Meet Lieutenant Aman Panwar: Rejected 9 Times in SSB, Earns Army Stars on His 10th Attempt

In a remarkable display of perseverance and unwavering determination, 23-year-old Aman Panwar from Jayrampur village in Anupshahr, Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh, has achieved what many only dream of. After facing rejection in the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview nine consecutive times, he finally succeeded on his tenth attempt and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army. His inspiring journey culminated in the 158th Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he marched alongside 515 fellow cadets under the salute of the President of India.

Lieutenant Aman Panwar’s success is deeply rooted in a proud military tradition. His father, Subedar Major Mahesh Kumar, is currently posted in Pathankot and had earlier served in the Kupwara sector during the 1999 Kargil War. All three of his paternal uncles have also retired from the Indian Army. For the Panwar family, the uniform has long symbolised duty, honour, and sacrifice. Aman’s commissioning now extends this legacy into the next generation, as he prepares to shoulder the responsibility of guarding the nation’s borders.

From an early age, Aman demonstrated exceptional academic discipline. He completed his schooling at JP Vidya Mandir, securing an impressive 92.6% in Class 10 and 97.4% in Class 12. He later graduated with a BSc from Delhi University. While many students with such strong academic records opt for conventional career paths, Aman remained steadfast in his childhood dream — to wear the olive green uniform and serve the nation.

Alongside his studies, he began preparing for defence examinations. He successfully cleared the written examination of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). More significantly, he qualified for the Indian Military Academy through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. However, the ultimate hurdle — the SSB interview — proved to be his greatest test of resilience.

The path to becoming a commissioned officer is never easy, and for Aman, it was particularly arduous. He faced rejection in the SSB interview nine times in succession. Each failure could have broken his resolve, yet he refused to give up. Instead of abandoning his dream or shifting to alternative career options, he analysed his shortcomings, worked on his weaknesses, and returned stronger for the next attempt.

His tenth attempt proved to be the turning point. Having already been selected for IMA through the CDS route, Aman finally cleared the SSB on his tenth try. The years of struggle, self-doubt, and relentless preparation culminated in one defining moment — his name being announced in the final merit list.

The 158th Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy was a grand and emotional affair. In the presence of President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who took the salute, along with Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh and Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Aman marched with pride as a newly commissioned Lieutenant.

The most poignant moment came after the parade when his father, Subedar Major Mahesh Kumar, and mother, Smt. Anita Devi, stepped forward to pin the Lieutenant’s stars on their son’s shoulders. For a family that had long nurtured the dream of seeing one of their own as a commissioned officer, this was the fulfilment of years of hope and sacrifice.

News of Aman’s success spread rapidly through Jayrampur and the surrounding areas of Anupshahr. Relatives and neighbours gathered at the family home to offer congratulations. The atmosphere was one of pride and joy. The family has announced plans for a grand welcome in the town when Lieutenant Aman Panwar returns home.

Lieutenant Aman Panwar’s story is far more than a personal achievement — it is a powerful lesson for thousands of young men and women preparing for the NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and SSB interviews. His journey embodies the truth that failure is not the opposite of success; it is a part of success.

The Dainik Bhaskar report beautifully captures the essence of his struggle with these words:

“The goal is achieved only by those who do not abandon the path even after defeat.”

Aman fell nine times. On the tenth attempt, he stood tall — not just for himself, but for every aspirant who has ever questioned whether to continue after repeated rejections. His story proves that consistent effort, self-belief, disciplined preparation, and the refusal to quit can eventually turn even the longest and most difficult journeys into triumphant arrivals.

At just 23 years of age, Lieutenant Aman Panwar has already etched his name in the annals of perseverance. From the classrooms of JP Vidya Mandir and the lecture halls of Delhi University to the hallowed grounds of the Indian Military Academy, his path has been defined by resilience.

For every defence aspirant reading this, his message is clear: Do not let rejection define your limit. Let it refine your preparation. The stars on Lieutenant Aman Panwar’s shoulders are not merely a rank — they are a testament to the power of never giving up.