Vadodara Woman Achieves Top Rank in Air Force Entrance Exam
Pratiksha Chauhan, a 23-year-old from Vadodara, has made her city proud. She secured All India Rank 5 in the Air Force Common Admission Test. This outstanding achievement marks her selection for the weapon system branch of the Indian Air Force. Pratiksha becomes one of the first women from Gujarat to rank among the top five candidates in this prestigious examination.
Overcoming Setbacks Through Perseverance
Her journey to success was not easy. Pratiksha faced multiple challenges along the way. She fell short three times at the final stage of the Service Selection Board process. Each rejection could have ended her dreams, but she persisted with remarkable determination. On her fourth attempt, the 1 Air Force Selection Board in Dehradun finally recommended her for selection.
Among 220 candidates recommended nationwide, Pratiksha's AIR 5 position placed her among the highest-performing female candidates. She will now report for training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. This training will prepare her for her role in the weapon system branch.
Academic Background and NCC Experience
Pratiksha completed her graduation in political science from Maharaja Sayajirao University's faculty of arts in 2022. She later earned her LLB degree from the university's faculty of law in 2025. During her undergraduate years, she actively participated in the National Cadet Corps Air Wing. Her dedication earned her the Best Cadet title, providing the opportunity to represent the Gujarat Directorate at the Republic Day Camp in January 2021.
"Being conferenced out three times during the selection process at Mysuru, Gandhinagar, and Bhopal was disheartening, but I kept going," Pratiksha told reporters. "Watching my father wear the blue uniform left a deep impact on me. The uniform symbolised everything I aspired to become. NCC also played a huge role in shaping my personality and discipline."
Family Inspiration and Future Role
Her father, Dharmendra Singh Chauhan, served as a sergeant in the Indian Air Force for 18 years before retiring in 2009. He now works as a senior section engineer with Indian Railways. Her mother, Renu Chauhan, manages their home. Pratiksha credits her father's Air Force legacy as a major inspiration for pursuing this career path.
The weapon system branch trains officers in the operation and management of various weapon systems used in IAF aircraft. After completing her training in Hyderabad, Pratiksha will be commissioned and posted to operational units. Her achievement demonstrates how determination and hard work can overcome repeated setbacks to reach ambitious goals.
