India's Republic Day on January 26 always brings surprises, and this year, a 26-year-old from a tough border area is stealing the spotlight. Simran Bala, an Assistant Commandant in the CRPF, will march ahead of over 140 men in the big parade. Fresh buzz as of January 21, 2026, shows her rehearsals wrapping up smoothly in Delhi
Who is Simran Bala
Simran Bala is a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant in India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). She grew up in Nowshera, a border village in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, where she faced shelling from across the Line of Control as a child.
Hailing from a tough area near Pakistan, she became the first woman from her district to join CRPF as an officer after clearing the UPSC CAPF exam on her first try in 2023. That year, she ranked 82nd all-India and stood as the only female qualifier from J&K.
Early Life Near Border
Nowshera shaped her grit. Kids there often hid from blasts, but Simran stayed focused on books. She saw uniformed heroes up close and dreamed of joining them, turning fear into fuel for exams while in college.
Family pride runs deep—neighbors call her a quiet fighter. Those early days taught her calm in chaos, key for her later postings.
Cracking Tough Exams
UPSC CAPF tests brain and body. Simran nailed it amid studies, proving border kids can top lists. Her rank opened CRPF doors in 2025; no silver spoon, just hard work.
She's a role model now, inspiring J&K girls to aim high.
First Posting in Naxal Jungles
Right after training, bosses sent her to Chhattisgarh's Bastariya Battalion. This elite group hunts Naxals in dense forests—think patrols where one wrong step spells trouble.
She adapted fast, earning respect from tougher veterans. That real-world edge shone in Delhi later.
Republic Day 2026 Spotlight
Picked for parade duty, her drill skills stood out in rehearsals. Seniors chose her to lead 144 all-male CRPF troops down Kartavya Path on January 26— a first ever.
At 26, she marches ahead of men twice her size, all pros. Rehearsals wrapped by January 21, 2026, with perfect sync.
Simran Bala's Roots in Jammu and Kashmir
Picture growing up in Nowshera, a spot in Rajouri district where shells from across the border boomed often. Simran did just that, dodging dangers as a kid while dreaming big. Her family saw her grit early—she cracked tough exams to join CRPF in 2025, becoming the first woman officer from her area to wear the uniform.
That village life built her tough skin. Neighbors recall her running to school amid alerts, yet always top in studies. Today, at 26, she credits those days for teaching teamwork and calm under fire. No wonder seniors picked her after watching her drill practice—sharp moves and steady voice won them over.
Path to Leading CRPF All-Male Contingent
CRPF, India's go-to force for keeping peace inside borders, fights Naxals in forests, guards against trouble in Kashmir, and handles unrest in the Northeast. With 3.25 lakh members, it's no small group. Simran joined their Bastariya Battalion in Chhattisgarh, facing real action before parade duty called.
Rehearsals started weeks back on Kartavya Path. She commands men twice her size, all pros who've marched before. On January 19 reports, her unit nailed perfect steps; by January 20, NDTV caught her saying it's beyond words. Latest on January 21 from OneIndia notes she's stationed back in tough zones but flew in for final prep.
This pick breaks old norms—purely on skill, not quotas. Her team syncs like clockwork, sources say, setting eyes on zero errors come Republic Day morning.
Republic Day 2026 Parade Highlights
The 76th parade kicks off at 10 AM from Raisina Hill, rolling to Red Fort. President will watch, jets will roar overhead, and cultural shows will dazzle. CRPF's spot follows other forces, with Simran's group of 144 marching crisp in black uniforms.
Women shine elsewhere too: CRPF and SSB daredevils on Bullet bikes thrill crowds. Tableaus from states flaunt progress, like Gujarat's new district vibe or tribal dances. Theme ties to 'Vande Mataram' 150 years, with 400 tribals invited special.
Weather looks clear for January 26, per early forecasts. Simran's lead steals hearts—social media exploded January 20 with #SimranBala trending.
Why Simran Bala Inspires Young Girls
From dodging blasts to leading hundreds, her tale screams "you can too." In J&K, where chances feel slim, she shows exams like UPSC CAPF beat odds. Parents in Rajouri beam; one said, "She motivates our daughters."
CRPF opened officer doors wider post-2013, but all-male leads? First time. Her story pushes more girls into forces, where 15% are women now, up from handfuls years back. Kids watching TV January 26 will spot her and think, "That's me someday."​
CRPF's Role Beyond Parades
This force isn't just marchers. They guard VIPs, calm riots, and hunt threats in jungles. Simran's Chhattisgarh stint honed her—leading patrols where one slip means danger. Parade honors that hidden work, shining light on unsung heroes.
Recent ops: drone spots near LoC, shell finds in Baramulla. CRPF stays ready, blending ceremony with duty.
Women Breaking Barriers in Indian Forces
Simran joins stars like Lt Cdr Aanchal, Navy's woman submariner, or Wing Cdr Shaliza Dhami, first to lead fighter pilots. Army's 800+ women officers grow yearly. Republic Day spotlights them, proving merit trumps all.indiatoday​
In paramilitary, SSB and BSF see rises too. Government pushes training; Agnipath scheme mixes genders. Her march signals: India's forces evolve fast.
Simran Bala, a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant from Jammu and Kashmir, is set to make history as she leads an all-male CRPF contingent at the Republic Day parade in 2026.
— Mint (@livemint) January 21, 2026
Discover her inspiring journey, achievements, and the significance of this groundbreaking role in India's… pic.twitter.com/pDg40zV8s4
What to Expect at Republic Day 2026 Parade
The Republic Day parade — held annually on 26 January — is India’s grandest national celebration, showcasing military strength, cultural heritage, and national pride. In 2026, alongside traditional displays:
- The CRPF marching contingent under Simran’s command will take center stage on Kartavya Path.
- Other forces like BSF, CISF, and NDRF are also expected to participate with marching units and cultural tableaux.
- Special guests invited include innovators, social leaders, and changemakers from across India.
Local Pride: Rajouri Celebrates Simran Bala’s Achievement
In Simran’s hometown and neighboring regions, her achievement has sparked pride and inspiration among young women and aspiring officers. Local students and families say her success shows that even children from remote districts can reach national stages with dedication and hard work.
