Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat has brought pride to Rajasthan after being commissioned into the Indian Army’s Army Medical Corps following the completion of her medical education at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.
Her journey from a teacher’s family in rural Rajasthan to becoming a commissioned medical officer reflects years of academic discipline, competitive preparation and a strong desire to serve the country. By combining the responsibilities of a doctor and a military officer, she has emerged as an inspiring figure for students preparing for NEET, AFMC and other defence-related examinations.
Belongs to Jhunjhunu, Raised in Churu
Bhanvi Shekhawat’s ancestral roots are in Jakhal village, located in the Nawalgarh tehsil of Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district. Her family, however, has been residing in Rajaldesar town of Churu district for nearly three decades.
She was raised in an education-oriented household. Her father, Deependra Singh Shekhawat, and her mother, Renu Rathod, also mentioned in some accounts as Renu Rathore, are government teachers.
The family also has a connection with the Armed Forces. Bhanvi’s grandfather, Krishnavardhan Singh Shekhawat, served in the Indian Air Force. His military background is believed to have provided an additional source of inspiration as she chose a career that combined medicine with service in uniform.
Her commissioning has been celebrated in both Jakhal and Rajaldesar. She has been described locally as the first daughter from the two places to receive a commission as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army.
Early Education and Preparation for NEET
Bhanvi Shekhawat completed her primary education at Adarsh Vidya Mandir in Rajaldesar. She later pursued her secondary education at Bhartiya International School in the same town.
After completing her school education, she moved towards focused preparation for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. She attended Guru Kripa Coaching Institute in Sikar to strengthen her preparation for the highly competitive medical entrance examination.
Her efforts produced results when she cleared NEET in 2021. The examination opened the door to medical colleges across the country, but Bhanvi had set her sights on a career that would allow her to serve both as a doctor and as an Armed Forces officer.
On the basis of her NEET performance and the subsequent selection process, she secured admission to the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, in 2022.
Medical Education at AFMC Pune
The Armed Forces Medical College is among the country’s most prestigious institutions for medical education. Students selected for AFMC undergo rigorous academic and clinical training while also becoming familiar with military discipline, physical fitness and the traditions of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Studying at AFMC requires students to manage the demanding curriculum of an MBBS programme alongside the responsibilities associated with life in a military institution.
During her time at the college, Bhanvi completed the required medical training and prepared herself for a professional life that would involve treating military personnel, their families and, when required, civilians during emergencies and humanitarian operations.
Her years at AFMC transformed her from a medical aspirant into a trained doctor ready to take on responsibilities as a commissioned officer.
Commissioned as a Lieutenant
Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services during a ceremonial Passing Out Parade held at AFMC Pune on 10 July 2026.
The parade marked the commissioning of the H3 batch, also referred to as the 60th batch of the institution. It was conducted at the Capt Devashish Sharma, Kirti Chakra Parade Ground.
A total of 141 medical graduates were commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services during the ceremony. Of these, 112 officers joined the Indian Army, 12 were commissioned into the Indian Navy and 17 joined the Indian Air Force.
The parade was reviewed by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services, who attended the event as the chief guest. Lieutenant Nikhil Kumar Jha commanded the ceremonial parade.
For Bhanvi and her family, the occasion marked the culmination of several years of preparation, medical education and military training. Wearing the uniform as a Lieutenant, she formally became part of the Army Medical Corps.
Role of an Army Medical Corps Officer
Officers of the Army Medical Corps perform responsibilities that extend far beyond regular hospital duties. They serve in military hospitals, field medical units, operational areas and remote formations where access to specialised healthcare may be limited.
Army doctors may be required to provide emergency treatment during military operations, support troops deployed in difficult terrain and participate in disaster-relief or humanitarian missions.
Their professional life demands medical expertise as well as the discipline, physical readiness and leadership expected from an Army officer.
As a newly commissioned medical officer, Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat will be trained to work in varied environments and handle the medical requirements of soldiers serving across different regions of the country.
Internship at Command Hospital, Kolkata
Following the completion of her academic requirements at AFMC, Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat is expected to undertake her internship at Command Hospital, Eastern Command, in Kolkata.
The internship will allow her to gain practical clinical experience under the supervision of senior military medical professionals. She will work across different departments and strengthen the skills required to independently diagnose, treat and manage patients.
Training at a Command Hospital will also help her understand the functioning of the military healthcare system and the responsibilities associated with serving personnel, veterans and their dependants.
After completing the required internship and training, she will be prepared for further assignments as a medical officer in the Indian Army.
Celebrations in Rajasthan
News of Bhanvi’s commissioning generated considerable enthusiasm in her hometown and ancestral village. Residents of Rajaldesar and Jakhal congratulated the family and described her achievement as a proud moment for the region.
Her success carries particular significance for young students from smaller towns and rural areas. It demonstrates that students from modest backgrounds can reach prestigious institutions such as AFMC through consistent preparation and academic focus.
For young girls in Rajasthan, her journey also represents the expanding opportunities available in medicine and the Armed Forces.
The achievement of a government teacher couple’s daughter becoming an Army doctor has been widely appreciated as an example of how family support, quality education and personal determination can create life-changing opportunities.
Inspiration for Medical and Defence Aspirants
Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat’s journey offers several lessons to students preparing for competitive examinations.
Her success began with a strong academic foundation at the school level. She then followed a structured preparation strategy for NEET and remained focused on securing admission to a reputed medical institution.
Her selection for AFMC also highlights a distinctive career option available to medical aspirants. AFMC provides students with the opportunity to study medicine while preparing for a commissioned career in the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The institution is particularly suitable for candidates who are interested in clinical medicine but also wish to experience the discipline, responsibility and sense of purpose associated with military service.
Bhanvi’s story further demonstrates the importance of family support. Growing up in a household of teachers helped create an environment that valued education, while her grandfather’s service in the Indian Air Force strengthened the family’s connection with the Armed Forces.
From NEET Aspirant to Army Doctor
Clearing NEET in 2021 was the first major milestone in Bhanvi Shekhawat’s journey. Securing admission to AFMC Pune in 2022 brought her closer to her dream, while the following years tested her academic ability, endurance and commitment.
Her commissioning on 10 July 2026 completed her transformation from a medical entrance aspirant into an officer of the Indian Army.
As she begins her internship at Command Hospital, Eastern Command, she will take the first steps in a professional career devoted to healthcare and national service.
Lieutenant Bhanvi Shekhawat now carries the expectations of her family, the pride of Rajasthan and the responsibility of the uniform she wears.
Her journey from the classrooms of Rajaldesar to the parade ground of AFMC Pune stands as a reminder that determination, disciplined preparation and a clear goal can help students from any part of the country achieve extraordinary success.
