Women in Indian Armed Forces

Women were first allowed to join the Indian Armed Forces in 1992, when the Supreme Court of India ruled that women could be admitted to the National Defence Academy (NDA).

The Army was the first service to induct women officers, in 1992.

The highest rank that a woman has achieved in the Indian Armed Forces is Lieutenant General, which is equivalent to a two-star rank.

Lieutenant General Punita Arora was the first woman to be appointed as the Chief of Staff of an Indian Armed Forces service, when she was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Indian Army in 2021.

As of 2021, women make up approximately 12% of the Indian Armed Forces.

No woman has yet won the Param Vir Chakra.

Constable Seema Rani was the first woman to be awarded the Ashoka Chakra, in 2004.

Lieutenant Colonel Mitali Madhumita was the first woman to be awarded the Kirti Chakra, in 2010.

Major Deepika Misra was the first woman to be awarded the Shaurya Chakra, in 2009.

Captain Neha Rawat was the first woman to be awarded the Sena Medal, in 2008.

Lieutenant Colonel Mitali Madhumita was the first woman to be awarded the Vayu Sena Medal, in 2010.

Major Deepika Misra was the first woman to be awarded the Nao Sena Medal, in 2009.

Captain Neha Rawat was the first woman to be awarded the Coast Guard Medal, in 2008.

Lieutenant Colonel Mitali Madhumita was the first woman to be awarded the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, in 2010.

Major Deepika Misra was the first woman to be awarded the Utkrisht Jeevan Raksha Padak, in 2009.