Quick Answer: Two sisters, Astha and Akanksha, have defied odds and broken the glass ceiling of the Indian military. From NCC cadets to commissioned officers in the Indian Navy, their inspiring journey proves that gender is no barrier to military service in modern India. Read how these sisters went from school uniforms to naval whites.
From Schoolgirls to Navy Officers — A Sisterhood of Courage
The Indian Armed Forces have undergone a quiet revolution. For decades, women’s participation was limited to medical and admin roles. But today, women serve as combat pilots, army officers, naval officers, and commandos — leading units and defending the nation with the same courage and commitment as their male counterparts.
The stories of women officers like Astha and Akanksha Tyagi are reshaping the narrative of what’s possible for young Indian women. Their journey from NCC cadets to commissioned Navy officers is a testament to determination, physical fitness, mental toughness, and the right opportunities.
Who Are Astha and Akanksha Tyagi?
Astha and Akanksha Tyagi are twin sisters who grew up with a shared passion for service and leadership. Their journey to becoming Indian Navy officers was not handed to them on a silver platter — it was earned through years of rigorous training, physical endurance, competitive exams, and mental resilience.
The NCC Foundation
Both sisters took the unconventional path of joining NCC (National Cadet Corps) during their school and college years. In NCC, they learnt the fundamentals of military life: discipline, teamwork, leadership, and the pride of service. Many defence aspirants overlook NCC, but for Astha and Akanksha, it was the stepping stone that changed everything.
- NCC Grade B certificate (minimum requirement for CDS)
- Physical fitness and outdoor survival training
- Leadership through camps and field exercises
- Networking with officers and military mentors
- Confidence for SSB interview
Pro tip for female defence aspirants: NCC is not compulsory for CDS or AFCAT, but having an NCC certificate (especially B Grade) gives a significant advantage in SSB interviews and shows serious commitment to military service.
The CDS Exam — Breaking the Barrier
After completing their graduation, both sisters appeared for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) examination — the primary route for women to commission as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. CDS 2026 is now open with 451 vacancies, and a significant portion is reserved for women across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
They faced the same competition as thousands of other candidates — cracking the written exam, clearing the SSB interview, passing the medical examination. But they persevered, prepared rigorously, and came out on top.
The SSB Interview — OLQs Over Grades
The SSB (Services Selection Board) interview was critical. SSB doesn’t care about your marks or your resume. It assesses 15 Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) — Can you lead? Can you work in a team? Do you stay calm under pressure? Are you confident? Can you influence others?
Astha and Akanksha’s NCC background and natural confidence shone through during the 5-day SSB process. Their ability to take initiative in group tasks, communicate effectively, and show determination even in failure situations earned them high marks from the Psychologist, GTO (Group Testing Officer), and Interviewing Officer.
Women Officers in the Indian Navy — Breaking Glass Ceilings
In 1992, the Indian Navy first commissioned women officers. Thirty years later, women now serve in every branch of the Navy — as ship commanders, submarine officers (since 2018), aviation officers, and technical specialists. Today, women constitute about 3-4% of the Navy’s officer corps, and the numbers are steadily rising.
What Women Navy Officers Do
- Ship Command: Women command naval vessels, leading crews of 100-300 sailors
- Submarine Service: Women now serve in submarines (Indian Navy’s latest achievement)
- Flight Operations: Helicopter pilots and naval air officers
- Engineering: Ship maintenance, weapons systems, technical specialists
- Administration & Logistics: Fleet operations, supply chains, communications
The Navy Lifestyle for Women Officers
Women Navy officers live the same life as their male counterparts — postings at sea, shore-based headquarters, international deployments, and rapid career progression. The advantages:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | ₹56,100 basic + Military Service Pay ₹15,500 = ₹71,600/month starting |
| Housing | Free naval quarters at all postings |
| Medical | Free health check-ups, dental, optical, hospitalization for self and family |
| Pension | After 20 years of service (eligible for extension to 30 years) |
| Career Growth | Captain rank (₹1,25,000+), Commander, Rear Admiral |
| Leaves | 30 days annual leave + Casual Leave + Earned Leave |
| Education | Children’s education allowance, boarding school grants |
How to Become a Women Officer — Path for 2026 Aspirants
Route 1: NDA Entry (Class 12 Pass)
Status: NDA is currently male-only. Petition for women’s inclusion has been filed with the Supreme Court. Decision awaited in 2026.
