Who Is Simran Bala? First Woman To Lead The Male Contingent For Republic Day Parade 2026

India will be celebrating its 77th Republic Day in 2026, and the entire nation is busy preparing for this special day. For the infamous  Republic Day Parade this year, the CRPF Assistant Commandant, Simran Bala, has been chosen to lead the male contingent. With this golden opportunity, Simran has made history by being the first woman to lead an all-male Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent at the grand march on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. You will get to see the grand Republic Day parade take place in the early hours of January 26, 2026. Let’s dive in to know more about  Simran Bala, the first woman to lead the male contingent for the Republic Day Parade 2026 here!

Who Is Simran Bala?

She is a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant who is making headlines for being the first woman to lead an all-male Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent for the  Republic Day Parade 2026. Simran hails from Nowshera, a border town in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. You will be able to experience Simran creating history at this parade, and it will take place on the Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2026. 

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Simran Bala To Lead All-Male Contingent For Republic Day Parade 2026

Simran will be responsible for commanding a contingent of more than 140 male CRPF personnel on January 26. While women officers have led contingent units before, this is the first time a woman will lead an all-male unit at the Republic Day Parade. 

Her selection for this historic role was made by senior CRPF officers during training and Republic Day parade rehearsals. Simran got shortlisted based on her merit, stellar performance, drill precision, confidence and command presence. Her leadership skills during intensive practice sessions stood out, leading to her selection to command the all-male contingent.

Simran Bala Career, CRPF Qualifications And Education 

Simran had cleared the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) exam in 2023. Her dedication and hard work resulted in her clearing the exam on her first attempt, earning an All India Rank of 82.  

She holds a degree in political science and has trained at the CRPF academy in Gurugram. Simarn also won awards for best officer in training and public speaking while training at the academy. Her first posting assigned her to the Bastariya Battalion in Chhattisgarh, where she took part in anti-Naxal operations.

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Today, Simran Bala has become a true inspiration for the people of our country, especially young girls. We look forward to seeing Simran lead the all-male contingent for the Republic Day Parade 2026!

Image Credit: Twitter 

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