Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki, 27, has been appointed as the first female Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This appointment has marked a significant milestone for gender representation in the armed services. She was initially appointed in the month of April 2025, and after a demanding selection procedure and a month-long orientation, she formally took on the position on May 9, 2025. The role, which has historically been filled by male officers, represents a change in the military and the presidency toward empowerment and diversity.
First Female ADC to the President of India
With her appointment on May 9, 2025, Yashasvi Solanki became the first female ADC to the President of India. Her nomination to the post of ADC is proof of President Droupadi Murmu's dedication to empowering women in the military of the nation. This action represents a big step toward equal representation of women in military and ceremonial roles at the highest echelons of government.
Who is Yashasvi Solanki?
Born in Haryana, Yashasvi Solanki enlisted in the Indian Navy in 2012. She worked in the Logistics Branch under the Short Service Commission.
Ms. Solanki participated actively in volleyball and badminton during her school years.
She joins the ranks of trailblazing women such as Air Marshal Padmavathy Bandopadhyay, the first female Air Marshal and aviation medicine specialist; Lt. Gen. Punita Arora, the first female Lieutenant General in the Indian Army and Vice Admiral in the Navy; and Squadron Leader Manisha Padi, who was appointed as ADC to the Governor of Uttarakhand in 2023.
She will now serve as an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President for a period of about 2.5 to 3 years.
Speaking about her selection, she said, "I never imagined I would be chosen as the ADC to the President. Now, I have to stay updated every second, because the President can ask anything at any time."
What is ADC Officer?
Aide-de-Camps (ADCs) are special officers chosen from the Army, Navy, and Air Force to serve the President of India. Usually, 3 officers are selected from the Army, 1 from the Navy, and 1 from the Air Force.
For the first time, women officers from the Indian Navy were considered for this prestigious role.
Selection Criteria for ADC Officers
The selection process is very strict. Officers must meet certain standards, such as being physically fit and having a minimum height of 173 cm. They are also judged on their intelligence, communication skills, adaptability, and confidence.
As part of the selection, the candidates go through a 15-day evaluation at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House). After this, they have a personal interview with the President.
Among the women officers who made it to the final round, Solanki was one of the three shortlisted, and all were from the Navy.
