As India prepares for its 77th Republic Day parade, the spotlight is on a young officer who is breaking barriers. Simran Bala, a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant from Jammu and Kashmir, will become the first woman to lead an all-male Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent at the grand march on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2026.
Her achievement highlights changing norms in India’s security forces, where merit and leadership are increasingly shaping opportunities.
Who is Simran Bala?
Simran Bala hails from Nowshera, a border town in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. She is the first woman from her district to join the CRPF as an officer. Simran cleared the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) exam in 2023 on her first attempt, earning an All India Rank of 82. She was also the only woman from J&K to qualify that year.
She holds a degree in political science and trained at the CRPF academy in Gurugram, where she won awards for best officer in training and public speaking. Her first posting was with the Bastariya Battalion in Chhattisgarh, where she took part in anti-Naxal operations.
Simran Bala To Lead an All-Male Contingent
Simran Bala’s role at the Republic Day parade is historic. She will command a contingent of more than 140 male CRPF personnel on January 26. While women officers have led contingent units before, this is the first time a woman will lead an all-male unit at the national event.
Her appointment follows strong performances during rehearsals, where senior officers noted her confidence, precision and command skills. Her leadership reflects the CRPF’s evolving focus on merit and capability.
Simran Bala Selected on Merit & Leadership
Simran Bala belongs to the 2023 UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) batch. She cleared the highly competitive examination in her first attempt, securing All India Rank 82.
During her training and Republic Day parade rehearsals, senior CRPF officers shortlisted her purely on performance, drill precision, confidence and command presence. Her leadership skills during intensive practice sessions stood out, leading to her selection to command the all-male contingent.
Officials have underlined that her appointment reflects the CRPF’s merit-based leadership approach, where capability and discipline, not gender, determine command roles.
Simran Bala: CRPF & Republic Day
The Central Reserve Police Force is India’s largest paramilitary force with over 3.25 lakh personnel. The CRPF plays a key role in internal security, counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations across the country. Its participation in the Republic Day parade highlights its prominence in national security and ceremonial tradition.
The annual parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi showcases India’s military precision, cultural diversity and national pride. It attracts thousands of spectators on the ground and millions of viewers on television and online.
Simran Bala: From Border Town to National Spotlight
Simran Bala’s journey from a small border town to leading a parade contingent at a national event is noteworthy. Growing up near the Line of Control, she witnessed security forces in action, which helped shape her ambitions.
Her achievements now symbolize how dedication and perseverance can open doors even in fields traditionally dominated by men. Her story resonates with many young aspirants in J&K and across India who see her success as proof of what is possible with hard work and focus.
Simran Bala: Inspiring the Next Generation
Simran Bala’s historic role is being celebrated widely. In Rajouri, locals say her success inspires young people, especially girls, to consider careers in India’s security services. “Just like Simran, we too want to don the uniform and serve Mother India,” said a young resident.
Her presence at the Republic Day parade, one of India’s most watched events, is expected to send a strong message about gender equality and leadership opportunities in the armed and paramilitary forces.
Simran Bala: Symbol of Changing Times
Simran Bala’s achievement marks a shift in India’s security culture. It shows that competence and leadership matter more than tradition and stereotypes. As she marches down Kartavya Path on January 26, she will carry not just her CRPF unit but also the aspirations of many who dare to break new ground.
