In a proud and inspiring story from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, two sisters have turned their childhood discipline, NCC training, academic excellence and family values into a remarkable journey of service to the nation. Sub Lieutenant Astha Tyagi and Sub Lieutenant Akanksha Tyagi have both joined the Indian Navy, donning the prestigious white uniform in consecutive years and creating a moment of immense pride for their family.
The achievement became even more special when younger sister SLt Akanksha Tyagi passed out from the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, following in the footsteps of her elder sister SLt Astha Tyagi, who had passed out from the same academy in May last year. For their parents, Advocate Sushma Tyagi and a Senior Commandant in the Central Industrial Security Force, this moment is not just a personal celebration but a powerful symbol of determination, courage and empowerment.
Both sisters are the first members of their family to join the Armed Forces. Their journey stands as a motivational example for countless young girls who dream of wearing the uniform and serving the country. Raised in a family that encouraged education, sports, NCC, co-curricular activities and independent decision-making, Astha and Akanksha grew up with a strong sense of discipline and purpose.
SLt Astha Tyagi completed her schooling from DAV Public School, Sreshtha Vihar, Delhi. She later pursued BA LLB from Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies and went on to clear CLAT PG. She completed her post-graduation in Constitutional Law from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala. Her academic journey in law eventually became the foundation for her entry into the Indian Navy’s JAG Cadre.
Astha’s NCC journey played a defining role in shaping her personality. She attended several camps, including the OTA Attachment Camp and Combined Annual Training Camp. Her most memorable NCC achievement came during the Republic Day Camp in 2018, where she was adjudged Best Cadet SW Army from the Delhi Directorate. She later represented India in the Youth Exchange Programme in Russia in 2018, a rare honour that reflected her leadership qualities and confidence.
She also earned the NCC C Certificate with A Grade from the Delhi Directorate. Along with NCC, Astha remained active in NSS and was also part of her university’s women’s football team. Her sporting journey began during school, where she participated in badminton, basketball, athletics, long jump, handball, tchoukball and other games. She represented Delhi State in School Games Federation of India Nationals, Senior and Junior Nationals, and several state and zonal-level competitions.
Her journey to the uniform was marked by extraordinary consistency and determination. SLt Astha Tyagi appeared for seven SSB interviews and received seven recommendations in various SSBs of the Navy and Army. She also secured All India Rank 4 in the Army JAG Entry. However, her heart was drawn towards the white uniform of the Indian Navy, and she chose to join the service through the JAG Cadre.
Astha’s success soon became the motivation for her younger sister, SLt Akanksha Tyagi. Inspired by her elder sister’s journey, Akanksha followed the same path of hard work, discipline and national service. She joined the Indian Navy in the Naval Armament Inspector Cadre, carrying forward the family’s proud connection with the Armed Forces.
SLt Akanksha Tyagi also completed her schooling from DAV Public School, Sreshtha Vihar, Delhi. She later pursued B Tech in Computer Science with specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Her selection into the Naval Armament Inspector Cadre reflects the growing importance of technology, innovation and technical expertise in the modern Indian Navy.
Like her elder sister, Akanksha also had a strong NCC background. She attended various camps, including CATC and Pre-RDC, and successfully earned her NCC C Certificate with A Grade. Her NCC journey helped her develop confidence, leadership, discipline and a strong desire to serve the nation in uniform.
Akanksha also excelled in sports from a young age. Her inclination towards sports was exemplary, especially in badminton, which she pursued with focus and determination. She secured a gold medal in badminton and also represented at SGFI Nationals. Apart from badminton, she played tchoukball at SGFI and Junior Nationals, proving her ability to compete with discipline, resilience and team spirit.
Behind the inspiring success of the Tyagi sisters stands a family that believed in empowering daughters. Their mother, Sushma Tyagi, has been practising as an advocate in the Delhi High Court for the last 25 years and is also a qualified international mediator. She herself was an NCC cadet, attended the Republic Day Camp, earned the NCC C Certificate with A Grade, and was also a national-level netball player and state-level cricket player. She was also actively associated with NSS.
Their father, a Senior Commandant in the CISF, has had a distinguished career in uniform. He has served in the National Security Guard and is a decorated officer, having received 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 outlook of both daughters.
The Tyagi family hails from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Though Astha and Akanksha are the first in their family to join the Armed Forces, the values of service, patriotism and perseverance were deeply rooted in their upbringing. Their parents ensured that both daughters were encouraged to participate in academics, sports, NCC, NSS and leadership activities while learning the importance of discipline and balance.
What makes this story even more special is the bond between the two sisters. Astha’s repeated SSB recommendations, her strong academic record and her final choice to join the Indian Navy became a source of inspiration for Akanksha. The elder sister’s success did not remain an individual achievement; it became a guiding light for the younger sister.
Today, as both sisters wear the white uniform of the Indian Navy, their journey sends a powerful message to young defence aspirants across the country. It proves that success in the Armed Forces is built through years of preparation, patience, hard work, failures, attempts, training, competitions and unwavering belief.
Their story also highlights the importance of NCC in shaping future officers. From Republic Day Camp to C Certificate, from Youth Exchange Programme to Pre-RDC, from sports fields to SSB interview boards, both sisters carried forward the values of teamwork, courage and leadership at every stage of their journey.
For their mother, watching both daughters don the whites of the Indian Navy is a moment of immense pride and emotion. For their father, who has devoted his own life to national service in uniform, it is a continuation of the family’s commitment to the nation. For young aspirants, especially girls, Astha and Akanksha’s story is a reminder that dreams backed by discipline can become reality.
SLt Astha Tyagi and SLt Akanksha Tyagi’s journey is not just about two sisters becoming Indian Navy officers. It is a story of a family that believed in daughters, a mother who empowered them, a father who inspired them through service, and two young women who proved that determination can take you from school grounds and NCC camps to the proud corridors 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 honour. 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.
