Meet Major Payal Chhabra: First Woman Surgeon Who Joined Para Special Forces

In a landmark achievement that underscores the evolving role of women in the Indian Army, Major Dr. Payal Chhabra has etched her name in military history as the first woman Army surgeon to join the elite Para Special Forces.

This milestone, accomplished in September 2023, represents a significant step forward for Indian Army women officers, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated domains and highlighting the integration of medical expertise into high-risk operational environments. Major Chhabra's journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence, serving as a beacon for defence aspirants across the nation.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1993 in Kalayat, Kaithal district, Haryana, Major Payal Chhabra grew up in a family of medical professionals, with both her parents Dr. Rajender Chhabra and Dr. Veena Chhabra practicing as doctors. Her elder brother, Dr. Sanjeev Chhabra, and sister-in-law, Dr. Saloni Chhabra, also pursued careers in medicine, fostering an environment that emphasized education and service. While specific details of her schooling remain private, her early exposure to the medical field likely shaped her ambitions.

She pursued an MBBS degree followed by an MS in Surgery, demonstrating academic prowess and a commitment to surgical excellence. Before entering the military, Major Chhabra gained valuable experience as a civilian doctor, serving as a senior resident in the surgery department at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College in Karnal, Haryana, in 2020. This foundational phase honed her skills and prepared her for the demanding challenges ahead, reflecting her early determination to contribute meaningfully to healthcare.

Joining the Indian Army

Major Payal Chhabra's transition to military service was marked by exceptional performance, securing the 18th rank in the Indian Armed Forces Medical Service examinations. She was commissioned as a Captain in the Indian Army in January 2021 and promoted to the rank of Major in 2022. Her initial posting was at the Army Hospital in Ambala Cantonment, Haryana, where she began applying her surgical expertise in a military context.

Subsequent assignments took her to some of the most challenging terrains, including the Army Hospital at Khardung La in Leh, Ladakh one of the world's highest-altitude medical facilities. These early postings not only tested her medical acumen but also built her resilience in extreme conditions, aligning with her lifelong aspiration to serve the nation, as noted by her father: "She always nurtured the dream of serving the nation."

The Para SF Journey

Driven by a profound sense of patriotism and inspired by figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant General Diljit Singh, Major Chhabra volunteered for the Para Special Forces, a decision that required unwavering resolve. As a fitness enthusiast who trains daily from 3 to 4 a.m., including running 40 kilometers with a 20- to 25-kilogram backpack, she was well-prepared for the physical demands.

The rigorous probation and training occurred at the Paratroopers Training School in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, where she balanced her duties as a surgeon with intense commando preparation. Challenges abounded, particularly as the first woman in this elite sphere: the regimen included grueling sessions of running 40 kilometers under weights up to 65 kilograms, demanding both physical endurance and mental fortitude. Despite these hurdles, her perseverance prevailed, turning down lucrative opportunities in multi-specialty hospitals to prioritize national service.

Earning the Maroon Beret

The Maroon Beret symbolizes the pinnacle of airborne and special forces excellence in the Indian Army, denoting elite status, courage, and operational readiness. In September 2023, Major Payal Chhabra became the first woman Army surgeon to earn this prestigious honor at a ceremony in Agra, qualifying her for integration into Para Special Forces units.

This achievement opens doors for Indian Army women officers in combat-support roles, proving that gender is no barrier to contributing in high-stakes environments. It reinforces the Army's commitment to inclusivity while enhancing medical support for special operations, where rapid surgical intervention can be life-saving.

Current Role & Duties

Currently posted as a specialist surgeon at the Army Hospital in Ladakh, Major Chhabra serves within Para Special Forces frameworks, providing critical medical care in remote and hostile areas. Her role demands a delicate balance: performing high-stakes surgeries amid extreme altitudes and weather, while maintaining operational readiness for para deployments. This dual expertise ensures that Para SF units receive immediate, specialized support, exemplifying the fusion of medical precision and military discipline.

Legacy and Inspiration

Major Payal Chhabra's story resonates deeply with Indian Army women officers, medical professionals, and defence aspirants, illustrating that determination can shatter ceilings in even the most arduous fields. By becoming the first woman Army surgeon in Para SF and earning the Maroon Beret, she inspires a new generation to pursue excellence without compromise. Her journey encourages women to embrace challenges, prioritize national service, and integrate diverse skills into military roles, fostering greater gender parity in defence.

In conclusion, Major Payal Chhabra's courage, skill, and determination stand as a testament to what is possible when passion meets perseverance. Her historic feat not only honors the Indian Army's legacy but also motivates aspiring officers to aim higher, serve boldly, and redefine boundaries in the pursuit of national security.