NDA Exam for Girls: In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has issued an interim order on Wednesday where it has allowed women to take the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam which is scheduled on September 5, 2021. The apex court of the country has also slammed the Indian Army for the decisions that are based on 'gender discrimination'.

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According to an ANI report, a bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Hrishikesh Roy ordered that female candidates can appear for the NDA exam on September 5, 2021, however, the admissions will be subjected to the outcome of the petition.

ANI reported that the bench said, "It's a policy decision which is based on gender discrimination. We direct the Centre and Army to take a constructive view of the matter..." The bench further expressed displeasure on 'regressive mindset'.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appearing for the government and Indian Army informed that there are three modes of entry in the Army - NDA, Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers' Training Academy (OTA), as per ANI. She further said that women are permitted entry through OTA and IMA. In response to this, the bench asked why women's entry is only allowed through two sources. The bench further added, "And even if it is a matter of policy, you are allowing women's entry through two sources. Why should you say the one more additional source of entry is closed for women? It is not just a gender principle but discriminatory otherwise also."

It has to be noted that the National Defence Academy is recognized by the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, for the award of B.A./B.Sc./B.Sc (Computer Science) for Army Cadets and B Tech degree for Navy and Air Force Cadets. NDA has been recognized by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi since 1973.

It must be noted that the government only allowed unmarried males candidates having adequate 10+2 qualifications to take the NDA and Naval Academy exams. As per the UPSC notification, those who are born earlier than January 2, 2003, and not later than January 1, 2006, are eligible for the exam to be conducted on September 5, 2021.

As per the notification issued by the UPSC, the vacancy for NDA exam to be held on September 5, 2021, is 370. This includes 208 for army, 42 for navy and 120 for air force (including 28 for ground duties).