Mai Bhago AFPI Cadets Excel in Defence Exams: Mehakpreet Kaur Secures AIR 1, Komalpreet Kaur Gets AIR 18

Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Girls in Mohali, Punjab, has earned recognition for the achievements of its women cadets in competitive defence examinations. In June 2026, Mehakpreet Kaur secured All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the Air Force Academy merit list, while fellow cadet Komalpreet Kaur secured AIR 18 for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA).

The achievements highlight the growing participation of women in India's defence career pathways and the role of specialised preparatory institutions in helping candidates pursue competitive selection opportunities. The Punjab Government also congratulated the cadets for their performances.

Mai Bhago AFPI Cadets: Key Achievements

According to media reports published in June 2026, Mehakpreet Kaur comes from Paprali village in Punjab's Rupnagar district. Komalpreet Kaur is from Shahura village in Amritsar district. Their results drew attention to the opportunities available to women pursuing careers in the armed forces through competitive examinations and subsequent selection procedures.

What Is Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute?

Mai Bhago AFPI is a Punjab Government-supported institution located in Mohali that prepares women for careers as officers in the Indian armed forces. Its training approach is intended to help candidates develop the academic preparation, discipline and skills needed to compete in defence selection processes.

The institute has also operated an NDA Preparatory Wing for girls. This pathway supports candidates preparing for NDA entry, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions and selection requirements. The institute's activities form part of wider efforts to expand opportunities for women seeking defence careers.

Understanding the NDA and Air Force Academy Selection Pathways

The National Defence Academy provides joint training to cadets preparing for commissioned service in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Candidates seeking entry through the NDA route must satisfy the prescribed eligibility criteria and complete the applicable written examination, service selection and medical requirements.

The Air Force Academy follows a separate training pathway for candidates selected for officer training in the Indian Air Force. An achievement in the Air Force Academy merit list should therefore not be confused with an NDA rank: the two outcomes relate to different selection pathways.

Similarly, a high rank or merit-list position is an important achievement but does not, by itself, describe every subsequent stage of appointment or training. Candidates must complete the requirements specified by the relevant defence authority.

Why These Results Matter for Women Aspirants

Strong performances by women candidates can encourage more students to consider defence careers and begin preparing early. Aspirants should research eligibility requirements, academic qualifications, physical standards, examination patterns and selection stages before choosing a preparation programme.

Students should also distinguish between a coaching or preparatory institute's admission process and the official recruitment or academy selection process. Admission to a preparatory programme does not guarantee selection into the armed forces.

How Girls Can Explore Defence Exam Preparation

1. Check the official NDA eligibility criteria, including age, educational qualifications and other conditions.
2. Review the relevant examination notification and application schedule.
3. Use official syllabus documents and previous question papers to plan preparation.
4. Develop physical fitness and communication skills alongside academic preparation.
5. Verify any preparatory institute's admission requirements, fees, training structure and application dates through its official website.

Official Updates and Further Information

Aspirants should refer to the Union Public Service Commission for NDA examination notifications and to the relevant defence authorities for selection and training information. For institute-specific programmes and admissions, candidates should consult Mai Bhago AFPI's official communications.

The achievements of Mehakpreet Kaur and Komalpreet Kaur demonstrate notable outcomes for women pursuing defence careers. Their reported ranks offer an encouraging example for aspirants, while the distinction between NDA entry and Air Force Academy selection remains important when interpreting the results.