India’s 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, will mark a historic first for the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Assistant Commandant Simran Bala, a 26-year-old officer from Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, will command an all-male CRPF marching contingent along Kartavya Path—becoming the first woman officer in the force’s history to do so.
Her selection reflects a clear shift toward merit-based leadership within India’s paramilitary forces and stands as a powerful moment for women officers nationwide.
Simran Bala Biography / Wiki
Who Is Simran Bala?
Simran Bala hails from Nowshera, a border town in Rajouri district near the Line of Control. Growing up in a region shaped by security challenges and military presence played a defining role in her aspiration to serve in uniform.
She is the first woman from Rajouri district to join the CRPF at the officer rank and is now among the youngest officers to be entrusted with command responsibility at the Republic Day Parade—India’s most prestigious ceremonial event.
Education and Early Drive
Simran pursued a degree in Political Science, balancing academics with competitive exam preparation. During her college years, she appeared for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination and cleared it on her first attempt, an early indicator of her discipline and focus.
Her academic background helped sharpen her understanding of governance and national security, while her upbringing in a border district strengthened her resolve to serve the country in an operational role.
UPSC CAPF Success and CRPF Training
In May 2023, Simran cleared the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination on her first attempt, securing an All India Rank of 82 among 151 successful candidates. Notably, she was the only woman candidate from Jammu and Kashmir to qualify that year.
Following her selection, she underwent officer training at the CRPF Academy in Kadarpur, Gurugram, where she emerged as the topper of her batch, excelling in physical fitness, drill, and tactical assessments. Her academy performance placed her among the most promising young officers of her intake.
Selection for Republic Day Parade Command
Simran’s appointment as contingent commander came after months of intensive rehearsals for the Republic Day Parade. Senior CRPF officials closely evaluated officers on leadership presence, drill precision, and command authority.
Her performance during these rehearsals stood out, leading to her selection to command a large all-male marching contingent—a responsibility never before assigned to a woman officer in the CRPF.
Why This Moment Matters
Simran Bala’s leadership at the 77th Republic Day Parade goes beyond symbolism. It reflects a broader transformation within India’s security forces, where operational competence and leadership ability are increasingly recognized regardless of gender.
For young women—especially those from border regions like Jammu and Kashmir—her journey sends a clear message: elite command roles in India’s paramilitary forces are no longer off-limits.
As she marches down Kartavya Path on January 26, 2026, Simran Bala will represent not just the CRPF, but a new generation of officers reshaping India’s uniformed services through merit, discipline, and determination.
