Major Navya Shekhawat Creates History as First Female Indian Army Officer to Become President’s ADC
Major Navya Shekhawat is among the select few female military officers who have achieved a historic milestone through their dedication, discipline, and leadership capabilities. She is the first female officer from the Indian Army who has appointed as an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India on second week of July 2026. The role of the President’s ADC is not merely ceremonial; it is a prestigious responsibility entrusted to the most trusted and outstanding officers of the Indian Armed Forces. Her achievement is seen as a symbol of the growing participation and leadership potential of women within the Indian Army. Major Navya Shekhawat’s journey of education and military training has been truly inspiring. She cleared the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. Subsequently, she was selected under the Short Service Commission and underwent military training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. Training at the OTA is not just a test of physical endurance; it also fosters leadership, strategic thinking, discipline, and the ability to make decisions under pressure. It was this training that molded Major Navya into a capable military officer. Upon completing her training, Major Navya Shekhawat began her service with the Army Service Corps (ASC). This corps is considered the backbone of the Army’s logistics, handling transportation, fuel, food supplies, and essential military provisions. While discharging these responsibilities, she demonstrated exceptional administrative efficiency, leadership, and organizational skills. Major Navya earned the confidence of senior officers through her competence across all areas and consistently distinguished herself through her performance. A major milestone in her career was reached when she was appointed as the ADC to the President of India. She is the first female officer from the Indian Army to hold this position. The responsibilities of the President’s ADC include the military coordination of the President’s official engagements, representation at ceremonial functions, assistance with various aspects of security arrangements, and duties related to military counsel. Her appointment has become a source of new inspiration for women in the Indian Army. Her success conveys the message that opportunities in the Indian Army today are granted based on talent and capability, irrespective of whether the officer is male or female.