Who Is Major Navya Shekhawat? First Woman Army Officer to Serve as President’s ADC
Who Is Major Navya Shekhawat? First Woman Army Officer to Serve as President’s ADC
Major Navya Shekhawat has created a significant milestone in the Indian Army by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu.
Her appointment also makes her the second woman officer overall to hold the President’s ADC position. Before her, Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy became the first woman officer to serve as an ADC to the President in 2025.
But what exactly does a President's ADC do, and how did Major Navya Shekhawat reach this prestigious military assignment? Here is everything you need to know.
Who Is Major Navya Shekhawat?
Major Navya Shekhawat is an officer of the Indian Army who is currently serving as an Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu.
Her appointment is notable because she is the first woman officer from the Indian Army to take up the President's ADC role.
Shekhawat's military career began through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. After clearing the selection process, she underwent military training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
She was subsequently commissioned into the Army Service Corps (ASC) in 2021.
Major Navya Shekhawat's Journey in the Indian Army
Major Navya Shekhawat entered the Indian Army through the officer-entry route associated with the CDS examination. She was selected for the Short Service Commission Women Non-Technical Course and completed her training at OTA Chennai.
After completing her training, she was commissioned into the Army Service Corps in 2021.
Over the following years, she progressed through her military career and reached the rank of Major. Her appointment as the President's ADC has now placed her in a high-profile role involving official engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.
What Does an ADC Do?
ADC stands for Aide-de-Camp. An ADC is a military officer assigned to assist a senior constitutional or military authority during official duties and engagements.
For the President of India, ADCs accompany the President during important official programmes, ceremonies and public engagements.
Their responsibilities can include:
- Assisting the President during official engagements
- Coordinating with military and civil officials
- Helping manage military and ceremonial protocol
- Supporting communication and coordination during official events
- Accompanying the President during important national ceremonies
The role therefore involves much more than simply appearing alongside the President during public events. ADCs are part of the official support structure that helps ensure that engagements and ceremonies are conducted smoothly.
How Many ADCs Does the President Have?
The President traditionally has five Aides-de-Camp.
These include:
- Three officers from the Indian Army
- One officer from the Indian Navy
- One officer from the Indian Air Force
Major Navya Shekhawat's appointment is particularly significant because she is the first woman officer from the Indian Army to become part of the President's ADC team.
Who Was the First Woman President's ADC?
Major Navya Shekhawat is the first woman Army officer to serve as the President's ADC, but she is not the first woman officer overall to hold the position.
That distinction belongs to Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy, who became the first woman officer to serve as a President's ADC in 2025.
Major Shekhawat's appointment in 2026 therefore makes her the second woman officer overall and the first woman from the Indian Army to hold the President's ADC position.
How Is an Officer Selected as a President's ADC?
Becoming a President's ADC starts with joining one of India's Armed Forces as an officer. Candidates can enter the Army, Navy or Air Force through different officer-entry routes and selection processes.
After commissioning, officers build their careers through military service and take on various professional responsibilities.
For such an important assignment, factors such as leadership, professional ability, service record and performance are important considerations.
The position also requires an officer to work closely with senior officials and handle official protocol and coordination during important national events.
Why Major Navya Shekhawat's Appointment Is Significant
Major Navya Shekhawat's appointment marks another important development in the growing participation of women in the Indian Armed Forces.
Her journey from clearing the CDS examination and completing training at OTA Chennai to becoming the first woman Army officer to serve as the President's ADC represents a notable milestone in her military career.
Her new assignment also puts her in a role that requires discipline, professionalism, coordination and a strong understanding of military and ceremonial protocol.
Major Navya Shekhawat: Key Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Major Navya Shekhawat |
| Service | Indian Army |
| Rank | Major |
| Army Branch | Army Service Corps |
| Commissioned | 2021 |
| Training | Officers Training Academy, Chennai |
| Entry Route | Combined Defence Services (CDS) |
| Current Assignment | Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu |
| Historic Distinction | First woman Indian Army officer to serve as President's ADC |
Major Navya Shekhawat's Achievement
Major Navya Shekhawat's appointment as President Droupadi Murmu's ADC adds a new milestone to the history of women officers in India's Armed Forces.
While Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki became the first woman officer overall to serve as a President's ADC in 2025, Shekhawat has now become the first woman officer from the Indian Army to take up the prestigious assignment.
Her journey highlights the opportunities available to women pursuing careers as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces and places her among the officers serving in one of the country's most visible military assignments.
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