Sai Jadhav IMA: A moment arrived at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, which added a new chapter in the history of the Army. For the first time, a female officer cadet from this prestigious academy, which is more than 90 years old, has completed her training and entered the Indian Army. This female officer cadet is Sai Jadhav, a resident of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, who will now serve the country as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army. This achievement is the beginning of a change where women's participation in the army is now reaching new heights. Know who Sai Jadhav is and his success story.
Sai Jadhav is the first woman officer cadet to undergo military training in the history of IMA. A total of 16 cadets participated in the special course of the Territorial Army, of which Sai was the only woman. Although he did not march past in the passing out parade with the regular Army cadets, he underwent the same rigorous and disciplined training as is prescribed for the Territorial Army.
The commissioning ceremony was an emotional moment when Sai's parents themselves placed the Lieutenant's Star on his shoulders. It was not just a military honour, but also a symbol of the tradition of service to the country passed down through generations. Sai Jadhav's family has been associated with the army for a long time. His great grandfather was in the British Army, grandfather was an officer in the Indian Army and his father Sandeep Jadhav is currently serving in the Territorial Army. In this way the fourth generation of the Jadhav family has now joined the army.
Sai Jadhav, a resident of Kolhapur, studied in different parts of the country. He completed his 12th class from Belgaum. After graduation, she passed the national level competitive examination and then was successful in the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. Under special permission, he was given six months of rigorous military training at IMA. According to Sai, this training was challenging both physically and mentally, but it made him a strong and confident officer.
Sai Jadhav is only 23 years old. His family is originally from Jaisinghpur village. Becoming a Lieutenant by taking training from IMA at such a young age is considered a big achievement in itself. According to her father Sandeep Jadhav, seeing my daughter passing out from the academy which produces the best officers of the country is the proudest moment of my life.
Another big information came to light on this historical occasion. From June 2026, women officer cadets will be given regular training along with male cadets at IMA and they will also participate in the passing out parade.
