Major Navya Shekhawat has made history as the first woman officer from the Indian Army to be appointed Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu. Her selection places her within Rashtrapati Bhavan’s protocol team, assisting the President during state functions, investiture ceremonies, and diplomatic engagements.
Shekhawat, an officer of the Army Service Corps, cleared the Combined Defence Services examination before training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. Her appointment follows that of Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki, who became the first woman ADC to the President from the Navy in May 2025. The President is traditionally assisted by five ADCs, three from the Army and one each from the Navy and Air Force, roles that were almost entirely held by men for decades.
Her rise reflects the growing presence of women in the Indian Army since the 1992 commissioning of the first batch. The Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling on permanent commission further expanded opportunities, leading to milestones like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi briefing the nation on Operation Sindoor. Major Shekhawat’s posting signals that merit and performance are increasingly defining leadership in the institution.
For young women preparing for defence exams, her story offers concrete proof that disciplined preparation can lead to the highest circles of national service. As she continues her tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Major Shekhawat stands as a powerful symbol of how far women in uniform have come.
Article and image source: thebetterindia.com
