Avani Chaturvedi: India’s Trailblazing Fighter Pilot Breaking Barriers in the IAF

Breaking Barriers in the Sky

Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi is a name that resonates with courage, determination, and groundbreaking achievement in Indian aviation history. As one of India’s first three female fighter pilots, Avani Chaturvedi has not only shattered the glass ceiling but has become a symbol of women’s empowerment and gender equality in the armed forces. This comprehensive biography chronicles the extraordinary journey of Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to the cockpit of supersonic fighter jets, inspiring millions across the nation.

Quick Facts Summary Table

Personal Detail	Information
Full Name	Avani Chaturvedi
Date of Birth	27 October 1993
Age (as of 2025)	32 years
Birth Place	Rewa District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Hometown	Deoland, Shahdol District, Madhya Pradesh
Current Rank	Squadron Leader (Indian Air Force)
Current Posting	No. 23 Squadron Panthers, Suratgarh, Rajasthan
Famous Achievement	First Indian woman to fly MiG-21 Bison solo (2018)
Nationality	Indian
Service Number	35195 F(P)
Marital Status	Married to Flight Lieutenant Vineet Chikara (Nov 2019)
Major Awards	Nari Shakti Puraskar (2020), Honorary Doctorate (2018)

Personal Information & Bio-Data

Field	Information
Full Name	Avani Chaturvedi
Date of Birth	27 October 1993
Age	32 years (as of November 2025)
Birth Place	Rewa District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Hometown	Deoland, Shahdol District, Madhya Pradesh
Current Residence	Suratgarh, Rajasthan (Posting location)
Nationality	Indian
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio ♏
Religion	Hinduism
Languages Known	Hindi, English
Hobbies	Chess, Table Tennis, Sketching, Painting

Family Background & Personal Life

Relationship	Name & Details
Father	Dinkar Chaturvedi (Superintending Engineer, Water Resource Department, MP Government)
Mother	Savita Chaturvedi (Homemaker)
Elder Brother	Indian Army Officer (Name undisclosed)
Spouse	Flight Lieutenant Vineet Chikara (IAF Officer)
Marriage Date	November 2019
Children	None (as of 2025)

Family Influence & Early Inspiration

Avani Chaturvedi comes from a family with strong ties to public service and the armed forces. Her father, Dinkar Chaturvedi, serves as a superintending engineer in the Water Resource Department of the Madhya Pradesh government, while her mother, Savita Chaturvedi, is a dedicated homemaker who provided unwavering support throughout her journey.

The most significant influence on Avani Chaturvedi’s career choice was her elder brother, who serves as an officer in the Indian Army. His dedication to service and stories from military life inspired young Avani to consider a career in the armed forces. Growing up, she was also deeply inspired by astronaut Kalpana Chawla, whose tragic death in the Columbia space shuttle disaster only strengthened Avani’s resolve to conquer the skies.

Physical Statistics

Attribute	Measurement
Height	163 cm (5 feet 4 inches)
Weight	Approximately 50 kg
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Hair Color	Black
Physique	Athletic and Combat-Ready
Fitness Level	Peak Physical Condition (IAF Standards)

Educational Background & Academic Journey

Education Level	Institution	Year	Course/Details
Primary & Secondary Education	Deoland, Shahdol District	Till 2010	Madhya Pradesh
Bachelor’s Degree	Banasthali Vidyapith University, Rajasthan	2010-2014	B.Tech in Computer Science
Flying Club Experience	Banasthali University Flying Club	2012-2014	Early aviation experience
AFCAT Qualification	Air Force Common Admission Test	2014	Successfully cleared
AFSB Recommendation	Air Force Selection Board	2014	Recommended for fighter pilot training
Air Force Academy Training	AFA Dundigal, Hyderabad	2015-2016	One year rigorous training
Advanced Flying Training	AFS Bidar, Karnataka	2016-2017	Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer
Honorary Doctorate	Banasthali Vidyapith	2018	Recognition for aviation excellence

Academic Excellence & Aviation Journey

Avani Chaturvedi completed her Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science from Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan in 2014. During her college years, she made a life-changing decision to join the university’s flying club, where she gained valuable flying experience that would later shape her career.

