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

  • Major Navya Shekhawat is the first woman from the Indian Army to serve as the President's ADC.
  • She was trained at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
  • Commissioned in 2021, she belongs to the Army Service Corps (ASC).
  • She follows Lt. Cdr. Yashasvi Solanki, the first overall woman ADC (Navy) in 2025.

In the high-stakes environment of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where military precision meets diplomatic grace, a new trailblazer has emerged. Major Navya Shekhawat has been appointed as the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, marking a historic first for the Indian Army. While woman officers have broken barriers in combat and support roles, her presence in the President's inner circle signifies a shift in the highest echelons of military protocol.

Major Shekhawat's journey is a testament to meritocracy. Her path began with the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination conducted by the UPSC. After securing a spot in the Short Service Commission (Women Non-Technical Course), she underwent rigorous training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. She was commissioned in mid-2021 into the Army Service Corps (ASC), a vital branch responsible for the logistics, transportation, and sustenance of military formations.

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Decoding the Role of the President's ADC

The role of an ADC is often perceived as purely ceremonial, but it is a position of immense responsibility and trust. The President is traditionally supported by five ADCs: three from the Army, one from the Navy, and one from the Air Force. These officers are responsible for managing the President's official engagements, coordinating military protocols during state visits, and ensuring the seamless execution of ceremonial duties at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Major Shekhawat's appointment is a symbolic victory for gender integration within the Indian Armed Forces. By placing a woman Army officer in a role that was exclusively male for decades, the institution is signaling a transition toward a more inclusive leadership structure where competence is the only currency.

"The integration of women into high-profile protocol roles like the ADC reflects the evolving nature of military diplomacy and institutional modernization in India."

It is important to distinguish that while Major Shekhawat is the first from the Indian Army, she is the second woman overall to hold this position. The pioneer was Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy, who broke the gender barrier in 2025. Major Shekhawat's rise to the rank of Major and her subsequent appointment in 2026 occurred roughly five years after her commissioning.

This achievement is grounded in decades of legal and social evolution. Women entered the Indian Army via the Short Service Commission in 1992. However, the real turning point came in 2020, when the Supreme Court of India ruled that eligible women officers should be granted Permanent Commission on par with their male counterparts, effectively removing the ceiling on their career progression.

Detail Lt. Cdr. Yashasvi Solanki Major Navya Shekhawat
Milestone First overall woman ADC to President First woman Army officer ADC to President
Service Branch Indian Navy Indian Army
Appointment Year 2025 2026
Did You Know?: The ADC is not just a personal assistant but acts as a critical liaison between the Head of State and the military commands of the three services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where did Major Navya Shekhawat receive her training?
She was trained at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.

2. How many ADCs does the President of India typically have?
The President typically has five ADCs: three from the Army, one from the Navy, and one from the Air Force.