Harsh Dubey's Perseverance: Achieving Success in Indian Coast Guard After 13 Failed SSB Attempts

"डर मुझे भी लगा फासला देखकर, पर मैं बढ़ता गया रास्ता देखकर, खुद-ब-खुद मेरी नज़दीक आती गई मेरी मंज़िल, मेरा हौसला देखकर।" Greetings, Aspirants. I am Harsh Dubey, sharing a journey that lasted seven years, involved 13 failed attempts, numerous sacrifices, and ultimately led to success. On June 20, 2025, my life took a transformative turn when I was recommended on my 14th SSB attempt. This achievement was the result of relentless determination, unwavering patience, and an unyielding belief. My journey started in 2018 with my first attempt at NDA II. What followed was a challenging period filled with setbacks:

❌	5 unsuccessful NDA attempts
❌	6 unsuccessful CDS attempts
❌	6 unsuccessful AFCAT attempts
❌	1 unsuccessful CGCAT attempt

Eventually, I received a recommendation in the Indian Coast Guard.

From a young age, I excelled academically. A sentence my father shared with me in Class 7 left a lasting impression: "No one from our village has ever become an officer — you must be the one to change that legacy." This single thought ignited a sense of purpose within me.

Observing my cousins serve as soldiers in the BSF further fueled my aspirations. It wasn't until I joined the NCC that I discovered my true passion for the armed forces, realizing that this was my calling.

Despite my academic strength, I underperformed in Class 12, which shattered my confidence. I felt I had lost everything, including my father's trust. Doubts plagued me: "Will I ever accomplish anything significant?"

Graduating with a B.Tech degree and a 9.1 CGPA marked a turning point. It opened up opportunities through TGC, SSC (Tech), and Navy (Tech) entries, leading to SSB calls.

My first SSB was on July 24, 2023, just two days after my final exam, and I was screened in! For the first time in years, I saw pride in my father's eyes. Although I wasn't recommended, a voice within me encouraged, "You are destined for greatness."

I joined TATA Electronics as an Engineer, but quickly realized the corporate world wasn't my true calling. I decided to work for just one year, gain experience, and pursue my dream relentlessly.

During this time, I made excuses to attend SSBs — fake MBA calls, a fabricated grandfather's death, even a staged hospital admission. These actions strained relationships, as my manager lost trust and my team grew distant. In January 2025, I left the ₹50,000/month job and returned to Delhi to wholeheartedly pursue my dream.

Quitting that job was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. With no income and just a dream, I embarked on a lonely journey. Initially, things didn't improve, as I faced multiple screen outs and conference outs.

Fear reemerged: "Did I make a mistake?" However, something within kept me moving forward. I reminded myself: "Your time will come."

And indeed, it did.

On June 20, 2025, I received my recommendation from the Indian Coast Guard.

When my chest number was announced, overwhelming emotions surfaced. Tears flowed as years of struggle, pain, and effort finally found purpose. That moment of success made every challenge worthwhile.

While coaching and mentoring were beneficial, I realized that self-introspection and honest improvement were equally crucial. Here's what worked for me:

✅ Time management during psych tests
✅ Confidence and boldness in responses
✅ Clarity of thought and positivity during the process
✅ GTO performance — being a team player, staying calm, and contributing meaningfully

Even with a demanding job, I gave it my all:

• 🎯 Set clear targets
• 🎤 Recorded lecturette videos and self-reviewed them
• 🤝 Practiced with friends and adopted their feedback
• 📌 Stayed in regular contact with mentors

By my 14th attempt, my mindset had transformed. Previously burdened by pressure, I approached this attempt with the belief: "This will be the best attempt of my life."

And it truly was.

I delivered my best interview, gave a heartfelt lecturette, and approached GTO tasks with clarity and calmness.

The journey spanned:

• 7 long years
• 14 SSB attempts (7 conferences, 7 screen outs)
• Countless sacrifices and difficult decisions

But the dream came true. Along the way, I gained great friends, unforgettable memories, and life-changing lessons. I learned that:

Hard work, patience, and a never-give-up attitude never go unrewarded.

I owe this victory to:

• 🙏 Prateek Bhaiya and Kumar Bhaiya for their unwavering support
• 🙏 My parents and mentors who supported me through every failure
• 🙏 SSBCrack, for providing updates and motivating aspirants like me

To every defence aspirant reading this — never give up. The journey may be long, challenging, and uncertain, but if your goal is strong and your heart is pure, your time will come.

Jai Hind