Sai Jadhav created history : first girl to complete rigorous training with boys at IMA

Thuis Saturday was a special day in the nine-decade-long glorious history of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, as another beautiful chapter was added to it. The occasion – a passing out parade of IMA  when for the first time, a woman officer cadet completed her training and joined the army. The cadet who achieved this feat is Sai Jadhav, who has now received a commission as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army.

Sai Jadhav, from Kolhapur ( Maharashtra)  is the first  officer cadet who is  trained at the IMA. She was the only woman among the 16 cadets of the Territorial Army. Although she did not participate in the main passing out parade like the other cadets, she underwent rigorous training at the IMA as part of the six-month special course for the Territorial Army.Sai Jadhav’s parents pinned the stars on her shoulders. Sai’s family also has a strong tradition of serving in the armed forces. Her father, Sandeep Jadhav, is a Major in the Territorial Army, while her grandfather served in the British Army.

Sai Jadhav said that the IMA training was extremely challenging, but this difficult period made her physically and mentally stronger than ever before. She says that the IMA has not only made her a better officer but also given her a more confident personality. Sai gave a message to school and college girls to consider joining the armed forces. It is not only an excellent career but also the most glorious and honorable way to serve the country.

From June 2026, women officer cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) will regularly train alongside male cadets and participate in the march past. This will mark the addition of another glorious chapter to India’s military history.