Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat: Rajasthan's Pride and New Indian Army Officer from AFMC
Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat has brought honor to Rajasthan by being commissioned into the Indian Army's Army Medical Corps after completing her medical education at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune.
Her path from a teacher's family in rural Rajasthan to a commissioned medical officer showcases years of academic discipline, competitive preparation, and a deep commitment to serving the country. By blending the roles of a doctor and a military officer, she serves as an inspiration for students preparing for NEET, AFMC, and other defense-related exams.
Bhanvi Shekhawat hails from Jakhal village in Nawalgarh tehsil, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. However, her family has been based in Rajaldesar town of Churu district for nearly 30 years.
She grew up in a family focused on education. Her father, Deependra Singh Shekhawat, and her mother, Renu Rathod (also known as Renu Rathore), are both government teachers.
The family also has ties to the Armed Forces. Her grandfather, Krishnavardhan Singh Shekhawat, served in the Indian Air Force, providing additional inspiration for her choice to pursue a career that merges medicine with military service.
Bhanvi's commissioning has been celebrated in both Jakhal and Rajaldesar, with locals describing her as the first daughter from these places to be commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army.
Bhanvi completed her primary education at Adarsh Vidya Mandir in Rajaldesar, followed by secondary education at Bhartiya International School in the same town.
After her schooling, she intensively prepared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) at Guru Kripa Coaching Institute in Sikar, aiming to excel in this competitive medical entrance exam.
Her dedication paid off when she cleared NEET in 2021, giving her access to medical colleges nationwide. However, Bhanvi aspired to a career that combined her medical ambitions with service as an Armed Forces officer.
Her NEET performance and subsequent selection process led to her admission to the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, in 2022.
AFMC is one of the country's esteemed institutions for medical education. Students there undergo rigorous academic and clinical training while adapting to military discipline, physical fitness, and the traditions of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Students at AFMC manage the demanding MBBS curriculum alongside the responsibilities of military life.
During her time at AFMC, Bhanvi completed the necessary medical training and prepared for a career treating military personnel, their families, and civilians during emergencies and humanitarian missions.
Her years at AFMC turned her from a medical aspirant into a trained doctor ready to assume the duties of a commissioned officer.
Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services at a ceremonial Passing Out Parade held at AFMC Pune on July 10, 2026.
The parade, marking the commissioning of the H3 batch (also known as the 60th batch), was held at the Capt Devashish Sharma, Kirti Chakra Parade Ground.
| Branch | Number of Officers |
|---|---|
| Indian Army | 112 |
| Indian Navy | 12 |
| Indian Air Force | 17 |
The ceremony saw 141 medical graduates commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services. Among them, 112 officers were commissioned into the Indian Army, 12 into the Indian Navy, and 17 into the Indian Air Force.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services, reviewed the parade as the chief guest, with Lieutenant Nikhil Kumar Jha commanding the parade.
For Bhanvi and her family, the event marked the culmination of years of effort, medical education, and military training. Donning the uniform as a Lieutenant, she officially joined the Army Medical Corps.
Officers in the Army Medical Corps have responsibilities that extend beyond typical hospital duties. They serve in military hospitals, field medical units, operational areas, and remote formations where specialized healthcare access may be limited.
Army doctors are often called upon to provide emergency care during military operations, support troops in challenging terrains, and participate in disaster-relief or humanitarian missions.
Their role demands medical expertise along with the discipline, physical readiness, and leadership expected of an Army officer.
As a newly commissioned medical officer, Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat will be trained to adapt to various environments and address the medical needs of soldiers across different regions of the country.
Following her academic tenure at AFMC, Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat is expected to complete her internship at Command Hospital, Eastern Command, in Kolkata.
This internship will allow her to gain practical clinical experience under the guidance of senior military medical professionals, working across different departments to develop her skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients independently.
Her training at a Command Hospital will also offer insights into the military healthcare system and responsibilities towards serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
Upon completing her internship and training, she will be ready for further assignments as a medical officer in the Indian Army.
The news of Bhanvi's commissioning was met with enthusiasm in her hometown and ancestral village. Residents of Rajaldesar and Jakhal congratulated the family, celebrating her achievement as a proud moment for the region.
Her success is particularly significant for young students from smaller towns and rural areas, showing that those from modest backgrounds can reach prestigious institutions like AFMC through dedication and academic focus.
For young girls in Rajasthan, her journey symbolizes the growing opportunities available in medicine and the Armed Forces.
The achievement of a government teacher couple's daughter becoming an Army doctor has been widely praised as an example of how family support, quality education, and personal determination can lead to life-changing opportunities.
Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat's journey offers valuable lessons to students preparing for competitive exams.
Her success began with a strong academic foundation at the school level, followed by a structured preparation strategy for NEET and a focus on securing admission to a reputed medical institution.
Her acceptance into AFMC also highlights a unique career path available to medical aspirants. AFMC offers students the chance to study medicine while preparing for a commissioned career in the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The institution is especially suited for candidates interested in clinical medicine but also eager to experience the discipline, responsibility, and purpose associated with military service.
Bhanvi's story further underscores the importance of family support. Growing up in a household of teachers fostered an environment valuing education, while her grandfather's service in the Indian Air Force strengthened her family's connection to the Armed Forces.
Clearing NEET in 2021 was the first major milestone in Bhanvi Shekhawat's journey. Gaining admission to AFMC Pune in 2022 brought her closer to her aspirations, while subsequent years tested her academic ability, resilience, and commitment.
Her commissioning on July 10, 2026, marked her transformation from a medical entrance aspirant into a commissioned officer of the Indian Army.
As she begins her internship at Command Hospital, Eastern Command, she embarks on a professional journey focused on healthcare and national service.
Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat now embodies the expectations of her family, the pride of Rajasthan, and the responsibility of the uniform she wears.
Her journey from the classrooms of Rajaldesar to the parade ground of AFMC Pune serves as a testament that determination, disciplined preparation, and a clear goal can enable students from any part of the country to achieve remarkable success.
