Meet Assistant Commandant Roshni Devi: Merit-Out 5 Times, Yet She Never Gave Up on Her Uniform Dream

Assistant Commandant Roshni Devi’s journey to donning the uniform stands as a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to national service. Hailing from the village of Gogore in Vijaypur, Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, she overcame five Services Selection Board (SSB) merit-outs, multiple competitive examinations, and personal hardships to realise her childhood dream of serving the nation in uniform.

A Legacy Forged in Sacrifice

Roshni Devi is the daughter of Shaheed Havaldar Vijay Kumar of the 2nd Battalion, The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI). Her father made the supreme sacrifice on 2 October 1999 during counter-insurgency operations in Manipur. Growing up without her father’s physical presence, young Roshni was deeply inspired by his service and ultimate sacrifice. His legacy became the guiding force behind her aspiration to wear the uniform and contribute to the nation’s security.

She received steadfast support from her mother and brother, who stood by her through years of preparation and repeated setbacks. This familial encouragement helped her remain grounded and focused on her goal.

Education and Early Leadership Development

Roshni completed her schooling at Government Higher Secondary School, Vijaypur. She pursued higher education at Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by a Master of Arts in English Honours.

Her formative years were significantly shaped by the National Cadet Corps (NCC). She obtained the prestigious NCC ‘C’ Certificate and was selected to participate in the Republic Day Camp Parade in New Delhi. These experiences instilled in her the values of discipline, leadership, and camaraderie—qualities that would prove invaluable in her future career.

The Long Road of Perseverance

Roshni began her dedicated preparation for a career in the armed forces in 2018. She qualified the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination three times and the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice. Her efforts culminated in five SSB recommendations:

• Three for the Indian Army: 14 SSB Allahabad (2019), 34 SSB Allahabad (2020), and 22 SSB Bhopal (2021).
• Two for the Indian Air Force: 3 Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), Gandhinagar, through AFCAT in 2020 and 2021.

Despite these recommendations, she was not included in the final merit lists on each occasion. She also cleared the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) Civil Services Examination but missed the final merit list by a narrow margin of 12 marks.

Refusing to abandon her dream, Roshni joined the Jammu and Kashmir Police as a Sub-Inspector. While discharging her professional duties with commitment, she continued her preparation for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Examination. This period of balancing service and study further strengthened her resolve and administrative acumen.

Triumph Through the UPSC CAPF Examination

In 2023, Roshni Devi’s perseverance bore fruit. She successfully cleared the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, securing an All India Rank of 147. She was allocated to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

This achievement marked the realisation of her long-cherished dream. It also represented a significant personal victory—not only for herself but for all aspirants who face repeated rejections yet refuse to give up.

Rigorous Training and Distinguished Passing Out

Roshni underwent the demanding 39th Basic Course for Assistant Commandants at the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA), Hyderabad. The comprehensive training prepared her for the operational, administrative, and leadership responsibilities inherent in the CISF.

On 13 June 2026, she successfully completed the course and passed out as part of a batch that included 76 Assistant Commandants (five of whom were women officers) along with Sub-Inspectors (Ex-Servicemen). In recognition of her exemplary performance, discipline, and leadership qualities, she was appointed Parade Second-in-Command (Parade 2-I/C) during the Dikshant (Passing Out) Parade. The parade was commanded by Parade Commander Assistant Commandant Manish Kumar Rai, with the contingents displaying exceptional drill and bearing.

Additional Accolades and Leadership Recognition

During her journey, Roshni Devi earned recognition beyond examinations and training. She received a commendation at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) CAPF National Debate Competition in New Delhi, highlighting her communication skills and intellectual acumen. She was also commended for her exceptional leadership and excellence while serving as Parade Second-in-Command during the Independence Day Parade in 2025.

A Message of Resilience

Reflecting on her journey, Assistant Commandant Roshni Devi shared an inspiring message:

“True resilience is built when your purpose is greater than your setbacks. Rejections and narrow misses are not the end of the road—they are merely refinement processes. Hold steadfast to your vision of serving the nation, honour your roots, and let your dedication pave the way. No dream is too distant if you have the grit to persist and the courage to walk the path of duty.”

Carrying Forward the Legacy

As she begins her career as an officer of the Central Industrial Security Force, Assistant Commandant Roshni Devi carries with her the proud memory of Shaheed Havaldar Vijay Kumar, the sacrifices of her family, and the lessons learned through years of steadfast effort. Her story exemplifies how determination, combined with a deep sense of purpose, can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.

For defence aspirants—particularly those from smaller towns, women candidates, and children of martyrs—her journey offers profound encouragement. It demonstrates that repeated merit-outs or near-misses do not define one’s destiny; rather, it is the courage to rise again and pursue one’s calling with integrity and discipline that ultimately leads to success.

Roshni Devi’s achievement reinforces the values that SSBCrack has long championed: perseverance, honour, and an unyielding commitment to serving the nation. Her story will continue to inspire generations of young Indians who dream of wearing the uniform and upholding the legacy of those who have served before them.