Meet Colonel Seema Mishra: First Woman Army Officer to Head UP Sainik School

Colonel Seema Mishra, 47, took charge as the Principal of Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey Uttar Pradesh Sainik School on Thursday, becoming the first woman Army officer to head the 65-year-old institution. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the school’s history as well as in the broader journey of women officers in leadership roles within India’s military education system.

Upon assuming charge, Col Mishra paid tribute at the school’s War Memorial, addressed cadets and staff in the auditorium, and interacted with alumni, emphasising collective efforts to strengthen the institution and restore its legacy of excellence.

She formally took over from Colonel Rajesh Raghav, who had served as the school’s principal since January 2021. Col Mishra’s two-year deputation was approved following a letter issued by the Sainik School Society under the Ministry of Defence on October 30.

Established in 1960 by Dr Sampurnanand, the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the school holds the distinction of being the first Sainik School in India. It also became a pioneer in gender inclusion when it admitted girl cadets for the first time in 2018, starting with an initial batch of 15 students.

Commissioned into the Army Educational Corps in 2003, Col Mishra brings with her 22 years of distinguished service. Before assuming her current role, she served as the first woman officer posted as Administrative Officer at Rashtriya Military School, Belgaum, Vice-Principal of Sainik School Kapurthala, and as an Instructor at the Indian Military Academy. Her professional excellence has earned her commendation cards from both the Chief of Army Staff and the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

Outlining her priorities, Col Mishra said her primary focus would be on maximising the number of cadets qualifying for the National Defence Academy.

“My sole aim will be to send maximum cadets to the NDA. I will strive to ensure that more boys and girls qualify for the NDA in the coming years,” she said, expressing confidence in the potential and discipline of the cadets and staff.

Reflecting on her new responsibility, Col Mishra acknowledged the expectations associated with being the school’s first woman principal. “Heading the first Sainik School of the country, with its rich legacy, is a challenging responsibility. As the first woman principal, I know people will view my work through that lens. I am committed to carrying forward the good work done by our former principal,” she said.

She further informed that on February 6, the school delegation is likely to meet the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. The delegation will include the school band, a marching contingent, and eight cadets—among them two girl cadets who have cleared the Services Selection Board and will soon be joining the NDA.

The school has recently earned accolades at the Republic Day celebrations in Lucknow. The Sainik School band was adjudged the Best Marching School Band during the Republic Day Parade on January 26, while the school’s marching contingent secured third position among all participating contingents.

With Col Seema Mishra at the helm, the UP Sainik School enters a new chapter—one rooted in tradition, strengthened by experience, and driven by a renewed focus on producing future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces.