From India’s southern tip, a tale of resilience and determination as woman cadet bags top position at OTA

From India’s southern tip, a woman cadet at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, has set a shining example of resilience against odds, making a mark in academics and sports before bagging the top spot in the Academy on her way to become an Army officer.

Hailing from a remote village in Kanyakumari district, Battalion Under Officer (BUO) Aswin Kirupai has been awarded the gold medal for standing first in the order of merit in the Winter Term – 2026 at the OTA. She is among the top cadet appointments in the Academy, based on performance.

“Joining OTA Gaya under Short Service Commission (Technical) Women Course and having completed transformational military training, her journey is a powerful testament that persistence and purpose turn aspirations into achievement,” the Army Training Command said on Friday.

Established in July 2011 in Bihar, OTA Gaya imparts pre-commission training to short service commission officers (SSC) from the Technical Entry Scheme and Special Entry Scheme. The Army’s other institute for SSC officers is OTA, Chennai.

As a child, she represented her state at the sub-junior national level in long jump, winning a bronze medal at the age of eight.

“Life tested her resolve early with loss of her father at the age of 14, compelling her to shoulder responsibilities while remaining focused on her aspirations. Undeterred by any challenges encountered, Aswin continued to push her limits - academically, physically and mentally,” the Army said.

She pursued an MSc degree in Computer Science and opted to be a NCC cadet with a clear aim of becoming an officer in the Indian Army. Her dedication translated into excellence at the national level, earning her the gold medal for being the best cadet at the All-India Thal Sainik Camp - 2019, nomination for the Youth Exchange Programme with a foreign country and the Prime Minister’s Award 2020 for first place in the digital forum.