Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki made history with a landmark appointment at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In May 2025, she became the first woman officer from India’s Army, Navy or Air Force to serve as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India.
Her journey from the Indian Navy to one of the most prestigious ceremonial assignments in the country has brought renewed attention to the growing role of women in India’s armed forces.
Who Is Yashasvi Solanki?
Yashasvi Solanki is a Lieutenant Commander in the Indian Navy. Before taking up her historic role at Rashtrapati Bhavan, she served in the Navy’s armament-related division and gained experience through technical and operational assignments.
According to reports, Solanki had not originally imagined becoming the President’s ADC. The position was traditionally associated with male officers, and the possibility of a woman being selected was not something she had considered a realistic career goal.
Her selection eventually changed that.
Yashasvi Solanki Becomes the First Woman President’s ADC
On May 9, 2025, Solanki formally received the ceremonial aiguillette from President Droupadi Murmu, marking the beginning of her tenure as an ADC.
The President generally has five military ADCs at a time. These include officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force. Before Solanki’s appointment, the position had not been held by a woman officer from India’s armed forces.
Her appointment therefore became an important milestone for women serving in the country’s military.
What Does a President’s ADC Do?
The role of an Aide-de-Camp is much more than appearing beside the President during ceremonies.
An ADC assists the President during official engagements and important events. The officer needs to understand schedules, protocol, visiting dignitaries and other details connected with presidential programmes.
Solanki has spoken about the level of preparation required for the position. An ADC needs to stay updated because the President may ask about a person or event at short notice.
The role requires discipline, alertness, professional knowledge and strong awareness of protocol.
Her Journey in the Indian Navy
Before reaching Rashtrapati Bhavan, Solanki built her career in the Indian Navy.
Reports say she had worked in technical and logistics-related assignments, including service connected with Naval Armament. This experience helped her develop the professional background needed for a demanding military appointment.
Her transition from a technical naval role to the President’s ADC position also required her to broaden her knowledge considerably.
As an ADC, being familiar with people, events and national affairs becomes an essential part of everyday responsibilities.
From Sports to the Defence Forces
Solanki’s early life also included sports.
She was a district-level badminton and volleyball player. Her sporting background helped develop qualities such as discipline, physical fitness and competitive spirit.
Her interest in the armed forces developed at a young age. She has recalled being impressed by the presence and personality of an Indian Air Force officer who attended a Republic Day event at her school.
That experience contributed to her interest in a career in the defence forces.
How Was Yashasvi Solanki Selected?
The selection process for the President’s ADC is rigorous.
Reports said a panel of three women Naval officers was considered when the Navy’s ADC position became available. The officers spent time at the Presidential Estate and went through an assessment process.
The selection included an interview with President Droupadi Murmu along with assessments related to physical fitness, intelligence and adaptability.
Solanki was ultimately selected and underwent orientation before officially taking up the assignment.
A New Chapter for Women in the Armed Forces
Solanki’s appointment came at a time when opportunities for women in India’s armed forces have been expanding.
Her appointment did not simply mark the arrival of a woman at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It also demonstrated that women officers could be considered for highly visible assignments traditionally occupied by men.
The development has since been followed by another milestone.
In 2026, Major Navya Shekhawat became the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as President’s ADC, making her the second woman overall to hold the position after Solanki.
This means Solanki’s historic appointment has now been followed by another important step for women officers from the Army.
What Makes Her Story Special?
Yashasvi Solanki’s story stands out because she did not simply enter a new profession. She reached a position that had historically been difficult for women officers to access.
Her career highlights several stages:
- Interest in the defence forces from a young age
- Experience as a district-level sportsperson
- Joining the Indian Navy
- Building experience in technical and operational roles
- Going through a competitive selection process
- Becoming the first woman military officer to serve as President’s ADC
Her journey has also given young women interested in defence careers another example of the professional opportunities available within India’s armed forces.
Yashasvi Solanki and President Droupadi Murmu
Solanki’s appointment took place during President Droupadi Murmu’s tenure.
The selection process included an interview with the President, and Solanki later received her ceremonial aiguillette from Murmu.
The appointment has been widely discussed in the context of women’s participation and representation in the armed forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Yashasvi Solanki?
Yashasvi Solanki is a Lieutenant Commander in the Indian Navy who became the first woman officer from India’s Army, Navy or Air Force to be appointed as the President’s Aide-de-Camp.
When did Yashasvi Solanki become President’s ADC?
She officially received her ceremonial aiguillette on May 9, 2025.
What is an ADC?
ADC stands for Aide-de-Camp. A military ADC assists and accompanies the President during official engagements, ceremonies and other important programmes.
Is Yashasvi Solanki from the Indian Army?
No. Solanki is an officer of the Indian Navy. She became the first woman officer from India’s armed forces overall to serve as President’s ADC.
Who became the first woman Army ADC to the President?
Major Navya Shekhawat became the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as President’s ADC in 2026. She is the second woman overall after Yashasvi Solanki.
Conclusion
Yashasvi Solanki’s appointment as the President’s ADC marked a significant moment in the history of women officers in India’s armed forces. Her journey from sports and naval service to Rashtrapati Bhavan reflects the changing opportunities available to women in defence.
Her historic appointment in 2025 has also been followed by another milestone in 2026, with Major Navya Shekhawat becoming the first woman Army officer to take up the President’s ADC role.
Together, these developments show how women’s representation in high-profile military assignments is continuing to evolve.
