'Was determined to join tri-services since doors were open for women,' says Pune girl who secured AIR 3 in NDA exam

In the National Defence Academy (NDA) admission exam administered by the Union Public Service Commission, Pune resident Rutuja Warhade achieved All India Rank 3, making her the top female candidate. She told PTI on Tuesday that her father had supported her desire from the beginning and that she had been resolved to join the NDA since the day it opened its doors to women. Earlier last week, the NDA entrance exam results were announced.

Based on the written test administered on September 1, 2024, and the ensuing interviews by the Ministry of Defense's Services Selection Board (SSB), 792 applicants in all qualified. The winners will be accepted into the 116th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) and the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA's 154th course.

Warhade told PTI that the day the NDA welcomed women, she was motivated to enroll in the tri-services training camp. "The Indian government let girls to join the NDA while I was in Class 9. I learned about the NDA and the defense forces from my father. After learning more about its illustrious past, I became enthralled and made the decision to serve the country," she said.