Tanisha Agrawal Becomes Bargarh's 1st Woman Commercial Pilot

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Thursday, 3 September 2026

Tanisha Agrawal from Odisha’s Bargarh district has become the first woman from the district to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), marking a notable achievement for women in aviation in the region.

After completing her schooling, Tanisha decided to make a career in aviation as her dream since school days. She pursued professional pilot training and builds a career in the commercial aviation industry.

She had initially received her theoretical training in aviation from India and then went on to do her commercial pilot training in California, USA. The training program was about one and half years long and consisted of a lot of flying time and Commercial Pilot training that was required.

While training in the US, Tanisha finished a solo flight which is a big step in a pilot's training. This experience was a major component of her path to earning aviation credentials to compete in the commercial aviation field.

Key Highlights

• Tanisha is Bargarh’s first woman to earn a CPL
• She completed commercial pilot training in California, USA
• She is now training to fly Airbus aircraft

Tanisha did her Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) after returning to India from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The license officially entitled her to be employed as a commercial pilot.

She then joined IndiGo for a pilot training role and is training to fly Airbus aircraft. Upon completion of the necessary airline training and procedures, she will be expected to start flying professionally.

Tanisha's accomplishment is being recognized by her family and community. Her achievement is also contributing to the growing number of women in aviation and those who are turning to professions in what are considered male-dominated fields.

Her story is especially noteworthy for a young girl thinking of joining the aviation industry from Bargarh and other districts of Odisha. Tanisha has embarked on a specialized career path in piloting aircraft in India and the USA and has also managed to fulfill the pilot's license requirements in India, thus becoming a new addition to the commercial aviation industry.

Resident of neighbouring Balangir district Mahendra Darjee called her achievement a "proof of determination and perseverance". “From dreaming about flying in the sky as a school girl to becoming a commercial pilot and now an airline trainee, Tanisha's journey exemplifies the power of determination; perseverance and hard work in making her dream come true”.

Tanisha's success is a major stride for Bargarh district and women in the aviation industry of Odisha. She has now gained her commercial pilot's licence and begun airline training and will soon be on the next step of her career as a professional pilot.

Her story is an example of the growing career opportunities for women in aviation and her accomplishment as the first woman commercial pilot of Bargarh marks an important milestone for the district.