Sai Jadhav is first woman officer to graduate from IMA
Why in the news
Sai Jadhav, aged 23, has become the first woman officer to graduate from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. She was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army.
Key facts
- Her graduation ends a 93-year all-male tradition at the academy.
- She is the first woman to join the Territorial Army through the IMA route, although women had earlier served in it through other pathways.
- She completed six months of training to the same standards as male cadets, with no special concessions.
- She is the fourth generation of her family in uniform: her great-grandfather served in the British Army, her grandfather in the Indian Army and her father, Sandeep Jadhav, is serving.
- She is due to take part in a ceremonial parade at the Chetwode Building in 2026.
About IMA
The Indian Military Academy was set up in 1932 at Dehradun and has trained more than 67,000 officers.
Exam angle
- Remember her name, rank, corps and the phrase “first woman from IMA”.
- IMA location (Dehradun) and year of establishment (1932) are static GK favourites.
- Link with women’s roles in the armed forces.