Reports circulating on defence platforms claim that Captain Shivani has been appointed as the first woman Aide-de-Camp to Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth.
The reported appointment would be an important milestone for women officers because an ADC works closely with the senior-most military leadership. However, the development must be reported carefully because a direct appointment announcement from the Indian Army, Ministry of Defence or PIB has not yet been located.
General Dhiraj Seth’s position is officially confirmed. He assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on 30 June 2026.
What has been reported about Captain Shivani?
Defence-focused websites and social-media accounts have reported that Captain Shivani has been selected to serve as ADC to Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth.
The appointment would reportedly involve:
- coordinating official programmes;
- supporting military protocol;
- managing schedules and engagements;
- assisting during inspections and ceremonial events;
- coordinating with different headquarters branches.
The claim is specifically that she is the first woman ADC to the Chief of the Army Staff.
It should not be reported as an officially confirmed appointment until a primary Army or Ministry of Defence source is available.
Is Captain Shivani the first woman ADC in the Indian Army?
No.
In 2013, Lieutenant Ganeve Lalji became the first woman officer appointed as ADC to an Army Commander. She served with Central Army Commander Lieutenant General Rajan Bakshi.
Therefore, the historically accurate description is:
Captain Shivani is reportedly the first woman ADC to the Chief of the Army Staff, not the first woman ADC in Indian Army history.
This distinction is important because both appointments represent different milestones.
What is an Aide-de-Camp?
An Aide-de-Camp, commonly called an ADC, is a commissioned officer appointed to assist a senior commander or constitutional authority in official duties.
An ADC may support the senior officer through:
- programme and schedule coordination;
- official communication;
- protocol arrangements;
- inspections and formal visits;
- military ceremonies;
- meetings and high-level engagements.
The appointment requires discipline, discretion, professional conduct and strong organisational skills.
An ADC is not the Army Chief’s personal bodyguard and does not make policy decisions on behalf of the Chief.
Why is the reported appointment significant?
An ADC to the Army Chief works in a highly visible and trusted environment at the top level of the Indian Army.
Captain Shivani’s reported selection would be significant because it may reflect:
- greater representation of women at senior Army headquarters;
- professional recognition of women officers;
- expanding staff opportunities;
- increasing participation in sensitive institutional appointments.
The appointment should not be presented only as a symbolic achievement. Selection for such a role also indicates professional responsibility and trust.
What does the viral photograph establish?
The circulating image shows a woman Army officer near a military helicopter, along with text claiming that Captain Shivani has become the first woman ADC to the Army Chief.
However, the picture alone does not confirm:
- the officer’s identity;
- when and where it was photographed;
- whether it is connected with the reported appointment;
- whether the caption came from an official Army source.
The image text also contains a grammatical mistake:
Incorrect: First Women Aide-de-Camp
Correct: First Woman Aide-de-Camp
The photograph should not be treated as official proof without tracing its original source and caption.
What is officially confirmed and what is not?
Officially confirmed
- General Dhiraj Seth is the 31st Chief of the Army Staff.
- He assumed charge on 30 June 2026.
- Women officers have previously served as ADCs to senior Army Commanders.
Reported but awaiting confirmation
- Captain Shivani’s formal ADC appointment.
- The date she assumed the role.
- Her officially released service profile.
- An appointment order from the Indian Army or Ministry of Defence.
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