From Sainik School to IAF education: Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma's historic journey

Shakti Sharma has made history as the first woman officer from the non-medical branch to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal. Her appointment as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) in the Indian Air Force marks a distinguished career spanning education, leadership and institution-building.Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma is the first woman officer from the non-medical branch to reach the rank and lead IAF Education. (Photo: X/@IAF_MCC)In a historic first for India’s defence services, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has become the first woman officer from the non-medical wing to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent. On September 1, 2026, Sharma was promoted to the rank and appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education).Her achievement marks another significant milestone in the growing presence of women in senior leadership roles across India’s armed forces. With a career spanning more than three decades, Sharma has served at training establishments, air stations, Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters, gaining extensive experience in military education, training and institutional development.COMMISSIONED INTO THE IAF IN 1994Sharma was commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994. Over the course of her career, she has held a range of appointments involving education, training and professional development.Her work has also focused on strengthening links between the armed forces and academic institutions. One of her notable contributions was the establishment of IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University. The initiatives helped promote academic and strategic collaboration between the Indian Air Force and leading higher-education institutions.FIRST WOMAN OFFICER TO LEAD A SAINIK SCHOOLSharma had already broken new ground before reaching the rank of Air Vice Marshal. She became the first woman officer from the three services of the Indian Armed Forces to command a Sainik School, serving as Principal of Sainik School Kapurthala.The CBSE-affiliated residential school focuses on academics, discipline, leadership and preparing students for future careers, including opportunities in the armed forces.During her tenure, Sharma worked closely with students and encouraged them to consider careers in the defence services.NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR IAF EDUCATIONAs Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education), Sharma will oversee education-related activities within the Indian Air Force. Her experience across training institutions, field formations, Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters gives her a broad understanding of military education and professional development.Her new appointment places her in a key position to guide educational initiatives and contribute to the development of personnel across the force.FROM EDUCATION BRANCH TO AIR VICE MARSHALSharma's elevation highlights both her career and the growing role of women in India's defence services. From joining the Education Branch in 1994 to leading a Sainik School and taking on senior leadership roles, her journey reflects expertise, perseverance and institution-building.Her rise to Air Vice Marshal marks a significant milestone for women in the armed forces and offers an example for those entering defence services today.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 09:42 IST