Meet Siddhi Jain, the first woman cadet to win the President’s Medal at NDA
Siddhi Jain, daughter of an ordinary teacher from Uttar Pradesh, made history by receiving the President's Bronze Medal in the 149th Passing Out Parade. She became the first woman cadet to receive this honour.
New Delhi: Breaking all the barriers, Siddhi Jain has become the first female cadet to be awarded the President's medal for overall order of merit at the National Defence Academy (NDA). She once aspired to become an engineer and prepared for entrance exams such as JEE Main.
Siddhi Jain, from Uttar Pradesh, decided to choose a service to the nation. Her journey started with coaching classes and ended with a successful NDA's 149th Passing Out Parade. She is now an inspiration to thousands of young women who are aspiring for a career in the armed forces. Let's explore her incredible journey.
Journey to NDA
Siddhi Jain, 21 years old, has been awarded the President's Medal (Bronze) for the Overall Order of Merit. She was selected for the 149th course of the NDA in December 2022. She took coaching in Kota for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains. Later, Siddhi decided to join the Armed Forces.
This 149th NDA batch consisted of 329 cadets, including 15 women cadets. This batch is considered a major step forward for women. Though two female cadets have topped the academics so far, Siddhi became the first woman to receive the President's Medal (Bronze). Siddhi will be joining the Air Force after the parade.
How is overall merit decided?
The Overall Order of Merit is determined based on several criteria, like academic performance, external training, combined military training, officer-like qualities, and proficiency in various service disciplines. Siddhi received the President's Medal for her outstanding performance in all these areas.
This year, the President’s Gold Medal was awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant Deepak Kandpal of Alpha Squadron. The President’s Silver Medal went to Academy Cadet Captain Siddharth Singh of Oscar Squadron. The President’s Bronze Medal to Divisional Cadet Captain Siddhi Jain of Kilo Squadron.