UP’s Sania Mirza will become India’s first Muslim fighter pilot! IAF clarified

Sania Mirza, the daughter of a TV mechanic from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, is in the news after clearing the National Defense Academy (NDA) exam. Several reports on Friday morning said that Sania Mirza would be India’s first Muslim woman fighter pilot. However, this is not actually the case as all these reports were missing important information about how the Indian Air Force (IAF) selects its fighter pilots.

IAF issued a statement

The IAF said in a statement that it takes four years for a candidate to be commissioned as a pilot in the Indian Air Force. IAF further stated that during the period of four years, the candidate will have to complete the prescribed training for the Flying Branch.

IAF spokesperson said “Any candidate joining the NDA as an Air Force Cadet in the flying branch has to undergo 3 years of joint training with their classmates from the other 2 services. The aim of the NDA is to promote joint skills between the services, hence the training is common to all. It contains the basic elements of flying training for Air Force cadets only in the last 6 months before passing out.

Sania Mirza has secured 149th rank in NDA exam

IAF also wished him all the best for his future and wished all his dreams come true. He has secured 149th rank in NDA exam. Sania, who studied in a Hindi medium school, said that even Hindi medium students can achieve success if they are determined. Sania has passed 12th examination from Guru Nanak Girls Inter College, Mirzapur and has been district topper in UP 12th Board.

Sania said “I cracked NDA and secured 149th rank and got selected for Airforce. When I saw Avni Chaturvedi, the first female pilot on YouTube, I was inspired. I cracked NDA in second attempt.”