Chhindwara's Priya Malviya ranks 113th in AFCAT, becomes district's first woman Flying Officer
Synopsis
A police constable's daughter from Chhindwara has cracked one of India's most competitive defence exams, landing the 113th rank nationally in AFCAT and becoming the first woman from her district to be commissioned as an IAF Flying Officer — a milestone that is as much about family legacy as personal ambition.
Key Takeaways
Priya Malviya of Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh secured the 113th rank nationally in the AFCAT examination.
She is the first woman from Chhindwara to be selected as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force .
Priya holds a BE in Electronics and Communication from Gujarat Technological University .
Her father, ASI Ravi Malviya , is posted at Chhindwara Kotwali police station.
She will proceed to Hyderabad for formal IAF officer training before taking up her role.
Priya Malviya, daughter of Assistant Sub-Inspector Ravi Malviya of Chhindwara Kotwali police station, has secured the 113th rank at the national level in the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), earning selection as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The achievement, announced on 11 June, makes her the first woman from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh to attain this rank in the IAF.
From a Police Household to the Skies
Growing up watching her father serve in uniform at the Chhindwara Kotwali, Priya developed an early resolve to serve the nation in a similar capacity. She pursued higher education in Gujarat, completing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from Gujarat Technological University before setting her sights on the IAF.
After graduation, she appeared for the AFCAT — one of the primary entry routes into the Indian Air Force — and cleared it with distinction, securing a top-113 national ranking. The result has brought widespread recognition to her family and to Chhindwara district as a whole.
Priya's Message to Young Women
Expressing her elation, Priya said the selection stood among the most memorable moments of her life. 'This has been a truly wonderful and golden experience for me. I want not just myself, but all daughters to move forward, have confidence in themselves, become independent, and choose their own careers,' she said.
Her words carry particular resonance in a district where women pursuing defence careers remain a rarity. Notably, her success is being widely cited as an example of what focused academic effort and family support can achieve.
A Father's Pride
For ASI Ravi Malviya, the moment was deeply personal. Speaking to reporters, he said, 'I am feeling immense joy from within. I am extremely happy. I had never experienced such happiness before; my daughter has given me this moment of great joy. She has made my life meaningful and brought honour to our family.'
He recalled that Priya's commitment to her studies was self-driven. 'She has achieved this feat with utmost dedication and hard work. She used to study a lot. We never had to scold her; she is a good child. I am very happy today,' he added.
What Comes Next
Following her selection, Priya is set to travel to Hyderabad for formal IAF officer training before formally assuming her responsibilities as a Flying Officer. Her induction will mark a historic first for Chhindwara, and observers say it could encourage more young women from the region to consider defence careers.
Point of View
But it also points to a structural reality: women from smaller district towns continue to break into the armed forces largely through individual resolve rather than systemic support. Chhindwara has no dedicated defence coaching infrastructure, yet a police constable's daughter reached a top-113 national rank — which raises the question of how many potential officers are lost for want of guidance and resources. The IAF has been steadily expanding roles for women, including combat flying; stories like Priya's are precisely the kind of visibility that could accelerate that pipeline from Tier-2 and Tier-3 India.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Priya Malviya and what has she achieved?
Priya Malviya is a young woman from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, who secured the 113th rank nationally in the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and has been selected as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force. She is the first woman from Chhindwara district to achieve this distinction.
What is the AFCAT examination?
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is one of the primary entry routes for commissioned officer roles in the Indian Air Force, open to graduates across disciplines. Candidates who clear the written test proceed through further selection stages including a Flying Aptitude Test and Services Selection Board interview.
What is Priya Malviya's educational background?
Priya completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from Gujarat Technological University before appearing for the AFCAT examination.
Where will Priya Malviya undergo training?
Following her selection, Priya is set to travel to Hyderabad for formal Indian Air Force officer training before assuming her duties as a Flying Officer.
Why is Priya Malviya's achievement significant for Chhindwara?
Priya is the first woman from Chhindwara district to be commissioned as a Flying Officer in the IAF, making her a trailblazer for the region. Her success is seen as an inspiration for other young women in the district to pursue careers in the defence forces.
