Shreya N. Gowda of Bhadravati conducts the NDA & NA entrance exam

Shreya N. Gowda of Bhadravati, who emerged as the topper in the NDA&NA entrance exam, was accompanied by her parents J. Nagendra and BN Asha. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Shreya N. Gowda of Thimlapura in Bhadravati has topped the list of female candidates who have qualified for the National Defense Academy and Naval Academy examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The results were announced on November 5.

Ms. Shreya, daughter of J. Nagendra, an employee of the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Works in Bhadravati, and BN Asha, a lecturer in a college in the city, secured the first rank in the examination. He is currently pursuing an engineering degree at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal.

Ms. Shreya dreamed of joining the Indian Army since her school days. In 2021, based on the Supreme Court order, women could take the NDA and NA entrance exam. She was then in Class 8. She completed her pre-university studies in Bengaluru where she focused on preparing for the NDA and NA entrance exams. She was supported and encouraged by her parents and brother Nishchay N. Gowda.

“We are all happy that she has achieved what she set out to achieve,” Mr Nagendra said. Ms. Shreya will soon begin her three-year training at Khadakwasla near Pune in Maharashtra. She then has another year of training at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

Several members of the public congratulated her. In a post on social media, Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara described her achievement as a proud moment for Karnataka and an inspiration to young women across the state who aspire to serve the nation in the armed forces.

Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra congratulated Ms Shreya and also praised her parents for encouraging her to pursue her goal.

Published – 07 Nov 2026 19:23 IST