NDA I 2022 Vacancies: SC asks Centre to explain fixing number of women candidates at 19

The Supreme Court of India on January 18 has asked the Union Government to explain why the number of NDA I 2022 vacancies for women candidates have been restricted to 19, despite its orders. The number of vacancies announced for women candidates is the same as last year. The top court has given centre three weeks to file an affidavit. NDA I 2022 written exam is scheduled to be conducted on April 10.

SC has also asked the Centre to put on record the figures related to the total number of candidates including women candidates who appeared in NDA 2021 exam.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundresh said the Additional Solicitor General, Aishwarya Bhati (appearing on behalf of the Centre) that the government will have to explain why the vacancies for women candidates have been fixed at 19 for NDA 2022 exam.

The bench further said that the vacancies for NDA I 2022 are the same as last year. Previously, the Centre has said that it was due to infrastructure problems that the intake of women was less. Now, again for the NDA 2022 exam, they kept the number of vacancies the same. 

As per UPSC NDA 2022 notification, a total of 400 vacancies will be filled. Of these, 208 candidates (including 10 women) are for Army, 42 (including three for women) are for Navy, 120 (including six for women) are for IAF, and 30 for Naval Academy (For male candidates only). Senior Advocate, Chinmoy Pradip Sharma (appearing for petitioner Kush Kalra) said that not allowing women candidates in Naval entry is arbitrary.

Aishwarya Bhati said that the top court should allow the Centre some time to file a detailed affidavit in the matter as well the reason behind the number of intake of women candidates. The Centre has formed a study group that will facilitate the entry of women and other necessary mechanisms so that it can be put in place by May.

Read More:

CDS & NDA application form 2022 withdrawal link activated