Route 2: CDS Entry (Graduates) — OPEN FOR WOMEN NOW ✅
- Eligibility: Bachelor degree, age 20-28, unmarried
- Exam: CDS 2 2026 on September 13, 2026
- Application: Open at upsconline.gov.in until June 19, 2026
- Selection: Written exam (300 marks) + SSB interview (300 marks)
- Services: Army (OTA), Navy (INA), Air Force (AFA) — all have women officer entries
- Training: 6 months to 1 year, then commission as officer
- Service: Short Service Commission (10 years) with option to extend
Route 3: AFCAT Entry (Graduates)
For Air Force only. AFCAT 2 2026 is open with 379 vacancies, significant portion for women. Exam typically in July. Women can join as Flying Officers (pilots, navigators) or Ground Duty.
Challenges Women Officers Face — And How They Overcome
Physical Standards
Women meet different physical standards than men — but they are no less demanding. For Navy entry, women must pass:
- 1.6 km run in under 7 minutes
- 20 push-ups, 40 sit-ups
- Swimming (100m)
- Medical standards (vision, hearing, etc.)
Astha and Akanksha’s approach: They started training 6-8 months before SSB. Running, swimming, gym work, and CrossFit-style functional fitness. The goal was not just to meet standards, but to be fitter than required.
Social Pressure & Family Support
Joining the military as a woman in India still attracts raised eyebrows in some communities. Astha and Akanksha were fortunate — their family supported their dream wholeheartedly. For other women, this is the hardest challenge.
Reality check: If your family is unsupportive, seek mentors. Connect with women officers on social media. Read success stories. Often, families change their minds once they see the opportunity and safety in military service.
Gender Dynamics at SSB
SSB assessors are trained professionals who evaluate everyone on the same OLQs. Gender is never a disadvantage — in fact, some argue it’s an advantage because less competition. The key is to be confident, assertive in group tasks, and show strong leadership.
Lessons from Astha and Akanksha’s Success
- ✅ Start Early: NCC in school/college builds foundation and confidence
- ✅ Physical Fitness is Non-Negotiable: Train 6-8 months before SSB, not 2 weeks
- ✅ Study Strategically: CDS is not as hard as NDA. Focus on GK and current affairs
- ✅ Master the SSB: Leadership, teamwork, and OLQs matter more than intellect
- ✅ Seek Mentorship: Connect with officers or coaching institutes who understand women’s aspirations
- ✅ Stay Confident: You belong in the military. Gender is irrelevant.
CDS 2 2026 — Your Window Is Open
For women graduates: CDS 2 2026 notification is live with 451 vacancies. The application deadline is June 19, 2026. If Astha and Akanksha can do it, so can you. The only difference is that they took the first step.
- 📋 Apply at upsconline.gov.in before June 19, 2026
- 📋 Start preparing for the September 13 exam now
- 📋 Invest in your physical fitness — non-negotiable
- 📋 Learn about SSB and OLQs — different from school exams
- 📋 Get a mentor or join a coaching programme
Internal Resources for Women Defence Aspirants
- 📋 CDS 2 2026 — 451 Vacancies, Apply by June 9
- 📋 AFCAT 2 2026 — 379 Air Force Vacancies for Graduates
- 📋 How to Prepare for SSB Interview — Complete Guide
- 📋 CDS Entry 2026 Complete Guide
Conclusion: Your Navy Awaits
Astha and Akanksha’s journey from NCC cadets to Navy officers proves that the ceiling has been shattered. The Indian Armed Forces are looking for leaders — and gender is irrelevant. If you have the courage, the fitness, the intellect, and the determination, a career in the Navy (Army or Air Force) is absolutely yours for the taking.
The question is not whether you can do it. The question is: are you ready to take the leap?
🎯 Join Defence Dreamers Academy — Women-focused CDS and AFCAT coaching with mentorship from serving and retired women officers. Your commission is waiting.