Charkhi Dadri: A promise made to her grandmother years ago is now set to culminate in a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force. On June 13, 2026, Ishita Sangwan, a native of Chhapar village in Haryana's Charkhi Dadri district, will receive her Permanent Commission at the Passing Out Parade at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad. In doing so, she is poised to become the first woman fighter pilot to reach the fighter stream through the National Defence Academy (NDA), marking a watershed moment in India's evolving military landscape. Her achievement comes barely five years after the Supreme Court's landmark 2021 decision opened the doors of the NDA to women, reshaping opportunities for aspiring female officers across the country.
A Phone Call That Changed Everything
Ishita was in Class XII when the historic verdict was announced. Her father, Charan Singh Sangwan, called to inform her that girls would now be eligible to join the NDA. That conversation proved life-changing. Determined to seize the opportunity, she began preparing for the NDA examination while simultaneously studying for her board exams. She went on to clear the written examination, the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical evaluations and the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS), a mandatory screening process for aspiring Air Force pilots. At a time when opportunities for women in the fighter stream were extremely limited, Ishita secured her place through perseverance, merit and exceptional performance.
According to her father, academic excellence has been a defining feature of Ishita's personality since childhood. "She could study continuously for eight hours and consistently ranked among the top students in her class," he said. Yet academics were only one part of her journey. A state-level basketball player, Ishita balanced rigorous studies with an active sporting life. Whether on the basketball court or in the classroom, she was known for her competitive spirit and relentless drive for excellence. Her father recalls that she loved climbing trees, participating in outdoor activities and embracing challenges from an early age — traits that would later complement the demands of military training and aviation.
Roots in Rajasthan, Dreams in the Sky
Although the family traces its roots to Charkhi Dadri, much of Ishita's upbringing and education took place in Rajasthan. She studied up to Class VIII in Churu before completing her schooling in Nagaur. The family currently resides in Jhunjhunu. Her father serves as a school principal, while her mother, Anita Sangwan, is a Hindi teacher. Her brother Aryan Sangwan is pursuing B.Tech in Pune.
"She Was Always Ahead of Me": Twin Sister's Tribute
For her twin sister Aastha Sangwan, now pursuing MBBS, Ishita's success comes as no surprise. "I am only two minutes younger than her, but she has always been someone I looked up to," Aastha said. "We often studied together for long hours. While my dream was to become a doctor, Ishita always wanted to do something extraordinary. She was better than me not only in studies but also in sports. She loved challenges and was always eager to push her limits." Aastha remembers her sister as someone who combined discipline with adventure. "She enjoyed sports, loved climbing trees and was always full of energy. Looking back, those qualities perfectly reflect the fighter pilot she has become today," she said.
A Grandmother's Dream Fulfilled
Among the many emotions surrounding Ishita's achievement, one absence remains deeply felt by the family. Her grandmother, Lichhma Devi, who passed away nearly 12 years ago at the age of 67, had always believed that her granddaughter would achieve something remarkable. Family members say Ishita was especially close to her grandmother and often told her that she would one day become a senior officer. While Lichhma Devi is no longer alive to witness the moment, the family believes her blessings have accompanied Ishita throughout her journey.
The Taste of Home During Training
Behind the discipline of military life were small reminders of home that kept her connected to family. Her father recalls that during training, Ishita frequently asked her mother to send homemade gond laddoos. Churma and khoya peda remain among her favourite foods, and every visit home was incomplete without them. "These simple things helped her stay grounded despite the demanding nature of her training," her father said.
A New Chapter for Women in Uniform
After completing three years of rigorous military training at the NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune, Ishita underwent specialised fighter pilot training at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. With her commissioning, she joins a new generation of women officers breaking barriers in combat aviation and redefining possibilities for young women across India.
Wishes Pour In
Charkhi Dadri MLA Sunil Sangwan congratulated Ishita and her family, describing her achievement as a matter of pride not only for the district and Haryana but for the entire nation. He said her success would inspire countless young girls to dream bigger and pursue careers in the armed forces.
Inspiring a Generation
As Ishita Sangwan prepares to march across the parade ground at Dundigal on June 13, her journey stands as a powerful testament to determination, discipline and opportunity. From a small village in Haryana to the cockpit of a fighter aircraft, her story reflects the changing aspirations of a new India — one where women are no longer challenging boundaries, but redefining them. For thousands of young girls watching from classrooms, playgrounds and villages across the country, Ishita's achievement sends a simple yet powerful message: no dream is too distant when courage, hard work and conviction take flight.
