Army Expands Opportunities for Women in Territorial Force

As of November 17, 2025, the Indian Army is exploring the induction of women cadres into the Territorial Army as a pilot project. According to sources, the initial recruitment of women will be limited to a few battalions, but may expand to other battalions later based on the initial feedback.

This move is part of the government's ongoing efforts to empower women in the armed forces, known as the 'Nari Shakti' initiative. The Territorial Army, which was formally inaugurated in 1949, has traditionally been a 'citizen soldier's army', providing opportunities for able-bodied volunteer citizens to serve the nation in uniform.

The Army's decision to include women in the Territorial Army is seen as a significant step towards gradually opening up more opportunities for women in the force. Currently, women are already being commissioned into 10 different arms and services of the Indian Army, including the Corps of Engineers, Army Air Defence, and Army Aviation Corps.

The Territorial Army has played an active role in various military operations over the years, including the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, as well as peacekeeping missions in Sri Lanka and the northeastern states of India. The inclusion of women in this force is expected to further strengthen the Army's capabilities and reflect the growing role of women in the country's defense.