“Lehro se darkar noka par nahi hoti. Aur koshish karne walo ki kabhi haar nahi hoti.
Hello to all defense aspirants. I am Ajeet Singh from Dehradun (originally from Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand). I was recommended through AFCAT from 4 AFSB Varanasi on 11-Aug-2023, on my 10th attempt.
I come from a completely civil background. My grandfather owns a grocery shop, and my father is a government primary teacher. My journey spanned a long 6 years, filled with ups and downs, and ultimately found fruition with the blessings of Lord Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi. I was one of the students in my class who had no idea what to pursue after the 12th grade. Days passed with me constantly pondering my next move. While some of my friends opted for B.Sc, B.A, B.Tech, or other courses, I felt aimless yet hopeful. Then, in March 2017, a call from a school friend led me to join a coaching institute for NDA preparation. Despite having minimal knowledge about NDA or the armed forces and lacking clarity about my path, this marked the beginning of my journey.
In the midst of this, my father suggested I prepare for JEE as he envisioned me as an engineer. As he enrolled me in a JEE coaching institute, I also continued with the NDA coaching. With time, I grew intrigued by the esteemed and adventurous life of defense officers. That realization compelled me to communicate my aspirations to my father, who, after understanding my passion, lent me his full support.
My aptitude in mathematics (which forms about a third of the NDA syllabus) made me optimistic about passing. However, fate had other plans. I failed my first two NDA attempts but remained resolute. With guidance from my coaching institute, I identified my mistakes and charted a strategy. My hard work paid off on the third attempt. The joy I felt upon seeing my name on the selection list was unparalleled. Simultaneously, I was chosen for the TES-entry, doubling my happiness. My subsequent preparations for the SERVICE SELECTION BOARD INTERVIEW, however, did not yield the desired outcome.
Despite the setbacks, my father’s encouraging words kept me going. I then shifted my focus to the CDS and AFCAT exams while pursuing my B.Sc. Throughout my graduation, I researched the expectations of the SSB and embarked on a journey of self-improvement. My initiatives ranged from enhancing my English proficiency and developing social skills to actively participating in extracurricular activities.
Although my initial attempts at CDS were unsuccessful, perseverance led to eventual success. I cleared the CDS on my third attempt and the AFCAT on my first. Despite my preparations, success in the SSBs eluded me, leading to several more unsuccessful attempts.
When I was almost ready to accept a position as a Sub-Inspector in ITBP through SSC CPO, encouragement from family and friends rekindled my determination. This brought me to Varanasi for another attempt at the SSB after seeking blessings from Lord Kashi Vishwanath.
The subsequent stages of the selection process, including psychological tests, group tasks, personal interviews, and the conference day, were intense and challenging. However, the moment my chest number was called out, signaling my selection, was one of the most emotional and overwhelming moments of my life.
From my experiences, I’d like to share some insights for those aspiring to clear the SSB:
- SSB is just a small part of life. Cultivate qualities like helpfulness, honesty, responsibility, punctuality, trustworthiness, self-reliance, humility, and calmness.
- Maintain physical fitness.
- Stay updated with current events and deepen your understanding of national and international issues, especially those related to India.
- Enhance your personality by being outgoing and facing challenges.
- Work on your English communication skills, including speaking, body language, eye contact, and hand movements.
- Always have a backup plan.
- Despite failures, continue working hard and have faith in God.
I’d like to acknowledge SSBCrack.com and other sources for their valuable insights and inspiration.
Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to my family, friends, and well-wishers who’ve been my pillars of strength throughout. Jai Hind to all and best wishes to every aspirant!”