Key Academic Achievements:

• Graduated with B.Tech in Computer Science (2014)
• Active member of Banasthali University Flying Club
• Cleared AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) in 2014
• Recommended by AFSB (Air Force Selection Board)
• Selected among first batch of female fighter pilots

The flying club experience at Banasthali University was pivotal in Avani Chaturvedi’s journey, as it provided her first taste of aviation and confirmed her passion for flying.

Career Timeline: From Flying Officer to Squadron Leader

Year	Rank/Position	Milestone/Achievement
2014	Civilian	Cleared AFCAT exam, recommended by AFSB
2015-2016	Trainee	Underwent intensive training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal
18 June 2016	Flying Officer	Commissioned as IAF Fighter Pilot by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar
2016-2017	Flying Officer	First posting at AFS Bidar – flew Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer
February 2018	Flying Officer	First Indian woman to fly MiG-21 Bison solo (Historic milestone)
2018	Flight Lieutenant	Promoted to Flight Lieutenant rank
2018-Present	Flight Lieutenant	Posted at No. 23 Squadron Panthers, Suratgarh, Rajasthan
2020	Flight Lieutenant	Received Nari Shakti Puraskar from President of India
January 2023	Squadron Leader	First IAF woman fighter pilot in international aerial wargame (Veer Guardian 2023, Japan)
2023-2025	Squadron Leader	Continues operational duties on Su-30MKI and MiG-21 Bison

Commissioning Day – A Historic Moment (18 June 2016)

On 18 June 2016, Avani Chaturvedi, along with Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh Jitarwal, was formally commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force fighter squadron by then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. This momentous day marked India’s entry into the elite club of nations—including the United States, Britain, Israel, and Pakistan—where women are permitted to fly combat aircraft.

The decision to open the fighter stream for women was taken by the Indian Government in October 2015, and Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi and her two colleagues became the pioneers of this historic change.

Major Achievements & Historic Milestones

Groundbreaking Firsts	Details
Among India’s First Three Female Fighter Pilots (18 June 2016)	Avani Chaturvedi was inducted as one of India’s first female combat pilots along with Mohana Singh Jitarwal and Bhawana Kanth. They were commissioned by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, breaking a significant gender barrier in Indian military aviation.
First Indian Woman to Fly MiG-21 Bison Solo (February 2018)	She became the first Indian woman to fly a MiG-21 solo on a 30-minute sortie from Jamnagar Airbase, Gujarat. The MiG-21 Bison is known for its high landing and takeoff speeds, making this a landmark achievement.
First IAF Female Pilot in International Aerial Wargame (January 2023)	Participated in Exercise Veer Guardian 2023 in Japan, flying the Su-30MKI fighter jet at Hyakuri Air Base. She became the first woman fighter pilot of the IAF to take part in an aerial wargame abroad.
Promoting Gender Equality in Armed Forces	Avani Chaturvedi’s pioneering achievements have inspired thousands of young women across India, changing perceptions about women in combat roles and encouraging careers in aviation and armed forces.

Awards, Honors & Recognition

Year	Award/Honor	Awarded By	Significance
2018	Honorary Doctorate Degree	Banasthali Vidyapith University	Recognition for exceptional contributions to aviation
9 March 2020	Nari Shakti Puraskar	President Ram Nath Kovind	India’s highest civilian honor for women’s achievement
2016-Present	National Recognition	Government of India	Pioneer in breaking gender barriers in IAF
2018	Featured in IAF Campaigns	Indian Air Force	Role model for recruitment and inspiration
2023	International Recognition	India-Japan Defense Cooperation	First woman in bilateral aerial exercise

Nari Shakti Puraskar 2020

On 9 March 2020, Chaturvedi was awarded with Nari Shakti Puraskar by President Ram Nath Kovind. This prestigious award, India’s highest civilian recognition for women, acknowledged Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi’s pioneering contribution to women’s empowerment and her exceptional service to the nation. She received this honor alongside her fellow trailblazers, Squadron Leaders Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh Jitarwal.

Honorary Doctorate (2018)

In 2018, she was honored with a doctorate degree from Banasthali Vidyapeeth, her alma mater, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in aviation and her role in inspiring young women across the country.

