Three girls among 50 cadets from Kalikiri Sainik School clear NDA exam
Fifty cadets from Sainik School Kalikiri have qualified for the National Defence Academy, marking the school's best performance to date. Notably, this group includes the first three female cadets from the school to clear the exam.
Why it matters
The inclusion of female cadets in military academies represents a significant shift in gender inclusivity within India's armed forces.
Sainik School Kalikiri in Annamayya district has achieved its best-ever performance in the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) written examination, with 50 cadets qualifying for Course No. 158, including three girls from its first-ever batch of female cadets.
Of the 79 students in the current Class XII batch, 41 cleared the examination, registering a success rate of nearly 52%. Another nine cadets from the previous batch also qualified, taking the school’s overall tally to 50%.
The success of the three girls is a significant milestone for the institution, reflecting growing opportunities for young women aspiring to serve as officers in the Armed Forces. The qualified cadets will now face the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses leadership, mental aptitude, personality and suitability for military service.
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