Aastha Punia is an Indian Navy officer and the first woman to be inducted into the fighter stream of Indian Naval Aviation. Her journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to flying fighter jets for the Indian Navy is inspiring many young women across the country. Aastha’s story is not just about becoming a pilot, but about dedication, hard work, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated space.
Aastha Punia Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Aastha Punia (also known as Aastha Poonia) |
| Date of Birth | 2021 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 24 years |
| Profession | Indian Navy Officer |
| Hometown | Hisawada village, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh |
| Current Residence | Based on postings |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Caste | Jat |
Physical Details
| Height | 5’6” (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
Early Life and Education
Aastha Punia was born in Hisawada village of Baghpat district in Uttar Pradesh and brought up in Meerut. She showed a strong interest in flying from childhood. Whenever an aircraft flew by, she would rush to the terrace and tell her father, “One day I will fly a plane too.”
She completed her schooling from S.D. Inter College, Muzaffarnagar, in the non-medical stream (Physics, Chemistry, Math). Later, she joined Banasthali Vidyapith in Rajasthan, where she pursued B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (2019–2023).
During her college years, she actively pursued internships:
- 6-month internship at DRDO (Ministry of Defence), July–Dec 2022
- Software Development Internship at Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE), May–June 2023
Family Background
Aastha comes from an educated family. Her father, Arun Punia, is a Maths teacher at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Meerut. Her mother, Sanyogita Chaudhary, is a school principal in Muzaffarnagar. She also has a younger brother, Harshvardhan Punia, who is a student.
Her family supported her dreams and proudly stood by her during her achievements in the Indian Navy.
Aastha Punia’s Naval Journey
In 2023, Aastha appeared for the Army Technical Entry, and she was selected for the Indian Navy. She underwent 2 years of rigorous training at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala, as part of the 2023 batch.
On 3rd July 2025, Aastha made history when she became the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of Indian Navy aviation during the graduation ceremony at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. This marked a major milestone for Indian Naval history and women in defence services.
Career Start
| Milestone | Details |
| Entry into Defence Forces | Army Technical Entry Exam – Indian Navy (2023) |
| Training | 2 Years at Indian Naval Academy, Kerala |
| Fighter Stream Induction | 3 July 2025, INS Dega, Visakhapatnam |
| Future Aircraft (expected) | MiG-29K or Rafale M (after completing advanced training) |
Awards and Achievements
At the graduation ceremony in 2025, Aastha Punia was awarded the “Wings of Gold” by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, marking her formal induction into the fighter stream.
Aastha Punia Salary
| Estimated Basic Salary | 56,000 – ₹1,77,000 per month (as per 2025 structure) |
| Allowances | Flight risk, uniform, and special duty allowances |
FAQs About Aastha Punia
What is Aastha Punia known for?
She is known for being the first woman fighter pilot of the Indian Navy.
Where is Aastha Punia from?
She is originally from Hisawada village in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh.
What is her educational background?
She completed B.Tech in Computer Science from Banasthali Vidyapith and also interned with DRDO and HPE.
Has Aastha Punia completed her flying training?
She has been streamed into the fighter wing and will now undergo 1 more year of fighter jet training before being fully qualified.
Aastha Punia Recent Updates
- 3 July 2025: Aastha made history by becoming the first woman in Indian Navy fighter aviation.
- Indian Navy is now actively promoting gender inclusivity in combat roles, and Aastha Punia stands at the forefront of this shift.