Meet Lieutenant Mukta Singh: First Woman Bronze Medallist of OTA Gaya
On 6th September 2025, Battalion Under Officer Mukta Singh will finally don the shining stars of an Indian Army Officer. Behind this moment of triumph lies a story of unyielding resilience, relentless grit, and an indomitable spirit that refused to surrender, no matter how many storms life unleashed upon her path.
Mukta’s journey was anything but ordinary. She faced rejection not once, but twice, missing out on merit despite her determination. Yet, with a heart burning with purpose, she returned stronger in her third attempt, securing All India Rank-1 and earning her place at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, for the SSC Technical (Women-32) course. Just as victory seemed close, destiny tested her resolve with a severe knee injury that led to her relegation. To make matters even more challenging, technical entries were shifted to Officers Training Academy, Gaya—leaving her as the lone relegated female cadet.
Instead of seeing isolation, Mukta saw opportunity. She rose to the occasion, leading the new batch of women cadets at OTA Gaya and even donning the mantle of Academy Under Officer, a rare honour. But fate was not done testing her. Another injury struck during training, forcing yet another relegation. For most, this would have been the breaking point. For Mukta Singh, it became the fuel to rise again.
Restarting her first term for the third time, she set out to prove not just her worth but also her unbreakable spirit. Clearing all physical tests on her very first attempt, excelling in academics, and securing a place in the Top 15 merit, she turned every setback into a stepping stone. In her second term, her leadership qualities shone brighter as she was appointed Junior Under Officer and then Battalion Under Officer.
Finally, history was scripted. Mukta Singh became the first female officer cadet to pass out as a Bronze Medallist from OTA Gaya, standing third in overall merit across all passing out courses. Over 23 long months, spread across three different courses, she endured, adapted, and emerged stronger, calmer, and sharper—a true leader forged in the fire of adversity.
Her story is not just about becoming an officer; it is about proving that setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones to greatness. BUO Mukta Singh’s journey reminds us all that courage is not the absence of hardship but the will to rise, again and again, despite them.
On 6th September 2025, when she dons those stars, they will not just represent her commission into the Indian Army, but also her journey from setbacks to stars—a beacon of inspiration for every dreamer who dares to fight, fall, and rise again.
