Simran Bala scripts history on Republic Day, becomes first woman to command an all-male contingent: A look at her illustrious career

Just a few kilometres from the Line of Control, a small border town in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district is celebrating a rare moment of pride. Simran Bala, a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is set to make Republic Day history by commanding an all-male CRPF contingent of more than 140 personnel on Kartavya Path.Raised in Naushera, Bala completed her schooling locally up to Class 10 before moving to Jammu for higher secondary education. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Government Women’s College, Gandhinagar, Jammu. Her professional journey took shape during her final semester, when she began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) examination.Her preparation paid off on the first attempt. Bala secured an All India Rank of 82 among 151 candidates who qualified that year, emerging as the only woman from Jammu and Kashmir to clear the examination.“I am the only girl from Jammu and Kashmir to crack this examination this year. I feel very proud and grateful. Being from the border area of Jammu and Kashmir, I have seen cross-border firing in my region, this has motivated me to join the CAPF so that I can serve in the border area as well,” she told ANI in 2023.

First attempt, first breakthrough

Clearing one of India’s toughest competitive examinations marked the formal beginning of Bala’s career in uniform. Appointed as an Assistant Commandant, she underwent intensive training at the CRPF Academy in Gurugram, where she was recognised as the best officer in training and received an award for public lectures.She formally joined the CRPF in April 2025 and received her first posting with Chhattisgarh’s Bastariya Battalion, taking charge of anti-Naxal operations, an early transition from academy drills to frontline responsibilities.Reflecting on her achievement, Bala told ANI, “My dream has been fulfilled. I have been appointed as an Assistant Commandant in Central Armed Police Forces. I will fulfill my duty with full zeal. My family and my neighbours are proud on my success.”She credits steady effort and support from those around her. “My parents, teachers and many people supported me. Hard work, perseverance and consistency helped me in my approach towards this exam,” she said to ANI.She also highlighted the role of digital access in widening opportunity. “This is an all-India level examination. It does not matter whether you are from a border area or from any metropolitan city you will be able to crack it thanks to the age of internet.”

A Republic Day first

January 26 will mark a defining milestone in Bala’s career. While women CRPF officers have led Republic Day contingents earlier, this will be the first time a woman officer commands a formation composed entirely of male personnel at the national parade.Back home, the moment has drawn neighbours and relatives to the family home. Her father, Vinod Chowdhary, told PTI, “This is a proud day for me as a parent. Living near the border did not stop her; she worked day and night to achieve her goal,” adding that she represents the third generation in the family to serve the nation in uniform.Her mother, Srishta Devi, urged parents to stand by their daughters. “I want to tell all parents to support their daughters. Daughters are moving ahead in every field; they just need encouragement and support,” she told PTI.

‘She May Be the First, But Not the Last’

Family members describe Bala as calm, focused, and quietly determined. Bala believes that others will definitely follow the path in the coming years. Her sister, Shail Bala told PTI “She always says she may be the first, but she will not be the last.”From Political Science classrooms to counter-insurgency operations, and now to commanding a Republic Day contingent, Simran Bala’s education-led rise reflects how perseverance, preparation, and purpose can shape an extraordinary career.