Delhi High Court questions Centre over gender bias in CDS Exam 2025 as PIL challenges exclusion of women from IMA, INA, and AFA entries, demanding equal opportunities in armed forces recruitment.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Union of India and other respondents in a public interest litigation (PIL) that questions the continued exclusion of women candidates from certain prestigious military academies under the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination.
Background of the PIL
The PIL, filed by advocate Kush Kalra, challenges the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) notification for CDS-II Examination 2025, dated 28 May 2025, which bars women candidates from applying to three of the four major academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
As per the notification, women are eligible only for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, under the Short Service Commission (SSC).
The case was heard by a division bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, which has sought responses from the Centre and listed the matter for further hearing in November 2025.
Petitioner’s Arguments
Kalra argues that the exclusion of women from these academies:
- Contradicts the government’s own declaration in the same notification, which claims it “strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.”
- Violates fundamental rights under the Constitution:
- Article 14: Right to equality before law
- Article 16: Right to equal opportunity in public employment
- Article 19(1)(g): Right to practice any profession of one’s choice
The PIL terms this restriction arbitrary, discriminatory, and unconstitutional, especially when the armed forces themselves have recognized women in combat and leadership roles.
Judicial Precedents Cited
The petitioner has relied on several landmark judgments:
- Union of India & Ors. v. Lt. Cdr. Annie Nagaraja & Ors. (2020)
The Supreme Court held that women officers are entitled to consideration for Permanent Commission and command positions at par with men, ruling that restricting women to non-command roles is unconstitutional. - Kush Kalra v. Union of India (2021)
The apex court allowed women to appear in the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination for the first time. The court welcomed gender inclusion in the armed forces, resulting in 19 women cadets joining NDA in December 2021.
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The High Court has sought detailed responses from the Centre, and the matter is scheduled for hearing in November 2025. The outcome could significantly impact gender equality in defense recruitment, potentially opening doors for women to enter IMA, INA, and AFA through CDS examinations in the future.
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