Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s Inspiring Educational Journey: From NDA to the International Space Station
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla who is leading the charge as India is once again preparing to make history in space. A seasoned Indian Air Force officer and an accomplished academic, Shukla has been selected for Axiom Mission 4, marking India’s return to the International Space Station after a long gap of 41 years. The last Indian to make the journey was the legendary Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Now, Shukla’s story is poised to inspire a new generation of young Indians to dream beyond the skies.
🎓 The Early Years: Inspired by Service
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey started in Lucknow, where he completed his schooling at City Montessori School (CMS), Aliganj Campus in 1998. That same year, the Kargil War captured the imagination of a young Shukla, planting in him a deep desire to serve the nation. Moved by the bravery of India’s armed forces, he quietly prepared for the Union Public Service Commission’s NDA (National Defence Academy) entrance examination — without even informing his parents.
His determination paid off. Shukla cleared the highly competitive exam and joined the National Defence Academy, from which he graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
✈️ Taking Flight with the Indian Air Force
In 2006, after completing his training at the Air Force Academy, he was officially commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force. His flying career saw him operate some of India’s most advanced aircraft, but he never stopped chasing academic excellence alongside military discipline.
🎓 Advanced Education at IISc Bengaluru
Following his commissioning, Shukla pursued further education at one of India’s most prestigious institutions—the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. He earned an MTech in Aerospace Engineering, sharpening his technical acumen and deepening his understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and space systems—skills that would prove essential in the years ahead.
🚀 The Road to Space: From Gaganyaan to Axiom Mission 4
Group Captain Shukla’s journey to space officially began in 2019, when he was selected as part of India’s first human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, under ISRO. He later underwent grueling astronaut training at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, one of the most elite space training programs in the world. By 2021, he had completed his foundational training and returned to India for further simulations and skill-building at India’s Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru.
Now, in 2025, he is set to embark on a 14-day mission aboard the International Space Station as part of Axiom Space’s Mission 4. His selection marks a historic moment, reigniting India’s presence in human space exploration.
🏫 IISc: Nurturing India’s Space Pioneers
Shukla’s academic journey through IISc Bengaluru highlights the institute’s pivotal role in shaping India’s space ambitions. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Rankings 2025, IISc is now ranked 38th in Asia. It also topped the NIRF 2024 rankings as India’s best research institution and university, maintaining this position for three consecutive years.
Adding to its achievements, IISc broke into the global top 100 for Computer Science in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025, securing the 99th rank—a first for any Indian university.
🌟 A Symbol of Dedication and Vision
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s life is a story of relentless determination, academic excellence, and national pride. From a schoolboy inspired by war heroes to a fighter pilot, aerospace scholar, and now an astronaut, his journey reflects the incredible possibilities that open up when talent meets opportunity.
As he heads toward space, Shukla represents not just the Indian Air Force but also the power of education, the strength of public institutions like NDA and IISc, and the dreams of countless Indian youth who dare to aim for the stars.
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