At official functions, Major Navya Shekhawat stands beside President Droupadi Murmu, carrying out the exacting duties of presidential protocol. Her presence marks a historic first.

Major Shekhawat is the first woman officer from the Indian Army to be appointed Aide-de-Camp, or ADC, to the President of India, a role that places her within Rashtrapati Bhavan’s protocol and public life.

Inside the President’s circle of five ADCs

The President of India is traditionally assisted by five ADCs, three from the Army and one each from the Navy and the Air Force. 

For decades, these coveted appointments went almost entirely to men. In May 2025, Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy became the first woman to serve as ADC to the President, taking charge after a rigorous selection process at Rashtrapati Bhavan.  

Major Shekhawat's appointment as the first woman from the Army to hold this position builds directly on that milestone, marking the second time a woman officer has entered this exclusive circle.

An officer of the Army Service Corps, Major Shekhawat now assists the President during state functions, investiture ceremonies, diplomatic engagements, and other official duties that demand exceptional discipline and bearing. 

Photographs and videos of her standing in attendance at these events have travelled widely online, turning her into a recognisable face for young Indians who dream of a career in uniform.

From the merit list to Rashtrapati Bhavan 

Major Shekhawat's path........

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