Major Navya Shekhawat, a daughter of the Shekhawati region, has set a new precedent in the Indian Army. Hailing from Kerpura village in the Sikar district, Major Navya has been appointed as the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu. This appointment makes her the first female officer from the Indian Army to hold the prestigious position of ADC to the President. While she's the first from the Army, she's the second female officer overall to achieve this feat, following Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy, who became the President's ADC in 2025. Major Navya Shekhawat's appointment took place in July 2026, and she's now performing her duties alongside the President during official programs and ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
A Legacy of Three Generations in the Armed Forces
Major Navya comes from a family with a deep-rooted tradition of serving the nation. She represents the third generation of her family to join the armed forces. Her grandfather, Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, retired as a Wing Commander from the Indian Air Force, while her father, Group Captain Karan Singh Shekhawat, is currently serving in the Indian Air Force. Inspired by this legacy, Navya chose the military as her career path. By reaching Rashtrapati Bhavan, she has brought immense pride not only to her family but also to her village and the entire Sikar district.
The Journey from CDS to OTA Chennai
Major Navya's journey to the elite ranks of the Indian Army began with her clearing the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination conducted by the UPSC. Following her success in the exam, she was selected for the Short Service Commission Women Non-Technical Course. She underwent rigorous military training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, while notably, her name was included in the female merit list of CDS-I 2020. After completing her training, Navya was commissioned into the Army Service Corps (ASC) of the Indian Army in the year 2021. The Army Service Corps is a vital branch responsible for the supply, transport, and other logistical requirements of the army, while in her military career spanning approximately 5 years, she rose to the rank of Major before being entrusted with the responsibility of being the President's ADC.
Understanding the Role of the President's ADC
The Aide-de-Camp (ADC) is a military officer who assists the President in official duties and programs. The role involves coordinating official events, ceremonies, and tasks related to military protocol, while traditionally, the President's military staff consists of five ADCs. Among these, 3 are from the Indian Army, 1 is from the Indian Navy, and 1 is from the Indian Air Force. These officers play a crucial role in maintaining protocol and ensuring smooth coordination during the President's official engagements and significant national ceremonies.
Breaking Barriers for Women Officers
The inclusion of female officers in the role of the President's ADC began in the year 2025. Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy was the first female officer to take on this responsibility. Following in those footsteps, Major Navya Shekhawat has now become the first female officer from the Indian Army to be appointed to this position. Her journey from the small village of Kerpura in Sikar to the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan highlights her hard work and the strong military background of her family. Starting her commission in 2021 and reaching the rank of Major within 5 years, this appointment as ADC is a significant milestone in her military career and a moment of great pride for the Shekhawati region.