Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Education Qualification: Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed as the first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The former Indian Air Force officer brings nearly four decades of military experience to the role.

Mishra served as a fighter pilot for more than 38 years and accumulated over 3,000 flying hours. He retired from the IAF on April 30, 2026, after serving as Western Air Command chief.

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Who Is Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra?

Jeetendra Mishra is a highly decorated former Indian Air Force officer who served in several important operational, command and strategic positions during his military career. He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986.

During more than 38 years of service, Mishra accumulated over 3,000 hours of flying experience. His career included commanding a fighter squadron, serving as Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), and commanding two frontline air bases.

He also held senior appointments at Air Headquarters, including Director of the Operational Planning and Assessment Group and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects). Before becoming Western Air Command chief, he served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).

Education And Military Training:

Mishra has an extensive educational and professional background from some of India's and the world's leading defence institutions. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he underwent military and leadership training.

He subsequently completed advanced flying training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, before being commissioned as a fighter pilot. His professional qualifications also include training at the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru.

For advanced command and strategic studies, Mishra attended the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama, in the United States. He also studied at the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom, one of the world's prominent institutions for senior-level strategic and defence education.

He additionally completed the Fighter Combat Leader course, strengthening his expertise in tactical air operations.

Key Career Achievements And Military Honours

Mishra's career involved a combination of operational flying, test-pilot responsibilities, command assignments and strategic planning. He served as Commandant of ASTE and held the position of Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training).

He was promoted to the rank of Air Marshal on January 1, 2023. He subsequently became Chief of the Western Air Command in January 2025, one of the IAF's major operational commands.

Mishra has been recognised for distinguished service with several military honours, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). The information provided also lists the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal among his honours.

He retired from the Indian Air Force on April 30, 2026, on superannuation.

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How Was Mishra Selected As Ram Mandir Trust CEO?

Mishra's appointment followed a multi-stage selection process. According to the information provided, the selection panel used AI-enabled technology alongside manual assessment to screen 5,585 applications.

Following the initial screening, 16 candidates were shortlisted. These candidates participated in online interactions from August 3 to 6, followed by face-to-face interactions in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.

The search committee was headed by retired Justice Pramod Kohli and included retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Haware. The committee submitted its final report to Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri.

Mishra's selection marks a significant administrative appointment for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. With extensive experience in leadership, operations, planning and organisational management, the former Air Marshal is now set to oversee the Trust's executive responsibilities as its first full-time CEO.

In his initial remarks after the appointment, Mishra expressed gratitude to Lord Shri Ram and the selection committee, describing his appointment as a matter of good fortune and expressing confidence about the future.