PUNE: Twenty-three year-old Rucha Surendra Sial has always dreamt of a career with the Indian Air Force. When she heard of the induction of three women pilots into the fighter squadron last year, she decided the time had come to make a move.

Within 12 months, Rucha cleared the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) and is now set to join the Air Force Academyat Dundigal in Hyderabad next month. After 78 weeks of training, she will join the technical branch of one of the world’s largest air force.

Rucha was previously employed as a software engineer at a multi-national firm in Baner. Her career in IT looked promising but the young recruit never let go of her dream. “When I was in my last semester in college, a Bengaluru-based software company offered me a job with a good salary package. I did not take it up because I wanted to stay in Pune and prepare for the IAF. Today, I’m really happy with my decision,” she told TOI.

The job in Baner allowed her to be in the city and she didn’t waste any time. “I studied two hours every morning and three hours during the evenings. I could have a morning slot because of flexible working hours set by my company. So, some credits goes to them too.” she said.