Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 30: Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty, a native of Dakshina Kannada, has achieved a significant milestone in his career with the Indian Air Force (IAF) by becoming a fully operational pilot of the Rafale fighter aircraft. His journey from securing the 42nd rank in the all-India UPSC examination after completing his Pre-University Course (PUC) to flying one of the IAF’s most advanced fighter aircraft is an inspiring example of academic excellence, discipline and dedication.
After completing his PUC, Prajwal secured the 42nd rank in the all-India UPSC examination for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune. He underwent three years of military training at the NDA, where he also received flying training on the Super Dimona aircraft, laying the foundation for his future career in military aviation.
Following his training at the NDA, he joined the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad for a year of flying training. During this period, he trained on Pilatus and Kiran aircraft, secured first place in aviation subjects and earned a BTech degree. His performance reflected his academic ability alongside the demanding practical training required of a future fighter pilot.
In December 2022, Prajwal was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force. He subsequently underwent one year of basic fighter training on the Hawk aircraft at Kalaikunda in West Bengal. He again secured first place in aviation subjects during this phase, continuing his record of academic achievement throughout his specialised training.
After successfully completing the successive stages of training, he earned the opportunity to fly the Rafale, one of the Indian Air Force’s advanced multirole fighter aircraft. He was posted to the IAF’s 17 Squadron, popularly known as the Golden Arrows, based at Ambala in Haryana. He completed conversion training on the Rafale and is now serving as a fully operational Rafale fighter pilot.
A significant highlight of his career was his participation in Wings Over Ganges, an aerial display held in Varanasi on October 25, 2026, as part of the Indian Air Force’s 94th anniversary celebrations. Prajwal flew as part of the ‘Neelkanth’ formation comprising three Rafale fighter aircraft and occupied the central lead position. His participation demonstrated the level of precision, coordination and professional expertise required for such aerial displays.
Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R Shetty is the son of Ramesh Shetty of Harekala Ulidottu and Seetha R Shetty of Kodethur Moodudevasya in Dakshina Kannada. His journey, from securing a notable rank in the UPSC examination after PUC to becoming an operational pilot of the Rafale fighter aircraft, is a source of pride for his family and native region.
His achievement serves as an inspiration to young people aspiring to join the armed forces, highlighting the importance of academic excellence, perseverance, discipline and dedication in pursuing a career in military aviation.