UPSC NDA Update: Following SC Ruling UPSC Lets Women Take NDA, Naval Academy Exams, Opens Registration Window

UPSC NDA Update: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), today allowed unmarried women candidates to apply and appear for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy entrance exams scheduled on November 14, 2021 following a Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday that had directed Centre to allow women to take the defence exams following their intermediate or Class 12 based on the principle of 'gender equality' on a priority basis.

Passing order in the matter, the Supreme Court had said, "Women must be allowed to take the November 2021 exams, and it cannot be deferred for one year. Medical standards should be tentatively notified by UPSC, which should issue a corrected notification for the November exam," the court observed.

In effect to this, the UPSC has opened the online registration window for women only on its official website upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in starting from September 24, 2021, and October 8, 2021, by 6:00 pm

"In compliance with the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India's interim direction permitting women candidates to take part in the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2021, the Union Public Service Commission has decided to open the online portal of application on its website (upsconline.nic.in) for this Examination to enable the unmarried women candidates ONLY, who are otherwise eligible in terms of nationality, age, marital status, educational qualification, etc. as per the Notice for the said Examination," UPSC in an official statement said.

"Physical standards and number of vacancies for women candidates would be notified after receipt from Govt. of India (Ministry of Defence) in due course of time. The application will remain open for women candidates from 24.09.2021 to 08.10.2021 (till 6:00 P.M). No application will be accepted beyond the prescribed last date/time, i.e., 08.10.2021(till 6:00 P.M) or through any mode other than the aforesaid online mode," the official corrigendum further read.

The decision comes as a positive development and sweet victory for all those women who wish to make an early career in the Indian Armed Forces following their intermediate or Class 12