Preeti Rajak is a name that resonates with excellence, determination, and groundbreaking achievements in both sports and military service. Born on 6 November 2002, Subedar Preeti Rajak has carved a unique niche as India’s first female Subedar in the Indian Army while simultaneously excelling as an international trap shooter.
Quick Facts Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Preeti Rajak |
| Popular As | Subedar Preeti Rajak |
| Date of Birth | 6 November 2002 |
| Age | 22 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Itarsi, Narmadapuram District, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Profession | Sport Shooter (Trap Event) & Indian Army Officer |
| Current Rank | Subedar (Junior Commissioned Officer) |
| Service | Indian Army – Corps of Military Police |
| Specialization | Trap Shooting |
| Famous For | First Woman Subedar in Indian Army History |
| Major Achievement | Silver Medal at 2023 Asian Games (Hangzhou) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Personal Information of Preeti Rajak
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Preeti Rajak |
| Nickname | Not publicly known |
| Date of Birth | 6 November 2002 |
| Age | 22 years (as of January 2025) |
| Birth Place | Itarsi, Narmadapuram District, Madhya Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste/Community | Not publicly disclosed |
| Languages Known | Hindi, English |
| Hometown | Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh |
| Current Residence | Army Cantonment (as per posting) |
Family & Personal Life of Preeti Rajak
| Family Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Father’s Name | Runs a dry-cleaning business in Itarsi |
| Mother’s Name | Jyotsna Rajak |
| Mother’s Profession | Social Worker |
| Siblings | One elder sister (also trained in shooting) |
| Hometown | Itarsi, Narmadapuram District, Madhya Pradesh |
| Family Background | Lower-middle-class family |
| Current Residence | Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
Family Background and Early Influences
Preeti Rajak comes from a humble family in Itarsi, a railway town in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district. Her father, who runs a dry-cleaning business, played a pivotal role in recognizing and nurturing her sporting talent. Despite limited financial resources, Preeti Rajak’s father showed unwavering support for her unconventional career choice.
Jyotsna Rajak, Preeti’s mother, works as a social worker dedicated to community upliftment. She was instrumental in enrolling both Preeti and her elder sister in shooting programs in 2015, demonstrating the family’s progressive approach to women’s empowerment. The familial support system of Subedar Preeti Rajak turned what could have been financial obstacles into stepping stones for success.
Educational Background of Preeti Rajak
| Education Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Education | Completed in Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh |
| Secondary Education | Local schools in Itarsi |
| Higher Education | Pursuing graduation from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Shooting Training | Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy (joined 2015/2016) |
| First Coach | Indrajeet (Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy) |
| Military Training | Indian Army Training Institutions |
| Current Training Facility | Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) |
Educational Journey and Shooting Training
Preeti Rajak began her formal shooting education at the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy in 2015, when she was just 13 years old. Her father’s keen interest in sports led him to admit her to this prestigious academy, where she learned the basics of trap shooting from coach Indrajeet.
The Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy, established in 2006-07 under the vision of former sports minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia, became the proving ground for Preeti Rajak. Despite basic infrastructure, the academy provided the foundation for her exceptional career.
Subedar Preeti Rajak continues her higher education alongside her military and shooting commitments, currently pursuing graduation through IGNOU, demonstrating her dedication to holistic development.
Physical Statistics of Preeti Rajak
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Weight | Maintained as per Indian Army fitness standards |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Physical Fitness | Excellent (Military grade) |
| Build | Athletic |
| Distinguishing Features | Sharp focus and composed demeanor |
Preeti Rajak maintains exceptional physical fitness as required by both her shooting discipline and Indian Army service. Trap shooting demands steady hands, sharp vision, excellent hand-eye coordination, and mental composure—all qualities that Subedar Preeti Rajak possesses in abundance.
Military Career Timeline of Preeti Rajak
| Year | Position/Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| December 22, 2022 | Enlisted as Havildar | Joined Corps of Military Police as meritorious sportswoman |
| 2022-2023 | Havildar | First meritorious sportswoman in shooting to join as Havildar |
| January 27, 2024 | Promoted to Subedar | First woman in Indian Army history to attain Subedar rank |
| 2024-Present | Subedar (JCO) | Serving with distinction at Army Marksmanship Unit |
Historic Military Achievement
Preeti Rajak created history on January 27, 2024, when she was promoted from Havildar to Subedar, becoming the first woman in Indian Army history to hold this prestigious Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) rank. This out-of-turn promotion was awarded in recognition of her spectacular performance in sports, particularly her Asian Games silver medal.
The promotion ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Gajendra Joshi, Commandant of the Infantry School at Mhow, marking a watershed moment for women’s representation in the Indian Armed Forces.
