Sai Jadhav, a resident of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, has etched her name in history by becoming the first female lieutenant in the Territorial Army. She is the daughter of an army family.
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun wrote a new and glorious chapter this year. For the first time in its 93-year history, a female officer cadet has successfully completed training at this prestigious institution. Her name is Sai Jadhav, a resident of Kolhapur, Maharashtra who completed rigorous training under the Territorial Army’s special course and has now become a lieutenant.
Sai Jadhav was selected after passing a national-level competitive examination and SSB interview. She successfully completed six months of intensive and challenging military training at the IMA. This training was not only physically but also mentally demanding. Her success is a testament to the unwavering determination, discipline, and courage she displayed in overcoming obstacles. Her achievement is an inspiration to thousands of young women across the country who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces and serving the nation
First step in 93 years of history
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) has been producing outstanding military officers for the country for years. This Passing Out Parade (POP) was nothing short of historic for the academy. Lieutenant Sai Jadhav set a new record by becoming the first female officer cadet to complete training at the IMA. She successfully completed the six-month specialised training required for the Territorial Army and was commissioned as a lieutenant.
Sai Jadhav completed her training not through the regular IMA course, but through the Territorial Army’s Special Training Course. She was the only woman among the 16 officer cadets enrolled in the course. Sharing her experience, Sai explained that the training was extremely challenging, both physically and mentally. However, it strengthened her leadership skills, resilience, and a deep sense of duty to the Indian Army. At the passing out ceremony, her parents placed the lieutenant’s stars on her shoulders.
Sai Jadhav’s achievements are deeply rooted in her family’s strong military history. Sai Jadhav’s father, Sandeep Jadhav, is a Major in the Indian Army. Her grandfather served in the British Army. This rich family military tradition was a key factor in Sai’s decision to pursue a career in the armed forces. Lieutenant Sai Jadhav’s success is not just a personal achievement, but also paves the way for equal opportunities for women in the Indian Army.
During the event, it was announced that from June 2026, women officer cadets will regularly train shoulder-to-shoulder with male cadets at the IMA and will also participate in the passing out parade.
