Terming the induction of the first batch of women officers for permanent commission as a watershed moment in the history of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), President Droupadi Murmu said she hopes that many more women would follow suit.“I am especially delighted to see the nine women cadets. This is a watershed moment in the history of IMA. It is not only a milestone in the history of India’s defence forces, but also an inspiring example of India’s march towards women-led development. I am sure that many more women cadets will join the Academy,” she said, while reviewing the passing out parade of IMA’s Spring Term-2026 in Dehradun on June 13.Over 93 years after it was established, the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, witnessed a historic moment when the first batch of women cadets for permanent commission took the ‘Antim Pag’ (final step) from the academy’s hallowed parade ground.Nine women cadets of the pioneering batch will be pipped as Lieutenants alongside their male counterparts after having completed a four-year grueling training regimen, including the first three years at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Kharakvasla.While permanent commission has been extended to women officers across all arms, they are a part of following directives of the Supreme Court, they are still not eligible to join the IMA directly and have to become officers either through the NDA or the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.As many as 515 cadets from the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduates Course, including nine women were commissioned as officers from the IMA on June 13. Among those who passed out today were 29 cadets from friendly foreign countries. “Your countries had entrusted us with responsibility of training you to the highest levels of military professionalism. I am confident that you will bring many laurels to your Armed Forces and countries through your service and the values you have imbibed here,” the President remarked.Addressing the parade, she said that in an era of rapidly changing security challenges, technological advances and complex global environments, the Indian Army should remain adaptive and future-ready.She urged the new officers to be lifelong learners, courageous decision-makers and ethical leaders. “As Army officers, you will be responsible for leading, guiding and caring for the soldiers. You have to lead by example, inspire confidence, and encourage the spirit of teamwork and dedication. By balancing operational effectiveness with the well-being of your soldiers, you will build trust and strengthen the fighting capability of the units you will lead. I expect you to lead from the front, care for your soldiers and uphold the finest traditions of our armed forces,” she said.