Bhagalpur: At just 20, Vanshika Viraj from Ghogha in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district has taken a major step towards her dream of becoming a commercial pilot. She has been selected for IndiGo Airlines’ Cadet Pilot Programme, emerging as the only candidate from Bihar among those selected in the final stage.
Her achievement has brought pride to her family and made her an inspiration for young women in Bihar who aspire to build careers in aviation.
From Ghogha to a Career in Aviation
Vanshika, daughter of Vishwajeet Singh, decided to pursue aviation after completing her intermediate education.
To prepare for a career in the field, she moved to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where she studied aviation and received training in flight-related subjects in accordance with the curriculum prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
She subsequently applied for IndiGo’s Cadet Pilot Programme, a competitive entry route for aspiring commercial pilots.
Clears Five Stages of Selection
Getting selected for the programme required Vanshika to pass through five stages of assessment.
The selection process included an aptitude test, interview, group discussion and medical examination, among other assessments.
She successfully cleared the process and secured a place among the 10 candidates selected in the final stage, according to the report.
Her selection as the only candidate from Bihar in this final group makes the achievement particularly significant for her home state.
Next Stop: Philippines for 200 Hours of Flight Training
Vanshika’s next phase of training will take place in the Philippines, where she is scheduled to complete approximately 200 hours of flight training.
The programme will also provide practical exposure to aircraft operations and technical aspects of aviation.
After completing the training in the Philippines, she will return to India for the remaining prescribed training and procedures. Once all the required stages are successfully completed, she will move closer to qualifying as a commercial pilot.
Overcomes Challenges and Negative Remarks
Vanshika said her journey involved challenges beyond academics and the selection process.
She recalled facing negative remarks in Delhi on account of being from Bihar. However, she remained focused on her ambition and did not allow such comments to discourage her.
She credited her mother for standing by her throughout the journey, particularly when others were not supportive of her decision to pursue aviation.
Mother’s Support Played a Key Role
Vanshika said her mother consistently encouraged her and gave her the confidence to continue working towards her goal.
Her father, Vishwajeet Singh, said she had been academically bright since childhood. Although he had initially hoped that she would become a doctor, he supported her decision to choose aviation.
He said the family was proud of her achievement.
An Inspiration for Bihar’s Young Women
Vanshika’s journey from the small town of Ghogha to an international flight-training programme highlights the possibilities available to young people willing to pursue demanding career goals.
Her selection is also an encouraging example for girls in Bihar who wish to enter fields traditionally perceived as difficult to access.
As she prepares for the next stage of training, Vanshika is moving closer to turning her ambition of flying commercial aircraft into reality.
