Meet Lieutenant Deepti Rana: From Rajya Sabha Executive to Territorial Army Officer

Lieutenant Deepti Rana’s remarkable journey from a civilian executive in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to becoming the first non-departmental woman officer in the Territorial Army is a story of relentless determination, courage, and breaking barriers. Hailing from Mungeshpur, a conservative village on the outskirts of Delhi, Deepti began her professional life as a teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya Sarasawa, an Indian Air Force station, before taking on a prestigious role as an Executive Officer in the Rajya Sabha.

Her life was deeply rooted in civilian service until one day in 2016, when she came across a news article featuring Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur wearing the Indian Army’s olive green uniform as a Territorial Army officer. This image sparked a new dream within her to serve the nation beyond her civilian responsibilities and don the uniform herself.

The Territorial Army (TA) is a unique branch of the Indian Army that allows gainfully employed civilians to serve part-time without leaving their primary professions. However, in 2016, women were not eligible to apply for the TA. Instead of being disheartened, Deepti held on to her dream. Three years later, in 2019, after a legal petition and policy change, the Territorial Army finally opened its doors to women, even in operational roles along the Line of Control.

Without hesitation, Deepti applied and embarked on the challenging three-stage selection process a written examination, the Preliminary Interview Board (PIB) interview, and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview held at 21 SSB, Bhopal. Out of 13 women candidates who were recommended by the SSB, there was only one vacancy available, and Deepti secured it. On 22 April 2021, she received a call informing her of her selection as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army, making history as the first and only woman commissioned into the non-departmental TA.

The Territorial Army selection and service process is rigorous. Applicants must be Indian citizens aged between 18 and 42, gainfully employed, and must secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer before appearing for PIB or SSB and later for annual training. TA officers typically train for about two months each year in non-departmental units and can serve in infantry, ecological battalions, or engineer units, with the same standards and responsibilities as their male counterparts. “The enemy’s bullet doesn’t see gender,” Deepti says, highlighting the gender-neutral ethos of the Army. For her, balancing her civilian career with military service offered a unique perspective: policymaking in Parliament complemented the discipline and operational understanding gained through the Territorial Army.

Her real transformation, however, began after her commissioning, during training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. Transitioning from a desk job to the physically and mentally demanding lifestyle of a cadet was one of the biggest challenges she had ever faced.

Days began before dawn at 4:00 a.m., filled with intense physical drills, obstacle courses, and tactical exercises under Chennai’s scorching sun. Initially, she struggled to run even 500 meters, but soon she was completing 5-kilometer runs and passing the rigorous Physical Proficiency Test and Battle Physical Efficiency Test. She learned to fire rifles, handle rocket launchers, and mastered field tactics. What had once been a pen in her hand was now a weapon, symbolizing her transformation from civilian to soldier.

Life at OTA was not just about physical strength it tested mental resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Deepti faced homesickness, sleepless nights, and moments of self-doubt, but the bonds formed with fellow cadets and the discipline of military life helped her push beyond her limits. She fondly recalls challenges like learning to cycle under pressure and struggling with drill commands, experiences that taught her perseverance and humility. Over time, the hardships of training transformed into a deep sense of pride, camaraderie, and purpose. “From wearing sunscreen every time I stepped out in Delhi to wearing my training tan with pride, I evolved as a person,” she says.

On 13 November 2021, after months of intense training, Deepti proudly completed her course and was commissioned as a Lieutenant, wearing two stars on her shoulders a symbol of leadership, responsibility, and service. Her achievement was not just a personal victory but a milestone for the Indian Army, marking a significant step toward gender inclusivity and equality. Today, she continues to balance her dual roles as a civilian policy professional and a Territorial Army officer, ready to serve whenever duty calls.

Deepti’s story is a testament to the idea that dreams know no boundaries if pursued with determination and faith. From a legislative officer drafting policies in Parliament to a soldier leading from the front, her journey embodies the spirit of the Territorial Army citizens first, soldiers always. She advises aspirants to prepare thoroughly for the selection process, maintain peak fitness, and embrace the challenges of training as opportunities for growth. Above all, she encourages them to dream big and never give up. “Dream fearless, dream big. Break barriers, have faith in yourself, work hard no hurdle can stop you.” Her journey proves that with perseverance and passion, even the most distant dreams can be achieved.