Bhawana Kanth is a name that shines bright in the history of the Indian Air Force. Born on 1 December 1992 in Darbhanga, Bihar, she became one of the first three women fighter pilots of India. Her journey is not just about flying jets; it is about breaking barriers, proving courage, and inspiring millions of young girls across the country.
When the Indian Air Force opened its fighter stream for women in 2016, Bhawana stepped forward with determination. She was among the first batch of women who dared to enter a field that was earlier seen as a male domain. Her accomplishments, which include flying the MiG-21 Bison and taking part in Republic Day flypasts, demonstrate her progress. She has been honoured with the Nari Shakti Puraskar and continues to inspire with her dedication to the nation.
Bhawana Kanth Height, Age, Family, Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bhawana Kanth |
| Profession | Fighter Pilot, Indian Air Force |
| Known For | One of India’s first three women fighter pilots |
| Date of Birth | 1 December 1992 |
| Age (as of July 2026) | 33 years |
| Birthplace | Darbhanga, Bihar, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height (approx.) | 5’ 8” (173 cm) |
| Weight (approx.) | 60 Kg (132 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Education | BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru (Medical Electronics, 2014) |
| School | DAV Public School, Barauni Refinery |
| Former Employer | Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) |
| Commissioned Into IAF | June 2016 |
| Aircraft Flown | MiG‑21 Bison, Sukhoi Su‑30 MKI |
| Rank | Squadron Leader (2022 onwards) |
| Awards | Nari Shakti Puraskar (2020) |
| Historic Achievements | First female fighter pilot in Republic Day flypast (2021); First woman to pass Fighter Combat Leader Course at TACDE (2026) |
| Parents | Father – Tej Narayan Kanth (Electrical Engineer, IOC); Mother – Radha Kanth (Homemaker) |
| Hobbies & Interests | Sports (Kho kho, badminton, swimming), Painting, Sketching, Modeling |
| Wikipedia | @Bhawana_Kanth |
| @bhawanakanth/ |
Early Life and Background
On 1 December 1992, Bhawana was born in Darbhanga, Bihar, into a middle-class family. Her father, Tej Narayan Kanth, worked as an electrical engineer at the Indian Oil Corporation, while her mother, Radha Kanth, managed the household. Growing up in a refinery township, Bhawana was exposed to discipline and hard work from an early age.
As a child, she was full of energy and loved outdoor activities. She played kho kho, badminton, and also enjoyed swimming. Apart from sports, she had a creative side too, spending time painting and sketching. These hobbies shaped her personality, making her both strong and thoughtful.
Education Journey
Bhawana did her schooling at DAV Public School, Barauni Refinery. Her early education was marked by discipline and focus, which helped her build a strong foundation. After school, she prepared for engineering entrance exams in Kota, Rajasthan, a city known for its coaching institutes.
She later joined BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru, where she studied Medical Electronics. In 2014, she completed her graduation. Like many engineering graduates, she started her career in the corporate world and worked with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Entry into the Indian Air Force
After completing her engineering degree and working briefly at Tata Consultancy Services, Bhawana decided to follow her childhood dream of flying. She applied for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), which is the gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Air Force. Her determination and preparation paid off, and she was selected.
In June 2016, the Indian Air Force opened its fighter stream for women for the first time. Her training was intense and demanding. She first underwent Stage-I fighter stream training, followed by Stage-II training at Hakimpet, Hyderabad, where she flew Kiran Intermediate Jet Trainers. Later, she graduated at Dundigal, where she was commissioned as a Flying Officer.
Career Milestones in the IAF
In 2016, she was commissioned as a Flying Officer. By 2018, she had already been promoted to Flying Lieutenant, and in 2022, she rose to the rank of Squadron Leader. One of her most remarkable achievements came on 16 March 2018, when she flew her maiden solo sortie on the MiG-21 Bison at Ambala Air Force Station.
In May 2019, Bhawana qualified to fly day combat missions on the MiG-21 Bison. Later, she transitioned to flying the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, one of India’s most advanced fighter jets. She participated in the Republic Day flypast in 2021 and again in 2024, showcasing her skills before the nation. In 2024, she represented India at the World Defence Show in Riyadh, where she highlighted the role of women in combat aviation.
See Also:- Gurleen Pannu
Historic Achievements
Bhawana Kanth’s journey is full of historic achievements that have inspired countless people. She is one of the first three women fighter pilots of India, along with Mohana Singh and Avani Chaturvedi. Together, they broke the glass ceiling in the Indian Air Force. In 2021, Bhawana became the first female fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day parade flypast.
Her dedication and courage were recognised when she was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar by President Ram Nath Kovind on 9 March 2020. Most recently, in August 2026, Bhawana became the first female officer to pass the Fighter Combat Leader Course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Gwalior.
Personal Life and Interests
Behind the uniform and the fighter jets, Bhawana is a person with simple joys and hobbies. She has always been passionate about sports. During her school days, she played kho kho and badminton, and she also enjoyed swimming. These activities kept her active and helped her build stamina, which later proved useful in her Air Force training.
Apart from sports, Bhawana has a creative side. She loves painting and sketching, which gives her a way to relax and express herself. She has also tried her hand at modeling and appeared in print advertisements. This shows her versatility and confidence in exploring different fields.
Physical Stats
Bhawana stands at about 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, which gives her a commanding look both in uniform and at public events. With a weight of around 60 kilograms (132 lbs), Kanth maintains a fit and athletic build, shaped by years of sports and the demanding physical training of the Indian Air Force.
Kanth’s black eyes reflect determination and focus, while her black hair adds to her natural Indian appearance. Bhawana’s physical presence is not just about looks; it mirrors her discipline, stamina, and confidence as a combat pilot.
Awards and Recognition
Kanth’s achievements have been recognised at the highest levels. In March 2020, she was honoured with the Nari Shakti Puraskar by President Ram Nath Kovind. This award is India’s highest civilian honour for women and is given to those who have made outstanding contributions to society.
She has been featured in media stories, documentaries, and interviews that highlight her journey. She is often invited to speak at events, where she shares her experiences and encourages young girls to dream big. Her presence at international platforms, such as the World Defence Show in Riyadh (2024), shows her growing influence as a global representative of Indian women in defense.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- She studied at DAV Public School, Barauni Refinery, and later pursued engineering at BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru.
- Before joining the Indian Air Force, she worked at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
- She was among the first three women fighter pilots of India, along with Mohana Singh and Avani Chaturvedi.
- She later transitioned to flying the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, one of India’s most advanced fighter jets.
- Bhawana was the first female fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day flypast in 2021.
- In August 2026, she became the first female officer to pass the Fighter Combat Leader Course at TACDE, Gwalior, a course cleared by only one in a hundred pilots.
- Bhawana enjoys painting, sketching, sports, and has even tried modeling in print advertisements.
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