Subedar Preeti Rajak initially joined the Corps of Military Police (CMP) on December 22, 2022, as the first meritorious sportswoman in the shooting discipline to enlist in the Army as a Havildar. The CMP is currently the only arm in the Indian Army that allows women to serve in enlisted ranks, making Preeti Rajak’s achievement even more significant.
International Shooting Career Timeline of Preeti Rajak
| Year | Competition | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| July 2019 | Junior World Shotgun Championships, Lonato, Italy | Represented India |
| May 2022 | ISSF Junior World Cup, Suhl, Germany | Silver Medal (Team Event) |
| July 2022 | World Shotgun Championships, Changwon, South Korea | Represented India |
| September 2022 | Junior World Shotgun Championships, Osijek, Croatia | Represented India |
| March 2023 | Shotgun World Cup, Doha, Qatar | Represented India |
| May 2023 | Shotgun World Cup, Cairo, Egypt | Represented India |
| May 2023 | Shotgun World Cup, Almaty, Kazakhstan | Represented India |
| August 2023 | World Shotgun Championship, Baku, Azerbaijan | Represented India |
| October 2023 | 19th Asian Games, Hangzhou, China | Silver Medal (Women’s Trap Team) |
| August 2025 | 16th Asian Shooting Championship, Shymkent, Kazakhstan | Gold Medal (Women’s Trap Team) |
| December 2025 | 68th National Shooting Championship (Shotgun) | Qualified for Finals |
Major Achievements & Recognition of Preeti Rajak
| Year | Award/Recognition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| October 2023 | Asian Games Silver Medal | Women’s Trap Team Event, Hangzhou |
| January 2024 | Promotion to Subedar | First woman Subedar in Indian Army history |
| May 2022 | ISSF Junior World Cup Silver | Team Event, Suhl, Germany |
| August 2025 | Asian Championship Gold Medal | Women’s Trap Team Event, Kazakhstan |
| 2022-Present | Indian National Team Member | Senior Team (Trap Shooting) |
| 2024 | Nari Shakti Recognition | Symbol of women’s empowerment in India |
The Historic Asian Games 2023 Silver Medal
The crowning achievement of Preeti Rajak’s shooting career came at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China (September 23 – October 7, 2023). Competing in the women’s trap team event alongside veterans Rajeshwari Kumari and Manisha Keer, Preeti Rajak helped secure India’s first-ever silver medal in this discipline at the Asian Games.
The Indian women’s trap team totaled 337 points to claim the silver medal, finishing behind China’s world-record score of 357 points. Kazakhstan won bronze with 336 points, making it an incredibly close competition. This achievement wasn’t just about the medal—it was validation of Preeti Rajak’s elite status on the international stage.
2025 Asian Shooting Championship Gold Medal
In August 2025, Subedar Preeti Rajak continued her winning streak at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. She was part of the Indian women’s trap team alongside Neeru Dhanda and Aashima Ahlawat that won the gold medal with a combined score of 319 points, finishing ahead of China and Kuwait.
This victory reaffirmed Preeti Rajak’s elite status and demonstrated that her performance momentum has not slowed since the Asian Games. India completed its most successful campaign at the Asian Shooting Championships with 99 medals, including 50 golds.
Understanding Trap Shooting – Preeti Rajak’s Specialization
What is Trap Shooting?
Trap shooting is a highly technical shooting discipline that originated from 19th-century game hunting simulations. The sport tests an athlete’s ability to hit airborne clay targets (also called “clay pigeons”) with a shotgun from five fixed shooting stations.
How Preeti Rajak Excels in Trap Shooting
Preeti Rajak specializes in the trap event, which demands:
- Precision: Split-second timing to hit targets moving at high speeds
- Mental Composure: Staying calm under immense pressure
- Physical Stamina: Maintaining steady hands and focus through long competitions
- Analytical Mind: Reading target trajectories and adjusting techniques
- Consistency: Performing at peak levels across multiple rounds
Role and Responsibilities of Subedar Preeti Rajak
Understanding the Subedar Rank
The rank of Subedar is a senior Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) position in the Indian Army. It sits between Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Commissioned Officers, serving as a crucial bridge in the military command structure.
Primary Responsibilities
As Subedar Preeti Rajak, she holds significant responsibilities:
- Troop Leadership: Direct command and supervision of junior soldiers
- Operational Execution: Implementing orders from commissioned officers
- Training and Development: Mentoring soldiers and ensuring combat readiness
- Administrative Duties: Managing unit administration and logistics
- Discipline Maintenance: Upholding military discipline and conduct standards
- Bridge Role: Connecting commissioned officers with enlisted personnel
- Sports Mentorship: Training junior shooters at Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU)
Subedar Preeti Rajak serves at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), where she balances her military duties with continued training for international shooting competitions. She also mentors junior soldiers and upcoming shooters, fostering the next generation of Indian shooting talent.
