Major Navya Shekhawat has made history as the first woman officer from the Indian Army appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India. This marks her as a trailblazer for women officers in the Indian Armed Forces. She is the second woman officer to serve as the President's ADC, following in the footsteps of her fellow officer, Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy, who was the first woman to hold this position since 2025.
Major Navya Shekhawat has undertaken a unique journey in her service to the country. For defence aspirants, her journey through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, SSB selection, and training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai) Before joining the Indian Army is of special interest.
From CDS Examination to the Indian Army
Major Navya Shekhawat joined the Indian Army by passing the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. After qualifying and clearing the Services Selection Board (SSB) round, she went on to train at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, before being commissioned. She was commissioned into the Army Service Corps (ASC), which manages key logistical tasks that ensure the smooth functioning of the Indian Army.
Navya’s journey serves as an inspiration to all CDS written exam qualifiers who aspire to build a long military career. Over the years of her service, she has climbed up the ranks and now holds the position of President’s ADC (Aide-de-camp).
This highlights the fact that while qualifying for the CDS exam is a good start, it is only the beginning of a glorious journey in the Indian Defence Services.
What is the Role of a President’s ADC?
An Aide-de-Camp, also known as an ADC, is a member of the military who is assigned to serve and assist a senior dignitary. For the President of India, the ADC has responsibilities related to ceremonial, military, and other functions of the President.
However, the ADCs are not only assistants to the President when he is on public appearances. They must also display exemplary discipline, coordination, and knowledge of military protocols when assisting the President during his official duties and events. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the country’s defense forces, so the job of his ADC is considered to be one of the most esteemed positions a military person can undertake.
The individual holding this position is expected to display competence, tact, and a thorough understanding of military rules and procedures. Thus, an ADC for the Indian President is entrusted with great responsibility.
Major Navya Shekhawat’s Historic Appointment
Major Navya Shekhawat has made history by becoming the first female officer from the Indian Army to be appointed as the Additional Deputy Chief (ADC) to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. She currently serves as one of the ADCs in Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President’s official residence.
In addition, Major Shekhawat’s ADC posting is yet another milestone on the path toward gender equality within the Indian Armed Forces. In recent years, there has been a visible increase in the number of women officers assuming important appointments and responsibilities in all three of the country’s defense services.
It is worth noting that while Major Shekhawat has indeed become the first-ever woman Army officer to be ADC to the President, she is not the first woman ADC in general. The esteemed title goes to Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy, who is set to become ADC to the President in 2025, making her the first-ever female officer of the Navy to be appointed to this prestigious position. Major Navya Shekhawat is, therefore, the second woman ADC in history.
A Milestone for Women in the Indian Armed Forces
Major Navya Shekhawat’s achievement comes at a time when women in the Indian Armed Forces are taking up various roles. They are getting posted on combat and operational duties, holding key appointments and commanding posts. The presence of women officers in the Armed Forces is growing steadily.
The significance of Major Shekawat’s achievement lies in the fact that it shows the importance attached to professional competence and capabilities.
For young women, her achievement indicates the opportunities open to them in the services. Her accomplishment will also motivate others who wish to join the Armed Forces and serve the nation. This is because the Armed Forces require the same qualities and attributes from all officers and men.
What Defence Aspirants Can Learn
Major Navya Shekhawat’s journey throws up several lessons for defence aspirants. It is necessary to understand that the CDS examination can act as a gateway to a glorious career in the Armed Forces. Therefore, one must be ready to prepare for the examination with a vision of the benefits it would yield post-selection. It is essential to bear in mind that the SSB interview tests a candidate’s leadership, communication, decision-making, adaptability, team spirit, confidence, and poise. Therefore, one must work on these attributes while preparing for the examination.
It is also necessary to keep in mind that even after commissioning, an officer's journey continues, as he/she must perform various roles and responsibilities as one advances in rank and position. Performance coupled with discipline always helps to secure enhanced posts and powers.
It is advisable for candidates not to get fixated on qualifying for the exam. Rather, they need to have a futuristic outlook and aspire to be competent officers who can take up any challenge in their assigned roles with confidence.
Conclusion
Major Navya Shekhawat’s appointment as the first woman Army officer to serve as the President’s ADC is a significant milestone in the history of the Indian Armed Forces. Her journey through the CDS examination and SSB selection to OTA Chennai and her subsequent commissioning into the Army Service Corps and subsequent service at Rashtrapati Bhavan exemplify the opportunities that one can get through a career in the Armed Forces.
In this context, her achievement is a valuable lesson to defence aspirants in that the preparation for their exams is only the beginning of their journey. It is the development of the qualities of discipline, leadership, confidence, and sense of responsibility that they will need to exhibit as officers in the Armed Forces.
This is a reminder that Major Navya Shekhawat’s achievement, while being a significant milestone for women officers, is also an inspiration to every aspirant preparing to earn the uniform and serve the nation.
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