India

Shreya N. Gowda Tops NDA & NA Entrance Exam

By The Hindu Bureau

Shreya N. Gowda of Thimlapura in Bhadravati town secured first place among women candidates who qualified for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The results were announced on November 5. Ms. Gowda, daughter of J. Nagendra, an employee at the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant, and B.N. Asha, a lecturer at a local degree college, is currently pursuing an engineering degree at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal. She has aspired to join the Indian Army since school. Women were allowed to take the NDA and NA exams in 2021 following a Supreme Court order, when she was in class 8. She completed her pre‑university studies in Bengaluru, focusing on preparation for the exams. Her parents and brother Nishchay N. Gowda supported her. Mr. Nagendra said, “We are all happy that she has achieved what she aimed for.” Ms. Gowda will soon begin her three‑year training at Khadakwasla near Pune in Maharashtra, followed by a year at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. Public representatives have congratulated her. Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara posted on social media that her achievement is a proud moment for Karnataka and an inspiration to young women across the state who wish to serve in the armed forces. MP B.Y. Raghavendra also congratulated Ms. Gowda and praised her parents for encouraging her pursuit. Published – November 07, 2026 07:23 pm IST