Hello Aspirants,

I’m writing this today with a heart full of emotions and eyes that have seen both failure and fulfillment. After 6 years and 11 SSB attempts, I’m finally set to begin my journey at OTA, Chennai. This post is not just about success—it’s about resilience, growth, and the fire that never let me give up.

My story starts in childhood. I was born into a family where the uniform wasn’t just a profession, it was a way of life. My father served in the armed forces, and my grandfather was a proud veteran of the Indian Air Force. I grew up listening to tales of valor, sacrifice, and service. Those stories became my bedtime fairy tales, and the dream to wear that uniform became a part of my identity.

In 2019, I decided to take my first step by appearing for the NDA exam. Like many, I was filled with excitement, dreams, and determination. But reality hit hard—I couldn’t clear the exam. My weak grasp of mathematics held me back. That failure was painful, but it wasn’t the end. I knew the goal was too meaningful to be abandoned after one setback.

Instead of wallowing in disappointment, I pivoted. I enrolled in BSc (IT) at Delhi University and simultaneously joined NCC. And honestly, that decision shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. NCC taught me discipline, leadership, and the real essence of teamwork. I got exposed to ground-level training, drills, camps, and even the experience of commanding a squad. It was tough, but it was beautiful. It gave me confidence, structure, and lifelong memories.

After graduation, I shifted my focus to CDSE and AFCAT. I hoped these would open more doors. My first SSB call came through NCC Entry in 2022 at SCN, Kapurthala. I still remember that feeling—my heart was pounding, and yet I was excited. I decided to go in as myself, no filters, no pretenses. But reality didn’t play out the way I’d imagined—I got screened out in my very first attempt.

It was a hard pill to swallow. I had prepared sincerely, believed in myself, and still came up short. But I told myself: “This is just the beginning.” Little did I know, I was about to go through 10 more attempts—each one testing my patience, my spirit, and my mental toughness.

Across my 11 SSB attempts, I was screened out 6 times and conferenced out 4 times. Each rejection felt like a punch to the gut. It’s not easy to give your all, travel miles, prepare for days, and return home with nothing but silence and a heavy heart. There were days I questioned myself. Am I even good enough? Is this dream even worth it?

But every time I felt low, I reminded myself why I started. I looked at my childhood dreams, my grandfather’s medals, and the fire reignited.

I realized that just preparing academically or memorizing coaching material wasn’t enough. I needed to go deeper—into myself. I needed to reflect, improve, and become the best version of who I was. That’s when real progress began.

I sought guidance from coaching academies and mentors. I started recording my lecturettes and watching them like a coach watches a player. I stood in front of mirrors practicing my interviews. I asked friends to point out flaws. I became my own project.

Here’s what I focused on:

• Time management during psychology tests – writing fast, clear, and meaningful responses.
• Confidence in the interview – owning my story, being bold and authentic.
• GTO tasks – being a real team player, not just trying to stand out.
• Staying cheerful throughout – because energy matters more than you think.

Two consecutive screen outs before my final attempt almost broke my rhythm. But instead of sulking, I used that time to sharpen my sword. I focused on reading, staying updated, meditating, and maintaining my physical fitness.

And then came Attempt No. 11. I had matured. I no longer feared the result. I didn’t try to impress anyone—I just showed up fully prepared, mentally calm, and genuinely myself. There was no desperation this time, just clarity and composure.

And then it happened. Recommended at SCN, Kapurthala—the very same board where it had all started. That moment… I cannot describe it in words. When they announced my chest number, it felt like time froze. I saw a flashback of the entire 6-year journey—every rejection, every sleepless night, every tear, and every ounce of effort—it all made sense.

And the irony? I never cleared any written exam. All my calls were through Tech and NCC entries. So if you’re someone struggling with written exams, don’t lose hope. Your path may be different, but your destination can still be the same. Focus on your SSB prep. That’s where your personality, mindset, and values are truly assessed.

This journey has been more than just about getting recommended. It’s taught me how to handle failure, how to keep moving even when there’s no motivation, and how to believe in myself when no one else does.

I owe a lot of thanks: To Prateek bhaiya and Kumar bhaiya – for standing by me and guiding me like elder brothers.
To my parents and mentors – who never stopped believing in me.

Today, I’m proud to say that I’ll soon be joining OTA, Chennai. A new journey awaits—a life of responsibility, pride, and service to the nation.

To every aspirant reading this: I know the path is tough. I’ve been through the darkness, the doubt, and the despair. But if your dream is honest and your effort is consistent, success will be yours. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow—but someday, for sure.

Never forget: “Real efforts never go waste. Consistency is the key.”
Stay focused, stay humble, and never give up.

Jai Hind 🇮🇳