Just One Month Of Self-Study: How J&K's Tanvi Sharma Charted Her Own Course Into Merchant Navy
Just One Month Of Self-Study: How J&K's Tanvi Sharma Charted Her Own Course Into Merchant Navy Published By, Last Updated: July 13, 2026, 21:48 IST
Just One Month Of Self-Study: How J&K's Tanvi Sharma Charted Her Own Course Into Merchant Navy Published By, Last Updated: July 13, 2026, 21:48 IST After just one month of self-study, 18-year-old Tanvi Sharma from Jammu and Kashmir cleared the Merchant Navy exam and is set to join in August. Tanvi believes that determination matters more than any coaching class or external guidance. (Photo: ANI) In the hilly district of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, where career choices often follow well-trodden paths, 18-year-old Tanvi Sharma dared to dream differently. Just weeks after completing Class 12 in 2025, Tanvi cleared the examination to join the Merchant Navy—an achievement she says was driven by a desire to pursue a unique career and inspire others to think beyond conventional options. While many of her peers were preparing for engineering and medical entrance examinations, Tanvi had a different destination in mind. “After completing my 12th grade, I had many options because I could have pursued either NEET or JEE. However, I wanted to find a truly unique career," she said.
#WATCH | Rajouri, J&K: 18-year-old Tanvi Sharma joins Merchant Navy after one month of self-study. She cleared the examination in 2025, soon after completing Class 12.She says, “After completing my 12th grade, I had many options because…I could have pursued either NEET or… pic.twitter.com/plIa6VLL6P — ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2026 Her decision was not a sudden one. According to her family, the aspiration had been taking shape for years. Tanvi’s mother, Suman Sharma, recalls that her daughter had set her sights on a career at sea soon after Class 10. “She had a passion for joining the Navy right from the start, and she worked very hard for it. After the tenth grade, she somehow decided on her own that this was the path she wanted to take," she said. The journey was far from easy. Preparing largely through self-study, Tanvi had to navigate a highly competitive selection process while balancing academic commitments. She also travelled extensively to appear for various examinations and assessments. “I had to travel to distant cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and sometimes Goa to take exams," she said.
Despite the challenges, she remained focused on her goal. Tanvi credits her success not only to hard work but also to the unwavering support of her family, particularly her mother. “The credit goes primarily to my mother," she said. Her mother remembers that not everyone was immediately convinced about the choice. “Initially, her father was hesitant to send her, but I suggested we at least let her take the exam to see what happens. She cleared the exam, and her dream was fulfilled," Suman Sharma said. Tanvi believes that determination matters more than any coaching class or external guidance. “You cannot gain enough from external sources alone unless you ignite that passion and fire within yourself to achieve your goal," she said. Now preparing to join the Merchant Navy in August, Tanvi hopes her journey will encourage young people—especially girls from smaller towns and rural regions—to explore careers beyond traditional professions. “I wanted to set an example for future generations," she said. As she gets ready to embark on a life at sea, Tanvi’s story stands as a reminder that ambition, perseverance and self-belief can open doors far beyond one’s immediate horizon.
The BriefWire