Journey to Success: Cracking UPSC CDS SSB Interview and Achieving AIR-258

As I sifted through old school photographs today, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. Despite the passage of time, deep down, I still feel like the 17-year-old who aspired to join the Indian Army.

At 17, I embarked on preparing for the National Defence Academy entrance exam. Academically, I was not among the top students, and I faced challenges. However, I persevered, dedicating myself wholeheartedly to achieving my dream. Despite my efforts, I failed the NDA written test twice, leading to self-doubt. I questioned if I was truly cut out for the Army.

Simultaneously, I had just completed my board exams and was attempting various competitive exams for college. I secured admission to Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, and it was around this time that I made a third attempt at the NDA exam.

Upon arriving in Pune, I met my friend Ayaan, who was then a Gentleman Cadet at NDA. The academy's grandeur, including structures like the Sudan Block, captivated me. Interestingly, two days after visiting, I learned that I had passed the NDA examination on my third try.

The news left me ecstatic. All the hard work and sleepless nights seemed worth it. Not long after, I was assigned to SSB Allahabad. Despite my best efforts, I was not selected. Though disappointing, it was a learning experience, and I realized where I could improve.

This rejection was a significant setback and, for the first time, I considered giving up. Yet, something within urged me to continue. I reminded myself that short-term sacrifices could lead to long-term success.

During this period, I gained admission to Hindu College, University of Delhi, for a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Mathematics. Balancing college and NDA exam preparation was challenging, and my first semester results reflected this struggle, scoring a 5 CGPA.

Determined, I began preparing for my fourth and final NDA attempt. Despite the urge to quit, I pressed on, believing that enduring challenges would make the end goal worthwhile.

I succeeded once more in clearing the NDA written exam, and this time I was posted to SSB Jalandhar. Despite feeling more confident, I faced rejection again, which was heart-wrenching.

The moment the Psych Officer left without calling my name, I was devastated. Several peers were selected, amplifying my sense of loss. I returned home in a state of disillusionment and performed poorly in my college exams, even failing calculus.

One day, as I prepared to move closer to my college, I discovered an NDA keychain from Ayaan. It reignited my determination, reminding me that setbacks happen to everyone, but resilience is key.

Living independently in a PG, I focused on all facets of life, preparing for the CDS exam and improving my college grades. I participated in various extracurricular activities and sports, striving for academic excellence.

Motivated by my peers, I sacrificed social activities to enhance my academic performance. This dedication paid off as my CGPA rose to 7.73 in the third semester.

Networking with seniors, I learned the importance of backup plans and explored career opportunities post-graduation. This was a new venture for someone solely focused on military aspirations.

Maintaining my momentum, I scored a 7.82 CGPA in the fourth semester and cleared my previous backlog in calculus. Life seemed to be aligning well.

With my father stationed in Shimla, I dedicated ten hours daily to preparing for the CDS exam, accompanied by my loyal dog, Leo. His presence was a constant morale boost.

In September, I appeared for the CDS written exam. The results confirmed my success, clearing it for the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, on my first attempt. Experience from previous NDA attempts proved advantageous.

Balancing various life aspects, I ensured continuous growth, which fueled my motivation. Learning from past errors, I managed my college studies alongside SSB preparation.

Also Read: My SSB Journey: From 13 Failures to Success in the 14th Attempt

Assigned to SSB Bhopal for my first CDS SSB, I took my college exams beforehand, scoring 7.6 CGPA. I secured two job offers during my fifth semester, balancing academics and career prospects.

The much-anticipated day arrived. On March 16, I traveled to Bhopal and found I was the youngest candidate among my batch. Despite nerves, I was inspired by a quote from Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC:
“If death strikes me before I prove my blood, I swear I will kill death.”

With determination, I excelled in the screening test, earning a spot among 32 selected candidates. Assigned chest number 29, I performed reasonably well in the psych tests, apart from some writing issues.

Following the psych tests, interviews commenced, including mine. Despite feeling it was not my best interview, I remained truthful and genuine. Subsequent GTO tasks reflected improvement from past attempts.

The conference day was tense. My brief conference seemed to signal rejection, increasing my anxiety. The silence in the room was palpable as we awaited results.

The Psych Officer delivered the customary speech before announcing selected candidates. After calling three numbers, he paused and declared there was another selection.

When he announced "Chest No. 29," it took a moment for me to realize. I stood instantly, overwhelmed, and joined the chosen candidates, feeling a profound sense of relief and disbelief.

The realization of achieving my dream left me euphoric. I recalled the challenges, support from loved ones, and Leo's comforting presence during preparation. I knew Leo would be proud.

Successfully passing the medical exam, I returned to Delhi, surrounded by people celebrating my achievement. I felt I had finally met the expectations of those who supported me.

I aimed to motivate others and hoped my journey inspired perseverance in pursuing dreams.

After completing my final semester with a 7.73 CGPA, I bid farewell to Hindu College.

My joining is in October, and I am ready for this new chapter of my life.