Captain Shivani Sehrawat, a young regular officer in the Indian Army, recently created history by becoming India’s first female ADC (Aide-de-Camp). This historic appointment is considered a major step towards providing greater leadership opportunities to women in the Indian Army based on their merit, professional competence, and credibility. A service chief typically appoints three ADCs, and Captain Shivani is one of these selected officers. She is also the first female ADC to General Dheeraj Seth, who will assume office as India’s 31st Chief of Staff on June 30, 2026.
In 2013, Lieutenant Garib Lal Ji became the first female ADC to an Army Command Commander, and Captain Shivani is the first female officer to directly become ADC to a Chief of Staff. Before joining the Army, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering and completed rigorous military training at the prestigious Officer Training Academy in Chennai, after which she was commissioned into the Indian Army.
Responsibilities of the ADC Position-
The ADC serves as the personal staff officer to the Army Commander.
- Schedule Management- Organizing the Army Chief’s day-to-day programs, high-level meetings, and national ceremonies.
- Protocol and Coordination- Liaising with government ministries, foreign dignitaries, and other departments of the Armed Forces.
- Official Visits- Accompanying the Army Chief during his visits to domestic, political, and strategic fronts.
Captain Shivani Sehrawat recounts her journey as a young Army officer in the Indian Army before being appointed ADC of the Army.
- Ground Regiment Duty- After graduating from the Officer Training Academy, Chennai, she served at the ground level in her parent regiment as a young Lieutenant and then Captain, and due to her engineering background, she was involved in technical and operational roles.
- 3 to 5 Years of Active Service- To become an ADC to the Army Chief, an officer must first complete at least 3 to 5 years of active service. During this period, she participated in various military exercises and subsequent postings.
- Tough Selection Process- Before her appointment to the Vice Chief Staff, Suna underwent a rigorous evaluation, where her past service record, excellent physical mental fitness, exemplary discipline, and quick decision-making were assessed. She met all these criteria and was selected for this prestigious position.