Shakti Sharma Becomes First Woman Non-Medical Air Vice Marshal

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has created history by becoming the first woman officer in the non-medical category across India's Defence Forces to be promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. On September 1, 2026, she formally took charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters, marking a significant milestone for women in the Indian Armed Forces.

About AVM Shakti Sharma

1. Commissioning: She joined the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994, beginning a career that has now spanned more than three decades.
2. Career Postings: Over the years, she has served across a wide range of assignments, including Training Establishments, Field Stations, Command Headquarters, and Air Headquarters, gaining extensive experience in different facets of the Air Force's functioning.
3. Institutional Contributions: She played a key role in establishing the IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University, initiatives aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and building stronger ties between defence institutions and premier educational bodies.
4. First-of-its-Kind Achievement: Before her latest promotion, she had already made history as the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, having served as Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.
5. Current Appointment: She now holds the position of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters, becoming the first woman non-medical officer in the Indian Defence Forces to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal or an equivalent rank.

This achievement is being seen as a landmark moment in the growing role of women officers within India's defence establishment. With a career spanning over 30 years, AVM Shakti Sharma's journey reflects the increasing opportunities opening up for women in leadership positions across the armed forces, inspiring many young officers who aspire to build similar careers in service of the nation.