From losing father at 11 to Siachen: The story of Captain Shiva Chauhan, the first woman army officer deployed at the world's highest battlefield

For Captain Shiva Chauhan, a childhood tragedy became the foundation of an extraordinary journey. After losing her father at the age of 11, she grew up with a single dream—to wear the Indian Army uniform. Years later, that determination led her to create history by becoming the first woman Army officer to be operationally deployed on the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest and one of its harshest battlefields.

Her posting in January 2023 marked a significant milestone not only in her military career but also in the Indian Army's expanding role for women officers in operational assignments.

Childhood marked by resilience

Captain Shiva Chauhan hails from Rajasthan, where she was raised by her mother after her father's untimely death. Despite financial hardships, her mother ensured that both daughters continued their education, while her elder sister constantly encouraged her to pursue her ambitions.


From an early age, Shiva was determined to join the armed forces. She completed her schooling in Udaipur before earning a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2020. The technical education would later prove valuable in her role as an Army engineer.

Topped the SSB with All India Rank 1

After completing her engineering degree, Captain Chauhan appeared for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview under the Short Service Commission (Technical) entry.

She topped the 19 SSB Allahabad selection process in March 2020, securing All India Rank 1. Following her success, she underwent military training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, and was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in May 2021.

The Corps of Engineers is responsible for critical combat engineering tasks, including bridge construction, minefield clearance, infrastructure development and operational support in difficult terrains.

She was later posted to the Army's Fire and Fury Corps, which is responsible for guarding India's northern frontiers in Ladakh.

Preparing for the toughest battlefield

Even before her Siachen deployment, Captain Chauhan had demonstrated exceptional physical endurance.

In July 2022, during the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, she led the 508-kilometre "Sura Soi" Siachen Sappers Cycling Expedition from the Siachen War Memorial to the Kargil War Memorial, completing the demanding journey over 11 days.

Her performance helped earn her an opportunity to undergo the Army's rigorous Siachen Battle School training.

The month-long programme included endurance training, ice-wall climbing, glacier movement, avalanche and crevasse rescue drills, and survival techniques essential for operating in one of the world's most unforgiving environments.

Making history on the Siachen Glacier

In January 2023, Captain Shiva Chauhan was deployed at Kumar Post, situated at an altitude of around 15,600 feet on the Siachen Glacier, becoming the first woman Army officer to be operationally posted at the world's highest battlefield.

She served there for a three-month tenure after successfully completing the specialised training required for deployment.

As a Bengal Sapper from the Corps of Engineers, she led a team responsible for combat engineering tasks, including maintaining military infrastructure, ensuring helipad functionality, managing logistics and supporting operational requirements in extreme weather conditions.

The Siachen Glacier, where temperatures can plunge below minus 50 degrees Celsius, has remained one of the Indian Army's most challenging operational areas since Operation Meghdoot in 1984. More soldiers have historically lost their lives due to avalanches, crevasses and severe weather than enemy action.

A milestone for women in uniform

Captain Shiva Chauhan's deployment came at a time when women officers were steadily breaking barriers across India's armed forces—from flying fighter aircraft to serving aboard frontline warships.

Although women are still not inducted into several core combat arms such as infantry, armoured corps and artillery, their role in combat support and operational assignments has continued to expand.

Captain Chauhan's historic deployment to Siachen stands as a symbol of that changing landscape.

An inspiration beyond the battlefield

Captain Shiva Chauhan's journey is a story of perseverance, discipline and determination.

From losing her father at 11, topping the SSB examination with All India Rank 1, commissioning into the Corps of Engineers, leading a gruelling 508-km military expedition and eventually serving on the Siachen Glacier, every chapter reflects resilience in the face of adversity.

Today, she represents a new generation of women officers proving that dedication and merit—not gender—define excellence in military service. Her achievement continues to inspire thousands of young Indians aspiring to serve the nation in uniform.