Meet Sub Lieutenant Astha Tyagi: Cleared SSB 7 Times and Inspired Her Sister to Join the Indian Navy

In the world of defence aspirants, an SSB recommendation is considered one of the proudest milestones of a candidate’s journey. It reflects not just knowledge or preparation, but personality, leadership, courage, clarity of thought and officer-like qualities. For Sub Lieutenant Astha Tyagi, this milestone came not once, but seven times.

Hailing from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, SLt Astha Tyagi’s journey is a remarkable story of discipline, determination and an unwavering dream to serve the nation in uniform. What makes her story even more inspiring is that she was later joined in the Indian Navy by her younger sister, Sub Lieutenant Akanksha Tyagi, making the Tyagi family a proud example of daughters donning the prestigious Navy whites.

A Strong Academic Foundation

SLt Astha Tyagi completed her schooling from DAV Public School, Sreshtha Vihar, Delhi. From an early age, she displayed a balanced personality, excelling not only in academics but also in sports, NCC and extra-curricular activities.

She pursued BA LLB from Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. Continuing her academic excellence, she cleared CLAT PG and went on to complete her post-graduation from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, where she specialised in Constitutional Law through her LLM.

Her legal education, combined with her disciplined NCC background, laid the foundation for her entry into the Judge Advocate General branch, where legal knowledge and military values come together in service of the nation.

NCC Journey: From Cadet to National Pride

Astha’s NCC journey played a defining role in shaping her personality. She attended several important camps, including the OTA Attachment Camp and Combined Annual Training Camp. However, one of the biggest highlights of her NCC career was her selection for the Republic Day Camp in 2018.

During RDC 2018, she earned the honour of being the Best Cadet SW Army from the Delhi Directorate. This achievement further opened the door for her to represent India in the Youth Exchange Programme in Russia in 2018.

She also earned the NCC C Certificate with A Grade from the Delhi Directorate, a reflection of her consistent performance, dedication and commitment as a cadet.

Her NCC experience gave her early exposure to military discipline, leadership, teamwork and national service — qualities that would later help her stand out in the SSB interview process.

A Sportsperson at Heart

Apart from NCC, SLt Astha Tyagi has also been an active sportsperson. During her school years, she participated in several sports, including badminton, basketball, athletics, long jump, handball and tchoukball.

She represented Delhi State in School Games Federation of India Nationals, Senior and Junior Nationals, along with several state and zonal-level competitions. Later, during her university years, she was also part of the Women’s Football Team and actively participated in NSS.

This strong sporting background helped her develop endurance, confidence, team spirit and mental toughness — all of which are highly valued in the armed forces.

Seven SSB Recommendations: A Rare Achievement

SLt Astha Tyagi’s SSB journey is one of the most inspiring parts of her story. She appeared for multiple SSBs for the Indian Army and Indian Navy and achieved a rare feat — seven SSB recommendations in seven attempts.

For any defence aspirant, even one recommendation is a dream. Astha’s seven recommendations show her consistent personality, strong officer-like qualities and exceptional suitability for a career in the armed forces.

She also secured All India Rank 4 in the Army JAG entry. However, her heart was set on the Navy whites, and she chose to join the Indian Navy in the JAG Cadre.

Her decision reflects her clarity of purpose and deep motivation to serve the nation as a naval officer.

Younger Sister Follows the Same Path

Astha’s journey became even more special when her younger sister, SLt Akanksha Tyagi, followed in her footsteps and joined the Indian Navy.

SLt Akanksha Tyagi also studied at DAV Public School, Sreshtha Vihar, Delhi, and later pursued B Tech in Computer Science with specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Like her elder sister, Akanksha was also deeply involved in NCC. She attended camps such as CATC and Pre-RDC and successfully earned the NCC C Certificate with A Grade.

Her sporting achievements are equally impressive. With a strong inclination towards badminton, she secured a gold medal in the sport and also played at SGFI Nationals. She also participated in SGFI and Junior Nationals in tchoukball.

Inspired by Astha’s journey, Akanksha chose to serve the nation through the Indian Navy and joined the Naval Armament Inspector Cadre.

Raised in a Family of Discipline and Empowerment

Behind the success of Astha and Akanksha stands a family that believed in empowering daughters from the very beginning.

Their mother, Sushma Tyagi, has been practising as an advocate in the Delhi High Court for the last 25 years and is also a qualified international mediator. She herself was an NCC cadet, attended the Republic Day Camp, secured NCC C Certificate with A Grade, and was also a national-level netball player and state-level cricket player. She was also part of NSS.

Their father is a Senior Commandant in the CISF and has also served in the National Security Guard. A highly decorated officer, he has received the President’s Award and DG Disc for his contributions.

Growing up in such an environment, both daughters were encouraged to take part in academics, sports, NCC, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Their parents ensured that they were not limited by stereotypes and were given every opportunity to become confident, disciplined and independent individuals.

First in the Family to Join the Armed Forces

Although the Tyagi family has a strong background of service and discipline, Astha and Akanksha are the first members of their entire family to join the armed forces as officers.

For their parents, seeing both daughters don the Indian Navy whites has been a moment of immense pride, joy and honour. Their journey also carries a powerful message for countless families across India — when daughters are encouraged, trusted and empowered, they can achieve anything.

A Story That Will Inspire Defence Aspirants

SLt Astha Tyagi’s journey is not just about seven SSB recommendations. It is about years of preparation, self-belief, discipline and consistency. From NCC camps to RDC, from representing India in Russia to excelling in law, from sports fields to the SSB interview room, every experience shaped her into the officer she is today.

Her younger sister SLt Akanksha Tyagi’s journey further adds to this inspiring story of courage and family values.

Together, the two sisters represent the changing face of India’s armed forces — confident, educated, capable and determined women officers serving the nation with pride.

Their story is a reminder to every defence aspirant that success in SSB is not built in a few days. It is built through a lifestyle of discipline, participation, responsibility, leadership and a deep desire to serve the country.

For Astha and Akanksha Tyagi, the dream was not just to wear a uniform. It was to earn it.

And they did — with honour.