Shivangi Singh

 🛫 Shivangi Singh: India's Trailblazing Female Fighter Pilot

Early Life and Inspiration

Shivangi Singh was born on March 15, 1995, in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, into a middle-class agricultural family. Her father, Hari Bhushan Singh, is a school principal, and her mother is a homemaker. Growing up in a small village in Bihar, Shivangi was always encouraged to pursue education and dream big, even in the face of societal norms that often discouraged women from choosing unconventional paths.

One of the most defining moments of her childhood occurred when a politician visited her village in a helicopter. The young Shivangi was fascinated by the aircraft and captivated by the idea of flying. That single event sparked a dream within her — to become a pilot. What began as childhood curiosity slowly turned into a determined ambition.

Despite limited resources and traditional expectations, Shivangi remained committed to her goal. With strong family support and a passion for aviation, she worked hard in her studies and later pursued a career that would break multiple barriers in the Indian Armed Forces. Her early life is a testament to how a spark of inspiration, combined with perseverance, can fuel extraordinary journeys.

Academic Background

Shivangi Singh’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for her groundbreaking career in the Indian Air Force. She pursued her early education in her hometown in Bihar, where she consistently excelled in academics. Her strong aptitude for science and mathematics eventually led her to pursue engineering.

She completed her Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology. Her choice of field reflected her interest in machines, aerodynamics, and the technical aspects of flying — all of which would later prove valuable in her training as a fighter pilot.

Following her graduation, she cleared the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview — a rigorous and highly competitive process — and was selected to join the Indian Air Force through the NCC (National Cadet Corps) Special Entry Scheme. During her NCC tenure, she had already displayed leadership and discipline, earning her the “Best Cadet” title in the Varanasi NCC unit.

Her academic background, combined with her dedication and strong mental resolve, equipped her to handle the intense physical and technical training that followed in the Indian Air Force. Shivangi’s educational path is a reminder that academic excellence and passion can open doors to even the most elite professions.

Military Career and Achievements

Shivangi Singh’s entry into the Indian Air Force (IAF) marked a historic step not just in her personal journey, but also in India’s evolving defense landscape. She was commissioned into the IAF in 2017 as part of the second batch of women fighter pilots, a groundbreaking initiative that allowed women to serve in combat roles — a field previously restricted to men.

After completing her training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, Shivangi was assigned to fly the MiG-21 Bison, one of the most challenging aircraft in the IAF’s fleet. The MiG-21, known for its high speed and complex handling, was the same jet flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman during the 2019 India-Pakistan air combat. Shivangi’s posting to a frontline base in Rajasthan to operate this aircraft demonstrated the trust the IAF placed in her skills and readiness.

In 2020, she became the first Indian woman fighter pilot to fly the Rafale jet, India’s most advanced and multirole combat aircraft. She joined the prestigious Golden Arrows Squadron based in Ambala, Haryana, which was among the first units to be equipped with the French-origin fighter jets. Her transition to Rafale represented a significant milestone, not only in her career but also in India’s efforts toward gender inclusivity in the armed forces.

Shivangi Singh also made headlines during the 2022 Republic Day Parade, where she became the second woman fighter pilot to be part of the Indian Air Force tableau. Her participation sent a powerful message about the changing face of India’s defense forces and inspired countless young girls across the country.

Throughout her military career, Shivangi has demonstrated courage, discipline, and a deep commitment to duty. Her achievements are not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the growing role of women in India’s defense sector.

International Recognition and Social Initiatives

While Shivangi Singh is best known for her groundbreaking role as one of India’s first female fighter pilots, her influence goes beyond the cockpit. She has become a symbol of empowerment, using her platform to advocate for gender equality and challenge traditional stereotypes that often limit the roles of women in Indian society.

Shivangi has been actively involved in social impact initiatives, particularly around education and gender rights. One of her key contributions is the founding of "Drishtikon A – Changing Perspectives", a youth-driven platform dedicated to creating awareness about gender equity, dismantling patriarchal mindsets, and empowering underprivileged communities. Through Drishtikon, she has conducted workshops, awareness campaigns, and mentoring programs across schools and colleges, especially in rural areas. The initiative has reportedly reached over 5,000 individuals across 20 districts in India.

Her work in both defense and social fields has gained international recognition. She was selected by the University of Oxford as a global youth leader for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. This honor recognized her dual role as both a defense trailblazer and a gender rights advocate, highlighting the unique influence she holds as a role model.

Additionally, Shivangi has received multiple nominations for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia and India lists, celebrating her leadership, impact, and drive to change the narrative for young women in male-dominated fields.

Personal Insights

Behind the uniform, medals, and historic milestones, Shivangi Singh is a person driven by resilience, humility, and purpose. Her journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming India’s first woman Rafale fighter pilot is a story of inner strength, family support, and an unshakable belief in herself — even when the odds were stacked against her.

Despite entering a traditionally male-dominated field, Shivangi has consistently shown that determination and discipline matter more than gender. She has often spoken about the challenges she faced — from societal skepticism to the rigorous physical and mental demands of fighter pilot training. But rather than letting these challenges deter her, she used them as fuel to push harder and fly higher.

Shivangi attributes much of her success to her family’s unwavering support, especially her father, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams when many around them expected her to follow a more conventional path. Her story resonates deeply with young women across India who aspire to break boundaries, not just in aviation, but in any field where women are underrepresented.

Known to stay grounded despite her fame, Shivangi rarely seeks the spotlight. Instead, she channels her energy into mentoring, speaking at educational institutions, and motivating the next generation of leaders — especially young girls who need to see someone like them doing the impossible.

Her personal philosophy is simple but powerful: “Your dreams are valid, no matter where you come from.” It is this message — along with her accomplishments — that makes Shivangi Singh not just a fighter pilot, but a role model for modern India.