Major Navya Shekhawat, First Woman Army Officer ADC to President

Major Navya Shekhawat has become the first woman officer from the Indian Army to be appointed Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu. She serves at Rashtrapati Bhavan in one of the Armed Forces’ most prestigious protocol appointments. An ADC is a commissioned military officer who assists a senior constitutional or military authority in official and ceremonial duties.

Who is Major Navya Shekhawat?

Major Navya Shekhawat is an officer of the Army Service Corps who entered the Indian Army through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. She trained at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai and later became the first woman Army officer appointed as the President’s ADC.

Women entered the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission route in 1992. The Supreme Court’s 2020 decision strengthened opportunities for eligible women SSC officers to receive Permanent Commission on terms comparable with male officers.

What is Aide-De-Camp (ADC)?

An Aide-De-Camp is a commissioned Armed Forces officer attached to a senior constitutional or military authority. The key features and highlights related to the ADC in India are given below:

• Meaning of ADC: Aide-De-Camp means an officer appointed to assist a senior authority during official engagements. The officer works closely with the principal and handles responsibilities requiring discipline, discretion and military etiquette.
• Services represented: ADCs can come from the Indian Army, Indian Navy or Indian Air Force. Their appointment depends on the authority they serve and the requirements of the concerned office.
• Selection: ADC is not a direct entry level appointment. Officers are generally selected internally after gaining military experience. Performance, discipline, conduct, professional ability and suitability for protocol duties are important considerations.
• Service Experience: Officers selected for ADC appointments generally have around 5 to 7 years of service. Captains, Majors and equivalent officers in the Navy and Air Force may be considered depending on the appointment.
• Tenure: The tenure of an ADC is generally around three years. The exact appointment and service arrangements can depend on the authority and applicable military procedures.
• Uniform Identification: ADCs can be identified by distinctive ceremonial uniform features, including aiguillettes or golden shoulder cords. These elements indicate their official appointment and protocol responsibilities.
• Who is ADC appointed to in India?
  • ADC to Governors: State Governors are generally assisted by two ADCs. The arrangement usually includes one officer from the Armed Forces and one officer from the State Police.
  • ADC to Service Chiefs: Senior military leaders, including the Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, have designated ADCs. These officers provide assistance and coordination within the senior leadership environment.
  • ADC to President: The President of India is traditionally assisted by five ADCs, comprising three Army officers, one Navy officer and one Air Force officer.

Role and Responsibilities of ADC

Aide-De-Camps (ADCs) assist with schedules, meetings, official visits, ceremonies, communication and coordination. They also help ensure that protocol and military etiquette are properly followed during important engagements.

• Ceremonial Duties: ADCs are commonly seen during state ceremonies, military functions, investiture ceremonies, official visits and national events. Their visible presence reflects the formal connection between the Armed Forces and senior national leadership.
• Coordination Role: An ADC coordinates with military formations, civil authorities and officials involved in an engagement. This helps ensure that programmes involving senior authorities are conducted smoothly and according to established protocol.

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Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the President of India

The President’s ADC appointment has special national significance because the President is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. Five ADCs traditionally assist the President, representing all three military services.

• How many ADCs are appointed to the President of India?: The President of India is traditionally assisted by five ADCs. Three are from the Indian Army, while one each comes from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
• First Woman ADC to the President of India: Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy became the first woman ADC to the President in May 2025. Major Shekhawat followed this milestone as the first woman Army officer in the position.
• First Woman Army Officer ADC to the President of India: Major Navya Shekhawat is the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as ADC to the President. Her appointment made her the second woman overall to enter this presidential ADC group.
• Duties: The President’s ADCs assist during state ceremonies, investiture functions, military events, diplomatic engagements, official visits, national celebrations and programmes at Rashtrapati Bhavan.