Major Navya Shekhawat Makes Historic Breakthrough as 1st Woman Army Officer to Serve as President’s ADC

Major Navya Shekhawat has made history by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Major Shekhawat was commissioned into the Army Service Corps in 2021 after completing her training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. She subsequently rose through the ranks and became a Major before taking up the prestigious presidential assignment.

What Does a President’s ADC Do?

The role of an Aide-de-Camp goes well beyond accompanying the President at public events. ADCs assist with official engagements, military protocol, coordination and the smooth conduct of presidential programmes.

At Rashtrapati Bhavan, military ADCs form part of the support structure surrounding the President during official ceremonies and engagements. The position is considered a prestigious assignment within the Armed Forces.

For Major Shekhawat, the appointment represents a notable achievement in her military career and places her in a highly visible role alongside President Murmu.

Second Woman Overall to Hold the President’s ADC Role

Major Shekhawat is also the second woman overall to serve as a President’s ADC.

In 2025, Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy became the first woman to hold the position. Major Shekhawat now becomes the first woman from the Indian Army to take on the prestigious assignment.

Her appointment comes at a time when women are taking on an increasing range of responsibilities across India’s military institutions. From operational roles to senior ceremonial and leadership assignments, their growing presence is reshaping the traditional picture of the Armed Forces.

Major Shekhawat’s journey from OTA Chennai to Rashtrapati Bhavan is therefore more than a personal career milestone. It also reflects the changing opportunities available to women officers in the Indian Army.

A Milestone at Rashtrapati Bhavan

As President Murmu’s ADC, Major Shekhawat will be closely involved in the President’s official engagements and ceremonial duties. Her presence at Rashtrapati Bhavan places her among the military officers responsible for supporting the President during important national and diplomatic occasions.

Her appointment has already attracted considerable attention across the country, with many viewing it as an important step forward for women in uniform.

A remarkable milestone for women in the Indian Armed Forces. Major Navya Shekhawat’s journey is truly inspiring.