First Woman Pilot of the Indian Air Force

Squadron Leader Priya Nalgundwar stands as the first woman pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF). She entered the IAF Flying Branch on 17 December 1994 as part of the pioneering first batch of seven women pilots. She excelled throughout her training, finishing at the top of her course, and the then Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S.K. Kaul, awarded her the coveted flying wings. Her achievement shattered long-standing barriers and opened doors for generations of women in the IAF, firmly establishing her as a trailblazer in India’s military aviation history.

About Priya Nalgundwar

Squadron Leader Priya Nalgundwar is a pioneer who opened new skies for women in the Indian Air Force. Commissioned into the Flying Branch on 17 December 1994 as part of the first batch of seven women pilots, she topped her course and received her wings from Air Chief Marshal S.K. Kaul. Today, she continues her journey as an aviator and mentor, inspiring the next generation to dream fearlessly and push beyond limits.

Born and raised in a middle-class family in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, Priya Nalgundwar grew up with strong values, discipline, and the freedom to dream big. Her years at Model HS School, Bhopal, shaped her early leadership and athletic spirit. She served as the school’s girl captain and emerged as a national-level badminton player, laying the foundation for her future achievements.

Experience

Pioneering Commission

Record Holder

  • First woman pilot commissioned in the Indian Air Force

  • Received wings from Air Chief Marshal S.K. Kaul

  • Featured in the Limca Book of Records and IAF Heritage Museum

Trailblazer in Training & Operations

Shooting & Tactics

  • First woman pilot to complete the Para Descent course at Paratroopers Training School, Agra

  • Led high-altitude expeditions up to 14,500 feet

  • Gold medalist in command-level rifle and revolver shooting championships

Leadership Beyond the Air Force

Sports & Other

  • First woman pilot to head a premier government air base

  • Meritorious Service Medal awardee for excellence

  • Represented India at the World Masters Badminton Championship

Education

Academic Background

She completed her high school at Model School, TT Nagar, Bhopal.

She graduated with a B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhopal.

Career Highlights

Notable Achievements

Commissioned Trailblazer

Squadron Leader

First woman pilot commissioned in the Indian Air Force (1994).

Limca Book Record Holder

Record Holder

Featured in the Limca Book of Records & honored at the IAF Heritage Museum, Chandigarh.

Pioneered Para Course

Trainer

First woman pilot to complete the rigorous para training at Paratroopers Training School, Agra.

 

Award-Winning Markswoma

Championship

Gold medalist in command-level rifle & revolver shooting championships.

Command Leader

Service Medal

First woman pilot to head a premier government air base; awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

International Athlete

All India Topper

Represented India at the World Masters Badminton Championship; holds an All-India ranking.

Leadership In Service

  1. Commanded an Indian Air Force unit in Baroda with distinction.
  2. Also led the unit team to High Altitude to 14,500 ft Beas Kund (All were men except Priya Nalgundwar).