What is the common examiner trap about Security & Defence in UPSC exams?

Examiners may ask 'first woman AVM in Indian Armed Forces' without specifying 'non-medical', leading students to think she is the first overall (medical officers have achieved this before). Also, they might confuse her with the first woman to command a Sainik School (which she is, but note she is the first from Tri-Services).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Security & Defence for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: First woman non-medical AVM rank - AVM Shakti Sharma, assumed appointment on September 1, 2026 2. Target this Nodal Body: Indian Air Force under Ministry of Defence 3. Target this Legal Point: Not applicable (no legal provision mentioned)

News 0 of 25

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma Becomes First Woman Non-Medical Officer to Achieve AVM Rank in Indian Armed Forces

Q: Which ministry is primarily responsible for the Indian Air Force?

Ministry of Defence, The Indian Air Force is a part of the Indian Armed Forces under the Ministry of Defence. The article mentions a statement from the Defence Ministry, confirming this linkage.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma: 1. She is the first woman officer from the non-medical branch of the Indian Armed Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal. 2. She was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in the year 1990. 3. She served as the principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct as per the article: she is the first woman non-medical officer to attain AVM rank. Statement 2 is incorrect: she was commissioned on June 18, 1994, not 1990. Statement 3 is correct: she created history as the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, serving as principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.

Q: On which date did Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma assume the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education)?

September 1, 2026, The article explicitly states that she assumed the appointment on September 1, 2026. The other options are distractors: September 2 is the publication date of the news, June 18 is her commission date.

Q: What is the primary significance of Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma's achievement as mentioned in the news?

She is the first woman officer from the non-medical branch to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal in the Indian Armed Forces, The article highlights that she is the first woman officer (non-medical) in the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equivalent). While she also commanded a Sainik School and holds a key appointment, the primary historic milestone is the rank attainment. Options A and D are factually incorrect or not the primary focus.

Security & Defence Social IssuesHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link

02 Sept 2026

~2 min

Source: The Hindu

Key Data:September 1, 2026June 18, 1994Sainik School, KapurthalaIIT KanpurPune UniversityAir Vice Marshal

Bodies:Indian Air ForceMinistry of DefenceSainik School KapurthalaIIT KanpurPune University

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.AVM Shakti Sharma is the first woman officer (non-medical) in Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent.

2.She was commissioned into the Education Branch of IAF on June 18, 1994, and has held diverse postings including commanding a Sainik School.

3.Examiners may ask about the significance of the Education Branch, the Sainik School system, or the rank structure in Indian Air Force.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma becomes the first woman officer from the non-medical branch of Indian Armed Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal, marking a significant milestone for women in defence. She assumed the role of Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Education) on September 1, 2026, after a distinguished career spanning over three decades.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Rank AttainedAir Vice Marshal (AVM)

First Woman Non-Medical AVMYes

AppointmentAssistant Chief of Air Staff (Education)

Date of AssumptionSeptember 1, 2026

Commission DateJune 18, 1994

1-Minute Revision

›Rank Attained: Air Vice Marshal (AVM)
›First Woman Non-Medical AVM: Yes
›Target this Data: First woman non-medical AVM rank - AVM Shakti Sharma, assumed appointment on September 1, 2026
›Target this Nodal Body: Indian Air Force under Ministry of Defence
›Target this Legal Point: Not applicable (no legal provision mentioned)

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

News Snapshot

✈️

Historic Milestone for Women in Defence

AVM Shakti Sharma becomes first woman non-medical officer to reach AVM rank.

👩‍✈️

Career Highlights

Commissioned in 1994, commanded Sainik School Kapurthala, established IAF Chairs of Excellence.

📅

Appointment Date

Assumed role of Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Education) on September 1, 2026.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Women have been gradually integrated into the Indian Armed Forces, but reaching senior ranks like Air Vice Marshal was largely limited to medical officers. This appointment breaks that barrier for non-medical branches, showcasing the evolving role of women in defence.

Core Analysis & Implications

The achievement is symbolic and practical. It encourages more women to join the armed forces and pursue careers in non-medical roles. It also highlights the importance of the Education Branch in the IAF, which focuses on training and academic collaboration.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

This milestone will likely pave the way for more women to reach higher ranks in the IAF and other services. It also underscores the need for continued reforms in gender equality within the defence sector, including better representation in combat roles.

Key Facts at a Glance

Rank AttainedAir Vice Marshal (AVM)

First Woman Non-Medical AVMYes

AppointmentAssistant Chief of Air Staff (Education)

Date of AssumptionSeptember 1, 2026

Commission DateJune 18, 1994

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which ministry is primarily responsible for the Indian Air Force?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma:

1. She is the first woman officer from the non-medical branch of the Indian Armed Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal.

