Athira Suresh Joins Indian Army as Lieutenant

Athira Suresh, a native of Kozhikode in Kerala, was commissioned into the Indian Army as a Lieutenant on 5 September 2026. She completed officer training under the Short Service Commission Technical (Women) course at the Officers Training Academy, Gaya, in Bihar.

Officers Training Academy and Short Service Commission

The Officers Training Academy at Gaya trains officers for the Indian Army under the Short Service Commission and other entry schemes. The Short Service Commission is a time-bound commission in the Indian Armed Forces, and it is used for both men and women in several branches and technical entries.

Academic and Professional Background

Athira Suresh cleared the IIT-JEE examination before earning a degree in Civil Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Calicut. She worked as a Project Controls Engineer with ExxonMobil in Bengaluru before joining the armed forces.

Selection and Family Background

She cleared the Services Selection Board process on her first attempt for entry to OTA Gaya. Her father, Naik Suresh (retd.) of the Corps of Signals, served in the Indian Army, and her family has a three-generation tradition of military service.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Officers Training Academy, Gaya, is located in Bihar and trains officers for the Indian Army.
• The Short Service Commission is generally associated with a limited period of service in the armed forces.
• The Services Selection Board conducts interviews and assessments for officer entry into the Indian Armed Forces.
• The Corps of Signals is a combat support arm of the Indian Army responsible for military communications.

The commissioning parade on 5 September 2026 produced 595 new officers across two Indian military academies. The Indian Army commissions officers through multiple academies and entry routes, including technical and non-technical branches.