Some people choose comfort. Barsha Rai chose courage.

From the aftermath of the Sikkim earthquake to the terrain of the Line of Control in Tangdhar, Barsha has stood at the frontlines, as a soldier, leader, planner and above all a woman who believes in redefining what real strength looks like.

For over 14 years, Lt. Col. Barsha Rai has served with the Army Service Corps. Whether making history by becoming the first woman officer to command a Composite Supply Platoon in Tangdhar or managing logistics for the United Nations, her story makes us believe in grit and courage.

In a heartfelt conversation with The Global Hues, she opens up about her journey so far, the reality of life in uniform, and what the next generation needs to know if they dream of joining the Indian Army.

Growing up in a family of Army officers must’ve been unique. What kind of childhood did that give you?

I was born in Prayagraj but grew up in different corners of India, changing schools, friends, and cities came naturally to me as I belong to a family of army officers. I did my 10th across Siliguri and Ambala Cantt. For college, I moved to Hyderabad and pursued a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Bhavan’s Vivekananda College, Sainikpuri. What stood out the most was the community and educational outreach my college encouraged.

After Class 10, I wanted to take Humanities. But since I had scored well and came from a family of educators, the unspoken rule was to take Science. So, I ended up studying both Biology and Mathematics. That’s just how things worked back then; good marks meant Science.

After my graduation, I cleared the entrance exams for an M.Sc. program and even got through, but I didn’t go ahead with it. I got selected through campus placements and joined HSBC in Hyderabad as a Customer Service Specialist. At that point, the charm of a corporate job, those HR promises about how you’re an “asset to the company,” all of that felt exciting. I chose to start working and earn instead of going for further studies.

Even though there was no pressure from my parents to join the Army, the idea was always there in my head. I was raised in the Fauj, lived its lifestyle, and understood its values early on. I still remember in 1998, my father was posted to the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, and I saw lady cadets training there. That image stuck with me, it was the first time I truly believed that women had a place in the Indian Army. Being a fourth-generation officer, the fauj was in the bloodline.

While working in the corporate sector, I was also preparing for the UPSC exams. Somewhere in the back of my mind, the Army was always calling. I had grown up in that environment. My sister was an NCC C-certificate holder, and I often accompanied her to camps. Many of my close friends were also in NCC. I had seen discipline, leadership, and service up close.

Around 2004–2005, there was a noticeable wave of women starting to join the Army. The fight for permanent commission by women officers around 2002–2003 created momentum. Once those legal battles reached the Supreme Court and things began to change, more women saw the Army as a full-fledged and long-term career, and not just a short-term opportunity.

I gave my Civil Services exam in 2008, but got a call for the SSB. I cleared it. By March 2009, I had joined the training. It was tough, life-changing, and completely worth it. In 2010, I was officially commissioned, and that’s when my real journey in olive green began.

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Can you walk us through how the selection of departments happens during military training?

During military training, everything runs on a merit system. Cadets are assessed through a combination of physical tests, outdoor exercises, and written exams. Based on how you perform across all these, a final merit list is created. Now, this is where it gets interesting.

Once the merit list is finalised, the allocation process ensures a balanced distribution of cadets across different units. Instead of grouping individuals solely based on their ranking, each unit comprises a diverse range of performers. This process promotes operational efficiency and ensures that every service or department benefits from a well-rounded mix of skills, perspectives, and strengths.

Just before the selection process begins, the Ministry of Defence releases the list of vacancies based on feedback from the various combat support arms and infantry. That’s when you submit your preferences– first choice, second, third, and so on. But here’s the twist: you don’t always get your first choice.

If your merit ranking doesn’t align with the vacancy in your preferred departments, you fall into what’s called a “casualty” list. It’s not as scary as it sounds; it just means you may be allotted a department other than your top choices.

What is the current position of women in the Indian Army? Are more women receiving Permanent Commission, or is Short Service still the norm?

Things have definitely changed over the years. Earlier, the exposure for women in the Army was quite limited, and the mindset was narrow. But it has evolved over the years. In 2020, women officers were finally granted Permanent Commission (PC), which was a huge step forward.

In the first PC board held that year, 615 women officers were considered. It was a diverse batch; some had served for over 21 years, while others, like me, had 9.5 years of service. Out of that group, around 427 women received permanent commission, many of them had already completed 20 years and chose to retire. Others faced disciplinary or medical reviews and had to appeal again for Permanent Commission. Some of those appeals were successful, while others received extensions up to 20 years.

From what I’ve seen, around 90% of women in the Army apply for Permanent Commission today. The numbers are growing, but yes, it still depends on a lot of factors like medical fitness, disciplinary records, and of course, the evolving policies of the Army itself. But the important thing is: the doors are open now, and more women are walking through them every year.

You don’t enter the Army just to wear a uniform. You enter to carry forward a legacy of values—discipline, responsibility, courage. That legacy doesn’t depend on gender; it depends on intention.

You recently retired from the Army in 2024. That must’ve been a big decision. What led you to take that step?

It was definitely a conscious decision. No one really wants to leave the uniform. The bond you share with the olive greens runs deep. But I chose to step away in 2024 after serving with all my heart, and I can honestly say, it has worked out for the good.

My husband also serves in the Army, and he’s doing really well. I fully support him, and I feel that if I can create space and energy for him to do even more, that’s also my service to the nation. The way I see it, service doesn’t always have to be in uniform. It can be in the way you support your people, your family, and your community.

We also went through a very difficult time during the second wave of COVID. I lost my mother-in-law then. To this day, there’s a part of me that wonders—what if I had been there for her? I realised I wanted to be more present for my loved ones. My family supported me, and I felt it was time for me to support them in return.

But I want to make this clear that you don’t have to wear a uniform to serve your country. You just have to begin with a good intention, a good heart, and a willingness to contribute. Whether it’s starting something small in your community, helping others, or simply being a good human being, you’re serving the nation in your own way.

In fact, I’ve started a WhatsApp group where I guide young aspirants who wish to join the Army. A lot of them may not qualify, and that’s okay. Not everyone is meant to serve in the armed forces, but there are so many other ways to serve the country. I try to help them see that bigger picture.

What are the key lessons from the Indian Army?

Honestly, from the very first day you join the Army to the very last, you’re constantly fighting different kinds of battles. It’s in that space that you really grow.

The biggest thing the Army has taught me is understanding where my limits are and, more importantly, how to break them. You learn to push your boundaries every single day. The training is intense, no doubt, but the more you step into the unknown, the more you realise just how much you’re capable of.

Everything today feels just a click away. But life doesn’t work like that. Life runs on effort, not shortcuts. Hard work doesn’t always give you immediate results. You might work today and see nothing tomorrow. But that doesn’t mean it’s not working in your favour. You’ve got to keep going. Believe in yourself, trust the process, and stay consistent. Good things take time, and they’re worth the wait.