For Flight Cadet Divyanshi Singh, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was never a distant aspiration. Growing up in a household shaped by the values of military service, she spent her childhood listening to stories of discipline, honour and selfless duty narrated by her father, an air warrior.

Divyanshi is set to become the first woman cadet trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune to be commissioned into the Ground Duty branch of the Indian Air Force, marking a significant moment in the armed forces’ journey towards greater inclusion of women.

Divyanshi is among the five women cadets belonging to the first-ever batch of female entrants to the National Defence Academy. After graduating from the NDA in March 2025, the five cadets underwent branch-specific training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, before being commissioned into the Indian Air Force. 

Her path to the milestone began when the NDA opened its doors to women. After clearing the entrance examination, Divyanshi underwent the rigorous training regimen that defines the premier tri-services academy.

During her time at the NDA, Divyanshi distinguished herself through her leadership qualities and was appointed Cadet Quarter Master Sergeant, a position that reflected the confidence reposed in her by the institution and her peers.

Over three years of training, she transformed from a young aspirant inspired by her father’s service into a confident and disciplined cadet, imbibing the values of teamwork, sacrifice and commitment that lie at the core of military life.

As she prepares to don the uniform as a commissioned officer, Divyanshi’s achievement represents more than a personal success. Her journey symbolises a new chapter for women in the armed forces and serves as an inspiration for young girls across the country who aspire to serve the nation in uniform.