2. She was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in the year 1990.

3. She served as the principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC

On which date did Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma assume the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education)?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

What is the primary significance of Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma's achievement as mentioned in the news?

All 25 MCQs ▸

Read original article from The Hindu

You finished this topic

Practice 3 MCQs from this news Next Article

Explore Related Topics

Security & DefenceView Topic MCQs →Social IssuesView Topic MCQs →

Next SCO Bishkek Declaration, INS Nipun, Form 7 & Distinguished Jurist: UPSC Exam Focus

Related Current Affairs

Security & Defence Current Affairs

AVM Shakti Sharma: First Woman Non-Medical Officer to Achieve Air Vice Marshal Rank in IAF

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma becomes the first woman non-medical officer in the Indian Armed Forces to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal, assuming charge as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Education). This milestone underscores the progress of women in defence services since the grant of Permanent Commission, with the IAF leading in 2010, followed by Army/Navy post-Supreme Court intervention in 2020. For UPSC/SSC aspirants, this is a key data point for gender equality, judicial activism, and defence reforms.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

IAF Hosts Tarang Shakti-26: 40 Nations, 8 Forces, Advanced Jets (F-35, Rafale) from Sep 26

The IAF is hosting the second edition of its largest multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-26, from Sep 26 to Oct 12 in Jodhpur. With 40 nations, 8 participating forces including the US, France, and UAE, and advanced aircraft like F-35 and Rafale, the exercise focuses on interoperability and multi-domain operations. This is a key event for India's defense diplomacy and showcases indigenous platforms under Atmanirbharta.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Yudh Abhyas 2026: India-US Joint Drill Focuses on IBGs, Drones; Also Know IMBAX, LAMITIYE, Sea Dragon, MILAN 2026

This article compiles five recent joint military exercises India participated in, highlighting Yudh Abhyas 2026 with the US focusing on Integrated Battle Groups, drones, and long-range precision fires. Other exercises include IMBAX (Myanmar), LAMITIYE (Seychelles – first tri-services), Sea Dragon (multilateral ASW), and MILAN (multilateral naval wargame). Additionally, India’s defence production hit a record ₹1.78 lakh crore and exports ₹38,424 crore in FY2025-26, underscoring the push for indigenisation and global partnerships.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

IAF & JASDF Chiefs Fly Tejas in Veer Guardian 2026; First JASDF Fighters on Indian Soil

India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian showcases indigenous Tejas fighter, as both air chiefs flew in formation. This marks the first time JASDF fighters operated from Indian soil, strengthening bilateral defence ties and highlighting India's growing defence exports potential.

Polity Current Affairs

PM Modi Announces Saptadhara Reforms: AI Skilling for 1 Crore Youth, 100 GW Nuclear Target by 2047

On the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi unveiled a seven-point reform framework called 'Saptadhara' covering manufacturing, agriculture, tech, defence, green economy, and soft power. He announced AI skilling for 1 crore youth in mission mode, free online coaching via DPI, and warned against 'dimagi Naxals' – ideological Maoists influencing policymaking. This speech directly addresses GenZ employment anxieties and national security threats.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

Defence Ministry Annual Report 2025-26 Details Operation Sindoor and LAC Situation with PLA Reduction

The Defence Ministry's annual report for 2025-26 highlights Operation Sindoor as a calibrated military response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, involving precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. It also records a significant reduction in PLA deployment along the LAC during 2025, alongside renewed diplomatic and military engagement with China. The report signals a shift towards integrated, network-centric operations and a review of capability gaps.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

MoD Signs ₹1,577 Cr Contracts for Loiter Munitions Under 'Buy Indian' Category

The Ministry of Defence has awarded contracts worth ₹1,577 crore to TASL and NIBE for 84 loiter munition systems with 840 munitions, boosting the Indian Army's precision-strike capability up to 100 km. This procurement under the 'Buy Indian' category with 60% indigenous content is a major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

Defense Current Affairs

President Approves 78 Gallantry Awards: 9 Kirti Chakras, 19 Shaurya Chakras on Independence Day

President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 gallantry awards including 9 Kirti Chakras (7 posthumous) and 19 Shaurya Chakras (1 posthumous) on Independence Day. This is crucial for exams as gallantry awards hierarchy, posthumous awards, and specific operations (Manipur, Kishtwar, Gulf of Aden) are frequently tested. Students must memorize numbers, award categories, and key awardee names.

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma Becomes First Woman Non-Medical Officer to Achieve AVM Rank in Indian Armed Forces

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Historic Milestone for Women in Defence

Career Highlights

Appointment Date

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance