Sisters Astha and Akanksha Tyagi: From NCC Cadets to Indian Navy Officers

In an inspiring tale from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, two sisters have transformed their childhood discipline, NCC training, academic achievements, and family values into a notable path of national service. Sub Lieutenant Astha Tyagi and Sub Lieutenant Akanksha Tyagi have both joined the Indian Navy, wearing the esteemed white uniform in successive years, bringing immense pride to their family.

Their accomplishments became even more significant when the younger sister, SLt Akanksha Tyagi, graduated from the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, following the path of her elder sister, SLt Astha Tyagi, who graduated from the same academy in May of the previous year. For their parents, Advocate Sushma Tyagi and a Senior Commandant in the Central Industrial Security Force, this achievement is not only a personal celebration but also a powerful symbol of determination, courage, and empowerment.

The sisters are the first in their family to join the Armed Forces, serving as a motivational example for countless young girls dreaming of wearing the uniform and serving their country. Raised in a family that emphasized education, sports, NCC, extracurricular activities, and independent decision-making, Astha and Akanksha were instilled with a strong sense of discipline and purpose.

SLt Astha Tyagi completed her education at DAV Public School, Sreshtha Vihar, Delhi, pursued a BA LLB from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, and cleared CLAT PG. She later completed her post-graduation in Constitutional Law from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, which laid the foundation for her entry into the Indian Navy’s JAG Cadre.

Astha's involvement in NCC played a crucial role in shaping her personality. She participated in several camps, including the OTA Attachment Camp and Combined Annual Training Camp. Her most notable NCC achievement was being named Best Cadet SW Army from the Delhi Directorate during the Republic Day Camp in 2018. She also represented India in the Youth Exchange Programme in Russia in 2018, highlighting her leadership qualities and confidence.

She earned the NCC C Certificate with an A Grade from the Delhi Directorate and was active in NSS and her university’s women’s football team. Her sporting journey began in school, where she participated in various 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, and several state and zonal-level competitions.

Astha's path to the uniform was marked by remarkable consistency and determination. She appeared for seven SSB interviews and received seven recommendations across various SSBs of the Navy and Army, achieving an All India Rank 4 in the Army JAG Entry. However, her aspiration was to join the Indian Navy, and she chose to serve through the JAG Cadre.

Astha's success became a source of motivation for her younger sister, SLt Akanksha Tyagi. Inspired by her sister’s journey, Akanksha embarked on the same path of diligence, discipline, and national service. She joined the Indian Navy in the Naval Armament Inspector Cadre, continuing the family's proud association with the Armed Forces.

SLt Akanksha Tyagi also completed her schooling at DAV Public School, Sreshtha Vihar, Delhi, and pursued a B Tech in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Her selection into the Naval Armament Inspector Cadre underscores the increasing importance of technology, innovation, and technical expertise in the modern Indian Navy.

Like her sister, Akanksha had a strong NCC background. She attended various camps, including CATC and Pre-RDC, and earned her NCC C Certificate with an A Grade. Her NCC journey helped her develop confidence, leadership, discipline, and a desire to serve the nation in uniform.

Akanksha also excelled in sports from an early age, particularly in badminton, where she secured a gold medal and represented at SGFI Nationals. Apart from badminton, she participated in tchoukball at SGFI and Junior Nationals, demonstrating her competitive spirit, discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

Behind the success of the Tyagi sisters is a family dedicated to empowering their daughters. Their mother, Sushma Tyagi, has practiced as an advocate in the Delhi High Court for 25 years and is a qualified international mediator. She was also an NCC cadet, attended the Republic Day Camp, earned the NCC C Certificate with an A Grade, and was a national-level netball player and state-level cricket player, also actively involved in NSS.

Their father, a Senior Commandant in the CISF, has had a distinguished career in uniform, serving in the National Security Guard and earning the President’s Award and DG Disc for his contributions. Growing up in such an environment of discipline, public service, and national commitment naturally shaped the daughters' outlook.

The Tyagi family, hailing from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, instilled in Astha and Akanksha the values of service, patriotism, and perseverance. Their parents encouraged participation in academics, sports, NCC, NSS, and leadership activities while emphasizing the importance of discipline and balance.

The bond between the two sisters has been a key element of their story. Astha’s repeated success in SSB recommendations, her academic achievements, and her choice to join the Indian Navy inspired Akanksha. Astha's achievement became a guiding light for her younger sister.

Today, as both sisters proudly wear the white uniform of the Indian Navy, their journey sends a powerful message to aspiring defence candidates nationwide. It demonstrates that success in the Armed Forces is built through preparation, patience, hard work, overcoming failures, persistent attempts, training, and a firm belief in oneself.

Their story also highlights the significance of NCC in grooming future officers. From the Republic Day Camp to earning their C Certificate, participating in the Youth Exchange Programme to Pre-RDC, and from sports fields to SSB interview boards, both sisters have embodied the values of teamwork, courage, and leadership throughout their journey.

For their mother, seeing both daughters in the Indian Navy uniform is a moment of immense pride and emotion. For their father, whose life has been devoted to national service, it signifies a continuation of the family's dedication to the nation. For young aspirants, especially girls, Astha and Akanksha’s story serves as a reminder that dreams, when backed by discipline, can indeed become reality.

SLt Astha Tyagi and SLt Akanksha Tyagi’s journey is not only about two sisters becoming officers in the Indian Navy; it is about a family that believed in their daughters, a mother who empowered them, a father who inspired them, and two young women who showed that determination can take you from school grounds and NCC camps to the proud halls of the Indian Naval Academy.

Their journey from NCC cadets to naval officers will continue to inspire many young Indians to dream big, work hard, and serve the nation with honor. Two sisters, one dream, and one proud uniform—the story of Astha and Akanksha Tyagi is a shining example of courage, commitment, and the spirit of New India.