After 12 SSB Attempts, Ankit Kumar Achieves His Dream and Becomes IAF Flying Officer

For 24-year-old Ankit Kumar of Farrukhabad district in Uttar Pradesh, becoming an officer in the Indian Air Force was a dream that survived repeated setbacks. After facing the Service Selection Board (SSB) process around 12 times, Ankit finally achieved his goal and was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force on 13 June 2026.

A native of Ahimlapur, also reported as Ahimalapur, village in the Mohammadabad area of Farrukhabad, Ankit's journey stands out as an example of persistence among defence aspirants. Despite facing repeated rejections and conference-outs during his SSB journey, he continued preparing and appearing for selections instead of abandoning his ambition.

Inspired by a Military Family

Ankit grew up in an environment closely connected with the Armed Forces. His father, Rajesh Chaturvedi, served in the Indian Army for around 30 years before retiring as an Honorary Captain. His mother, Seema Devi, supported him throughout his long journey towards becoming a commissioned officer.

Because of his father's Army postings, Ankit spent parts of his childhood in different cities. The frequent moves and exposure to military life reportedly helped develop discipline and adaptability from an early age.

He completed his education at Army Public School and later studied at DNPG College in Fatehgarh in the Farrukhabad region.

For Ankit, joining the Armed Forces was therefore more than simply choosing a profession. Having watched his father serve the country for three decades, he grew up determined to wear the uniform himself, with the Indian Air Force becoming his primary ambition.

Around 12 SSB Attempts, But He Refused to Give Up

The road to the Air Force Academy was far from straightforward.

Ankit reportedly appeared for the SSB selection process approximately 12 times. Several attempts ended in rejection, including conference-outs, but he continued working towards his goal.

For defence aspirants, the SSB is a demanding multi-stage assessment designed to evaluate officer-like qualities through psychological tests, group tasks, interviews and other assessments. Candidates can spend years attempting different entries without receiving a recommendation.

Ankit's experience was similar, except that even repeated setbacks could not convince him to abandon his ambition.

Instead, every unsuccessful attempt became another opportunity to understand the selection process and improve himself.

Secured All India Rank 1 in Indian Coast Guard Selection

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ankit's journey was that his persistence continued even after he had already achieved an impressive selection elsewhere.

During his attempts to enter the Armed Forces as an officer, Ankit secured All India Rank 1 for the post of Assistant Commandant in the Indian Coast Guard. The relevant Coast Guard merit list placed an Ankit Kumar at the top unreserved position for the General Duty branch, consistent with local reports about his achievement.

For many candidates, securing the first position in an officer-entry merit list would have marked the end of a long selection journey.

Ankit, however, remained focused on his original ambition of joining the Indian Air Force and becoming a pilot. He continued pursuing the IAF opportunity rather than allowing his previous SSB failures to determine his future.

Eventually, that persistence paid off.

Commissioned at Air Force Academy Dundigal

On 13 June 2026, Ankit's years of preparation culminated at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, where he was commissioned as a Flying Officer during the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217 Course.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the parade and conferred the President's Commission on the graduating Flight Cadets.

The ceremony saw 231 Flight Cadets 194 men and 37 women commissioned into the Flying and Ground Duty branches of the Indian Air Force.

The parade was also historically significant as it included the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy to enter the Indian Air Force.

Among the newly commissioned officers that day was Ankit Kumar, who had finally earned the Air Force uniform after a journey involving around a dozen SSB attempts.

For his family, the commissioning carried additional significance. His father had spent three decades serving in the Indian Army and retired as an Honorary Captain; now, the next generation of the family had entered the Armed Forces as a commissioned Air Force officer.

Hero's Welcome in Farrukhabad

Following his commissioning, Ankit returned home to an enthusiastic reception from his family, relatives, neighbours and well-wishers.

Local reports described people welcoming the young Flying Officer with garlands, flowers and sweets as news of his achievement spread through the area.

Ankit credited his parents, teachers and mentors for supporting and guiding him throughout the long journey.

His achievement became a matter of pride not only for his family but also for his village and the wider Farrukhabad community.

A Journey That Defence Aspirants Can Relate To

Ankit Kumar's story carries particular significance for candidates preparing for the NDA, CDS, AFCAT and other officer-entry examinations.

SSB rejection can be especially difficult because reaching the interview stage itself often follows months or years of preparation. Some candidates are screened out on the first day, others reach the conference but are not recommended, while even recommended candidates can miss the final merit list.

Ankit's journey demonstrates how an unsuccessful SSB attempt does not necessarily define a candidate's eventual outcome.

Around 12 attempts separated him from his ultimate goal. During that journey, he even secured AIR 1 for an Assistant Commandant entry in the Indian Coast Guard, yet continued pursuing his ambition of flying for the Indian Air Force.

On 13 June 2026, that persistence finally culminated in the President's Commission and the rank of Flying Officer.

From watching his father serve in the Indian Army to standing on the parade ground of the Air Force Academy as a newly commissioned officer, Flying Officer Ankit Kumar's journey is a powerful reminder for defence aspirants: repeated rejection may delay a dream, but it does not necessarily have to end it.