Current Position & Wing Commander Aspirations (2025)

Category	Details
Current Rank	Squadron Leader
Squadron	No. 23 Squadron Panthers
Base	Suratgarh, Rajasthan
Aircraft Operated	MiG-21 Bison, Su-30MKI
Role	Operational Fighter Pilot
Operational Responsibilities	– Combat Readiness: Maintain peak operational readiness for air defense missions – Flying Operations: Regular sorties on MiG-21 Bison and Su-30MKI – Tactical Training: Participate in advanced combat exercises – Squadron Leadership: Contribute to squadron operations and planning – Mentorship: Guide and inspire junior pilots, especially women officers – International Exercises: Represent IAF in multinational training exercises
Path to Wing Commander	Progressing steadily through IAF ranks; on track for promotion to Wing Commander, demonstrating exceptional flying skills, leadership, and mentorship.

Aircraft Flown & Technical Expertise

Aircraft / Training	Type / Purpose	Specifications / Details	Achievements / Skills	Role

Personal Life & Interests

Marriage & Personal Life

Avani Chaturvedi married Flight Lieutenant Vineet Chikara in November 2019. Her husband is also an Indian Air Force officer, and the couple understands the demands and commitments of military life. They support each other’s careers while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

Hobbies & Interests

Chaturvedi likes to play chess, table tennis and to do sketching and painting. These hobbies reflect her multifaceted personality:

• ♟️ Chess: Develops strategic thinking and patience
• 🏓 Table Tennis: Maintains reflexes and hand-eye coordination
• 🎨 Sketching & Painting: Creative outlet for artistic expression
• 📚 Reading: Stays updated on aviation and military history
• 🏋️ Fitness Training: Maintains combat-ready physical condition

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Born in a Brahmin family in Madhya Pradesh, Avani Chaturvedi grew up in a small town. Her father was an engineer, her mother a homemaker, and her elder brother served in the Indian Army. Inspired by her brother and supported by her family, she dreamed of flying from an early age. She attended Adarsh Higher Secondary School and nurtured her aviation aspirations despite limited local resources.

Educational Struggles and Achievements

Avani pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science at Banasthali University. She joined the college flying club, interned in technology roles, and worked at IBM for over three years. Her academic and professional experience helped her develop the technical and analytical skills necessary for a fighter pilot.

Commander Preparation Journey (IAF Training)

In 2015, Avani cleared the AFCAT and joined the flying branch of the Indian Air Force. She underwent rigorous training at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad. On 18 June 2016, she, along with Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, was commissioned as one of India’s first women fighter pilots.

Key Career Milestones

• 2016: Commissioned as a fighter pilot

• 2018: First solo MiG‑21 flight

• 2020: Nari Shakti Puraskar recipient

• 2023: Participated in Veer Guardian international exercise

• Current: Squadron Leader in IAF

Conclusion:

Avani Chaturvedi’s journey demonstrates dream, discipline, and national service. From a small town in Madhya Pradesh to making history as a fighter pilot, she inspires countless young Indians. Her legacy lies in her personal achievements and in the doors she opened for future generations, proving that the sky is not the limit — it’s just the beginning.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is Avani Chaturvedi’s current rank and posting?

Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi is posted in Indian Air Force No. 23 Squadron Panthers in Suratgarh, Rajasthan. As of 2025, she holds the rank of Squadron Leader and continues operational flying duties on MiG-21 Bison and Su-30MKI aircraft.

2. Is Avani Chaturvedi married?

Yes, Avani Chaturvedi married Flight Lieutenant Vineet Chikara in November 2019. Her husband is also an Indian Air Force officer, and they balance their demanding military careers with their personal life.

3. What was Avani Chaturvedi’s historic achievement in 2018?

In 2018, Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman pilot to take a solo flight in a MiG-21. This 30-minute solo sortie from Jamnagar Airbase, Gujarat, in February 2018 was a groundbreaking achievement that demonstrated her exceptional flying skills and ability to handle one of the most challenging aircraft in the IAF fleet.

4. When was Avani Chaturvedi commissioned into the IAF?

The trio was inducted into the Indian Air Force fighter squadron in June 2016. They were formally commissioned by then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on 18 June 2016. She was among India’s first three female fighter pilots, along with Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh Jitarwal.

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