Financial Information Related to Preeti Rajak
| Financial Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 per month (7th Pay Commission) |
| Pay Level | Level 8 in Pay Matrix |
| Grade Pay | As per JCO standards |
| Allowances | Military Service Pay, Field Area Allowance, HRA, Transport Allowance |
| Accommodation | Government quarters or House Rent Allowance |
| Medical Benefits | Comprehensive healthcare for self and dependents |
| Canteen Facilities | Access to CSD (Canteen Stores Department) |
| Pension Benefits | Entitled after service completion |
| Sports Awards | Prize money from competitions |
| Estimated Annual Income | ₹8-10 lakhs (approximate, including allowances) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Comparison with Other Indian Women Achievers
Sporting Parallels
Preeti Rajak joins the pantheon of Indian women breaking barriers:
| Athlete | Achievement | Similarity to Preeti Rajak |
|---|---|---|
| Mary Kom | Boxing champion from humble background | Sports excellence from modest origins |
| P.V. Sindhu | Badminton Olympic medalist | International sporting success |
| Hima Das | Track athlete, military connection | Sports and military service combination |
| Avani Lekhara | Paralympic shooter | Shooting discipline excellence |
| Manu Bhaker | Olympic shooting medalist | Trap/pistol shooting at highest level |
Preeti Rajak’s military achievement parallels other pioneering women:
| Officer | Breakthrough | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Shiva Chouhan | First woman officer in combat role | Breaking military gender barriers |
| Wing Commander Pooja Thakur | First woman Rafale pilot | First woman in specific military role |
| Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth | Fighter pilot pioneer | Excellence in non-traditional military field |
Current Status and Recent Developments (2025-2026)
Present Duties and Training
As of January 2026, Subedar Preeti Rajak continues to serve actively in the Indian Army while pursuing her shooting career:
Military Responsibilities:
- Serving at Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU)
- Leading and mentoring junior soldiers
- Participating in administrative and operational duties
- Representing Indian Army in shooting competitions
Shooting Career:
- Training for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics qualification
- Competing in national and international championships
- Working with elite coaches at AMU facilities
- Maintaining fitness and sharpening technical skills
Recent Competition Performances
2025 Highlights:
- August 2025: Gold medal in women’s trap team event at Asian Shooting Championship, Kazakhstan
- December 2025: Competed in 68th National Shooting Championship
- Ongoing: Preparation for international qualification events
2024 Activities:
- Promoted to Subedar (January 2024)
- Continued training at AMU
- Represented India in various international competitions
- Balanced military duties with shooting commitments
Final Thoughts
Preeti Rajak and Subedar Preeti Rajak represent the commitment, courage, and dedication that define India’s military personnel. The journey of Preeti Rajak serves as a testament to the values of service, discipline, and leadership that strengthen our armed forces. As Preeti Rajak continues to serve the nation, the legacy being built will inspire generations of Indians to answer the call of duty and serve with honor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Preeti Rajak?
Preeti Rajak is an Indian trap shooter and the first woman in Indian Army history to achieve the rank of Subedar (Junior Commissioned Officer). Born on November 6, 2002, in Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh, she has represented India in international shooting competitions and won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
2. What is the current rank of Preeti Rajak?
Preeti Rajak currently holds the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army. She was promoted from Havildar to Subedar on January 27, 2024, becoming the first woman to achieve this Junior Commissioned Officer rank in the Indian Army’s history.
3. What is Preeti Rajak famous for?
Preeti Rajak is famous for two major achievements:
- Being the first woman Subedar in Indian Army history
- Winning a silver medal in women’s trap team event at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China
- Gold medal in women’s trap team at 2025 Asian Shooting Championship
4. When and where was Preeti Rajak born?
Preeti Rajak was born on November 6, 2002, in Itarsi, a railway town in Narmadapuram District, Madhya Pradesh, India.
5. What is Preeti Rajak’s age?
As of January 2026, Preeti Rajak is 23 years old (born November 6, 2002).
6. Which event does Preeti Rajak specialize in?
Preeti Rajak specializes in trap shooting, a shotgun discipline where shooters aim at clay targets launched from a machine. She represents India in women’s trap events at international competitions.
7. When did Preeti Rajak join the Indian Army?
Preeti Rajak joined the Indian Army’s Corps of Military Police on December 22, 2022, as a Havildar. She was the first meritorious sportswoman in the shooting discipline to be enrolled in the Army at this rank.
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Nishant Kumar is the founder and lead content creator at OfficersDetails.com, a platform dedicated to delivering accurate, verified information about officers in government, corporate, and legal sectors. With a strong background in public administration and data research, Nishant is passionate about transparency, governance, and simplifying access to essential leadership profiles.