When unwavering resolve meets a deep passion to serve the nation, every difficult destination becomes achievable. Major Garima Yadav has proven this truth by creating history at the Raj Bhavan in Uttar Pradesh. An officer of the Indian Army's Army Service Corps, Major Garima Yadav has been appointed as the first female Aide-de-Camp to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, marking a historic first in the state.
Leaving Glamour Behind for the Uniform
From winning a beauty pageant and attempting to clear the civil services to securing All India Rank 2 in the Indian Army, the journey of Major Garima Yadav is truly remarkable. In November 2017, she won the title of India's Miss Charming Face. Following this victory, she earned the opportunity to represent India at an international beauty pageant in Italy. However, she chose to decline the glamorous international offer, prioritizing national service instead. She opted for rigorous military training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai and was commissioned as an officer into the Indian Army on March 9, 2019.
The Core Responsibilities of an ADC
An Aide-de-Camp is a highly prestigious and responsibility-laden military position. A military officer is deployed as an ADC alongside a constitutional head, such as the President or a Governor. Currently stationed at the Raj Bhavan in Lucknow, Major Garima Yadav expertly manages all official tours, military programs, and administrative coordination for Governor Anandiben Patel. Her role involves overseeing all protocol and security management. A testament to this was seen on July 21, 2026, when she accompanied the Governor every step of the way during an inspection of the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut, successfully coordinating the entire administrative setup.
The IAS Dream and Success in CDS
Major Garima Yadav completed her early education at the Army Public School in Dagshai. Afterward, she earned an honors degree in Economics from the renowned St. Stephen's College of Delhi University. Initially, she aspired to become an IAS officer. She appeared for the UPSC civil service examination but could not clear the mains. Refusing to accept defeat, she shifted her focus and appeared for the Combined Defence Services 2017 examination. In her very first attempt, she secured All India Rank 2 and successfully cleared the SSB interview on the first try as well.
Army Service Corps and Military Career
Upon receiving her commission, Major Garima Yadav was assigned to the Army Service Corps. The ASC forms a crucial logistical arm of the Indian Army, handling supplies, fuel, transportation, and logistics during both war and peace. Over the past few years, she has excelled in various operational and administrative roles. Recognizing her capabilities, she was appointed as the first female Army ADC of Uttar Pradesh at the Raj Bhavan on September 14, 2025.
An Inspiration for Young Aspirants
Major Garima Yadav credits her success to the unwavering support of her mother. Her journey from being a beauty queen to etching her name in the history of the Raj Bhavan serves as a major lesson for countless girls across the country who feel disheartened by setbacks. For those wishing to follow in her footsteps and join the armed forces, aspiring candidates can apply through the CDS or NCC Special Entry schemes after completing their graduation.
