Meet Simran Bala, First Woman Officer To Lead CRPF Squad On Republic Day

Simran Bala is a 26 year old Assistant Commandant of the Central Reserve Police Force who is set to create history on Republic Day 2026. She will become the first woman officer to lead an all male CRPF contingent at the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. She will command more than 140 personnel during the ceremonial march, marking a significant moment for India’s largest paramilitary force.

Who is Simran Bala?

Simran Bala hails from Nowshera in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. She was born and raised in a border area close to the Line of Control.

Growing up in a region that has seen long years of security challenges shaped her sense of discipline and public service. Her achievement has drawn attention across the country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, where she has emerged as a symbol of possibility for young aspirants from remote and underprivileged backgrounds.

She is also the first woman officer from Rajouri district to join the CRPF. This alone places her among a small group of pioneers from the region who have entered the senior ranks of the country’s paramilitary forces. Her selection to lead the all male contingent adds another important milestone to her career.

Simran Bala’s Education and Entry into the CRPF

Simran Bala completed her higher education in political science. After graduation, she began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission examinations.

In 2023, she cleared for the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces examination in the first attempt, securing an All India Rank of 82. That year, she was the only woman candidate from Jammu and Kashmir to qualify the CAPF examination, a fact that brought her early recognition.

Following her selection, she underwent training at the CRPF Academy in Gurugram. During her training period, she displayed strong leadership qualities and effective public speaking skills.

Senior officers noted her discipline, confidence and ability to command respect among her peers. Her performance during training laid the foundation for her early professional assignments.

For her first paramilitary posting, Simran Bala was deployed with the Bastariya Battalion in Chhattisgarh. This unit operates in areas affected by left wing extremism and is involved in intensive anti Naxal operations.

Serving in one of the most demanding conflict zones in the country gave her direct exposure to field conditions and operational responsibilities. The experience strengthened her resilience and commitment to national service.

Her operational background and training performance contributed to her selection for Republic Day duties.

Republic Day Parade

Leading a contingent at the Republic Day Parade is considered a prestigious responsibility within the armed and paramilitary forces.Officers are chosen only after weeks of rigorous rehearsals where drill precision, posture, command voice and leadership presence are closely evaluated.

During these rehearsals, Simran Bala stood out for her clarity of command and consistent performance. According to reports, senior officers observed her ability to lead a large group with calm authority and precision. Her selection to head the CRPF contingent was based entirely on merit and performance.

On January 26, 2026, she will lead an all male CRPF contingent during the parade, a first in the history of the force. In earlier Republic Day parades, women officers have led all female or mixed contingents, but no woman officer has previously commanded an all male CRPF unit at the event.