Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma becomes the first woman officer from the non-medical stream to achieve the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent. On September 1, 2026, AVM Shakti Sharma assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters.
On June 18, 1994, Sharma was commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF). She completed more than three decades of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Over the course of her career, she has served across various postings, which include Training Establishments, Field Stations, Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters. At the same time, she has also marked several milestones in the field of education and institutions.
Sharma also spearheaded initiatives that aimed to strengthen academic and strategic collaboration between the IAF and other leading educational institutions and played a key role in establishing the IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University to promote academic and strategic defence collaboration.
First Woman Tri-Services Officer to Command Sainik School
Sharma also holds another major milestone in her journey in the IAF. She became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School. She served as the Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.
Along with her leadership roles across various military positions and in the Education Branch has earned her the experince at the intersection of defence, education and institutional development.
With over 30 years of service, AVM Shakti Sharma’s journey highlights the expanding opportunities for women in India’s defence services and the role of education and leadership in shaping a military career.
Her journey from being commissioned in 1994 to becoming the first non-medical woman officer to take charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) continues to inspire future generations who seek to serve the nation, to “Touch the Sky with Glory.”