Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar of the Indian Air Force etched her name into a proud national moment by unfurling the Tricolour alongside President Droupadi Murmu at the 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi. The rare ceremonial honour reflected both her personal journey and India’s growing focus on women’s leadership in the armed forces.

Who Is Akshita Dhankar?

Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar is an Indian Air Force officer from Kasni village in Haryana who unfurled the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu at the 77th Republic Day parade. An NCC Cadet Sergeant Major during her college days at Delhi University, she cleared AFCAT and was commissioned in 2023 in the IAF’s Administration branch, quickly rising through merit.

Born in Kasni village of Haryana, Akshita Dhankar grew up in a deeply patriotic environment. Her father, a former Indian Air Force personnel, had once participated in the Republic Day parade himself. Watching the celebrations as a child left a lasting impression and sparked her aspiration to serve the nation in uniform.

NCC days that shaped a leader

Dhankar pursued her graduation at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi University, where she joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Known for her discipline and leadership, she rose to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major (CSM). Her performance earned her recognition within the unit and laid a strong foundation for her military career.

Clearing AFCAT, earning the commission

Determined to join the Indian Air Force, Dhankar cleared the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and secured a recommendation from the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), Mysore. She was selected for the Administration (ADM) branch and commissioned as a Flying Officer on June 17, 2023, under the Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty course.

Rapid rise in the IAF

Through merit-based promotion, Dhankar rose to the rank of Flight Lieutenant within a short span. In her current role, she handles critical responsibilities including personnel management, logistics coordination and organisational planning, functions essential to the IAF’s operational readiness.

Republic Day 2026 and women-led milestones

Speaking about the experience, Dhankar described months of rigorous rehearsals and long hours of preparation, calling the honour “worth every effort.” The 2026 Republic Day parade also marked several milestones, including the participation of women Agniveers in the IAF band and women officers in key ceremonial roles, reinforcing the armed forces’ commitment to gender inclusion.

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