In Republic Day 2026, the headline was dominated by the Indian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar unfurling the national Tricolour to open the 77 th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi in the company of President Droupadi Murmu. This is a rare ceremonial award of honour, which shows her commitment, discipline, and control as an IAF officer. Dhankar does have a serious dedication to service, as seen in her life path as a woman of a Haryana village through NCC training to commissioning. The fact that she is part of the team also represents the increasing role of women in the military and a significant national pride at the flagship Indian Republic Day parade.
Who is Akshita Dhankar?
-
Akshita Dhankar is an Indian Air Force officer who unfurled the national Tricolour together with President Droupadi Murmu during the parade on the Independence Day of the 77 th Republic of India.
-
She was born in Kasni village, Haryana, which is a military tradition area.
-
Through this, she exhibited the leadership trait at an early age, as Dhankar enrolled at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, University of Delhi, having joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and later becoming Cadet Sergeant Major.
-
She passed the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and became a Flying Officer in June 2023.
-
She rose to the rank of flight lieutenant through merit and works in the IAF Administration branch.
Last Years of PYQs Asked of the Air Force
| Exam / Paper | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT (GK) | Who was the first Indian Air Chief to command the Indian Air Force? | Subroto Mukerjee |
| AFCAT (GK) | Consider: (I) IAF established on 8 Oct 1932, (II) First Indian Chief took charge on 1 Apr 1954. Which is correct? | Both I & II are true |
| Air Force / Agniveer | In which year was the Indian Air Force established? | 1932 |
| SSC CGL Tier-I | Flying Officer of the Indian Air Force who became the first Indian woman to fly solo in a MiG-21? | Avani Chaturvedi |
| SSC / Bank / Railway GK | On which day is Indian Air Force Day celebrated every year? | 8 October |
| SSC / Bank / Railway GK | Which was the first operational squadron of the Indian Air Force? | No. 1 Squadron |
| SSC / Bank / Railway GK | What prefix was conferred on the Indian Air Force in recognition of World War II service? | Royal |
| SSC / Bank / Railway GK | Which officer was the first five-star rank holder of the Indian Air Force? | Arjan Singh |
| SSC / Bank / Railway GK | Where is the Indian Air Force Academy located? | Hyderabad |
Conclusion (Akshita Dhankar Hoists Tricolour with President)
The hoisting of the Tricolour by Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar with President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day 2026 is a historic and inspirational one. Her accomplishment not only puts women in the limelight of the Indian Armed Forces but also illustrates discipline and leadership, and it is a beacon of national pride, coming out to the generations to come and giving them the hope they need in serving the country.
