawat has made history after becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to be appointed as an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

Her appointment at Rashtrapati Bhavan marks a significant milestone in the history of the Indian Army and reflects the expanding role of women in senior, prestigious and high-responsibility military appointments. She is reportedly the second woman overall to serve as an ADC to the Indian President, following Lieutenant Commander Yashaswi Solankee of the Indian Navy, who made history as the first woman ADC to the President in 2025.

Major Shekhawat’s journey into the Indian Army began after she cleared the highly competitive Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). She was subsequently selected for the Short Service Commission Women (Non-Technical) Course and underwent rigorous military training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.

Following her training, she was commissioned into the Army Service Corps (ASC) around 2021. The Corps plays a crucial role in the Indian Army’s logistics system, including the supply of essential materials, transportation, fuel, rations and other operational requirements necessary to sustain troops and military operations.

Within approximately five years of her commissioning, Major Shekhawat rose to the rank of Major and secured one of the most prestigious appointments in the Indian military establishment.

As an ADC to the President, she serves as part of the President’s military staff and is involved in official engagements, military protocol and major state ceremonies. The role demands a high level of discipline, professionalism, physical fitness, discretion and the ability to operate in a highly sensitive environment.

Major Shekhawat’s achievement comes at a time when women are increasingly taking on expanded roles across the Indian Armed Forces, including leadership, operational and specialised appointments. The Indian government has continued to expand opportunities for women officers in the military, with women now serving in a growing number of branches and leadership positions.

Her historic appointment has been widely celebrated as a symbol of professional excellence and the changing face of military service in India.

Major Navya Shekhawat’s journey from a CDS examination candidate to the first woman Indian Army officer appointed as ADC to the President is a powerful reminder that discipline, competence and leadership know no gender.

Major Navya Shekhawat Makes History as First Woman Indian Army Officer Appointed Presidential ADC