Nari Shakti – Women Empowerment in the Indian Army

The Meaning Behind 'Nari Shakti'

'Nari Shakti' translates to Women Power. In India, it symbolizes the strength, resilience, and courage of women in every walk of life. But in recent years, it has taken on a whole new meaning especially in the context of women donning the olive green.  

Women’s First Entry into Military Service

The journey began in 1888, when the Military Nursing Service (MNS) was established under British India. This marked the first official entry of women into military service. These brave nurses served during wars and in military hospitals.

In 1958, the Indian Army Medical Corps began granting regular commissions to women doctors, making them officially commissioned officers. This was the first time women formally became a part of the Indian Army’s officer cadre.

Timeline of Major Milestones

• 1992: Women entered non-medical roles through Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• 1994: The Indian Air Force (IAF) began inducting women into branches like logistics, ATC, and engineering.

• 2008: The Indian Navy allowed women on operational warships, marking a shift from shore roles.

• 2015: IAF began experimental induction of women in combat as fighter pilots.

• 2022: This combat role became permanent, making IAF the first service to offer permanent fighter pilot roles to women.

• 2023: Women were granted Permanent Commissions across most branches in Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• 2024: As per reports, women are now eligible for command positions across all branches.

Entry of Women in Indian Armed Forces

Women in the Indian Army

Women serve in branches like Signals, Engineers, Intelligence, Ordnance, Army Air Defence, and more. Though combat arms like Infantry and Armoured Corps remain limited, the roles are expanding.

Women in the Indian Navy

Women serve in logistics, law, air traffic control, and onboard warships. Discussions about allowing them on submarines are ongoing.

Women in the Indian Air Force

The IAF has led by example. Women now fly Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs, Rafales, and have even taken part in frontline missions. Officers like Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh have become household names.

Recruitment Process for Women in the Army

• NDA Entry: Since 2021, girls can appear for the NDA exam, and the first female cadets joined in 2023.

• CDS Entry: Graduates can enter via the Combined Defence Services exam.

• SSC (Tech & Non-Tech): Technical and non-technical graduates can apply through Short Service Commission.

• NCC Special Entry: Women holding an NCC 'C' certificate can join without appearing for written exams.

• JAG Entry: Female law graduates between 21-27 can join the Judge Advocate General Branch.

At OTA Chennai, women cadets undergo rigorous physical training, drills, weapon handling, and academic instruction. The focus is equally on mental resilience and leadership development, preparing them for field conditions and combat support roles.

Key Roles Played by Women in the Indian Defence Sector

Women have steadily grown from administrative roles to commanding officers, fighter pilots, and soon, frontline combatants. Here are some major areas where women contribute significantly:

1. Commissioned Officers

Women serve as commissioned officers in:

• Indian Army

• Indian Air Force (IAF)

• Indian Navy

They are deployed in technical, logistics, medical, legal, education, and combat support roles.

2. Fighter Pilots & Helicopter Pilots

• In 2016, IAF commissioned its first female fighter pilots — Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh.

• Since then, dozens of women have qualified to fly fighter jets like Sukhoi Su-30MKI and helicopters like Dhruv ALH.

3. Medical Corps

Women form the backbone of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), serving as:

• Doctors

• Surgeons

• Nurses in Military Nursing Services (MNS)

4. Judicial and Legal Branches

Many women serve in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch, handling legal affairs, military law, and courts-martial.

5. Training and Instruction

Senior women officers also serve as instructors at prestigious institutions like:

• OTA (Officers Training Academy), Chennai

• IMA (Indian Military Academy), Dehradun

• AFA (Air Force Academy), Dundigal

🔥 Nari Shakti in Combat Roles

Women are now entering combat roles with growing momentum. Here's a sector-wise breakdown:

Indian Army

• Army Aviation Corps began inducting women pilots in 2021.

• They now fly attack and reconnaissance helicopters in forward areas.

• Women officers have served in UN Peacekeeping missions in conflict zones like Congo, South Sudan, and Lebanon.

Indian Air Force (IAF)

• The first women fighter pilots were commissioned in 2016.

• In 2018, Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter jet solo.

• In 2024, IAF started recruiting women into Weapon Systems (WS) branch, a combat stream involving airborne weapon operation.

Indian Navy

• As of 2023, women are serving on warships and submarines in select roles.

• In 2021, Sub-Lieutenant Kumudini Tyagi and Sub-Lieutenant Riti Singh became first women airborne tacticians on warships.

🏛️ Government Support and Initiatives

The Indian government has taken bold and progressive steps to empower women in defence. Key initiatives include:

1. Permanent Commission (PC) for Women

Until 2020, women were offered only Short Service Commission (SSC) for 10–14 years. In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that women officers in Army should be granted PC at par with male officers. Now, women can serve up to 60 years in key arms like Signals, Engineers, Intelligence, and Education.

2. NDA Entry for Girls

A historic move came in 2021, when the Supreme Court allowed girls to appear for NDA. Since 2022, girls are trained alongside boys at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla for permanent commission in Army, Navy, and Air Force.

3. Women in Sainik Schools

In March 2021, the Ministry of Defence announced in Parliament that all 33 Sainik Schools would admit girl cadets starting from the 2021–22 academic session. This prepares them early for NDA and defence careers.

4. Reservation in CAPFs

The Ministry of Home Affairs mandates 33% reservation for women in CRPF and CISF, and encourages female recruitment in BSF, SSB, and ITBP.

5. Women in Territorial Army

In 2023, the Indian Army opened non-departmental combat support roles in the Territorial Army for women.

Conclusion

From a supportive role to taking the lead, women in the Indian Army have come a long way. 'Nari Shakti' isn’t just a slogan it's a lived reality, reflected in medals, marches, and missions. The olive green uniform today fits both pride and purpose, regardless of gender. As doors continue to open, the Indian Army stands tall not just as a fighting force but as a symbol of equality, courage, and inclusive strength. 

FAQs

1. Can girls join NDA?
Yes, since 2021, girls can appear for the NDA exam conducted by UPSC. The first batch joined in 2023.

2. Are women given Permanent Commission in the Indian Army?
Yes, following the Supreme Court’s 2020 verdict, eligible women officers can now opt for Permanent Commission.

3. Can women serve in combat roles in the Indian Army?
Currently, women serve in combat support roles. Combat arms like Infantry and Artillery are still under review for female induction.

4. Who was the first woman to receive a gallantry award in the Indian Army?
Major Mitali Madhumita was the first Indian woman officer to receive the Sena Medal for gallantry.

5. What are the ways women can join the Indian Army?
Women can join via NDA, CDS, SSC Tech, NCC Special Entry, and JAG (Law) entry routes.