Rajnath Singh emphasizes priority for women's inclusion and representation in armed forces
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the government's commitment to maximizing women's representation in the armed forces. Data from the Ministry of Defence shows a steady increase in women's numbers since 2005, with women now constituting 13.4% of the Indian Air Force, 6.85% of the Army, and 6% of the Navy. Opportunities are expanding across all three services, with women eligible for various technical and non-technical roles and entry schemes. All branches of the Air Force are open to women officers, and most in the Navy and Army, including combat roles in the Army. The forces are adopting a more gender-neutral approach.
Key Points
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the government's commitment to increasing women's representation in the armed forces.
- Women's participation has steadily risen since 2005 across all three services.
- Opportunities for women are expanding, with eligibility for various roles and entry schemes, including combat in the Army.
- The armed forces are actively adopting a gender-neutral approach to further integrate women.
Exam Facts
- As per MoD data, women constitute 13.4% of IAF, 6.85% of Army, and 6% of Navy.
- In 2024, there were 1,735 women in the Army, 1,614 in the Air Force, and 674 in the Navy.
- In 2005, these figures were 767 (Army), 574 (IAF), and 154 (Navy).
- Twelve branches in the Army are open to women officers, including combat.
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