Women breaking barriers: Two SPI cadets clear NDA entrance, set to join army training

Women’s Day Special

Lokmat News Network

Chaitali Joshi

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

As the nation celebrates International Women's Day, stories of young women breaking barriers continue to inspire. Adding to this spirit, two cadets from the Services Preparatory Institute (SPI), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have cleared the National Defence Academy (NDA) selection and will soon begin their three-year training to become officers in the Indian Army. Their achievement reflects determination, discipline and the growing participation of women in the armed forces.

Samrudha Ingale: Dream nurtured since school

Samrudha Ingale from Karad studied at Marathi Kanya Vidyalaya before being selected for SPI. Interested in the armed forces since childhood, she began preparing seriously in Class 8 after learning that girls could appear for the NDA exam.

Along with academics, she focused on physical fitness, regularly practising running and cycling. She also enjoys playing chess, which she says helps sharpen focus and strategy.

“Her hard work has paid off. She has shown that girls are not behind in any field,” said Pravin Ingale, parent.

Jiya Karape: Confidence leads the way

Jiya Sachin Karape discovered the opportunity to join SPI while she was in Class 8, which later shaped her path towards the NDA. . She cleared the entrance exam and interview and joined the institute with a clear goal of cracking the NDA exam after Class 12.

“She joined SPI with strong confidence that she would clear the NDA, and seeing that determination made us proud,” said her father, Sachin Karape.

Jiya cleared the rigorous SSB interview in her first attempt and believes consistent hard work is key. “Dedication and study are the only ways to reach your goal,” she said.

Their selection highlights the rising participation of women in the defence forces. For many young girls dreaming of wearing the uniform, their journey will serve as an inspiration.

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