Lt Gen S K Jha, Commandant on Wednesday appreciated the Indian Military Academy fraternity for their “dedication and contribution towards transforming the academy into a world-class institution.” Since its inception on October 1, 1932, as many as 59,932 gentlemen cadets have graduated from the academy, including foreign gentlemen cadets from 30 friendly foreign countries.
He was speaking at the 85th Rising Day celebrations held two days after the actual day because of festive holidays and Gandhi Jayanti. “The Academy has grown in its training capacity from 40 GCs to 1,800 GCs in the last eight decades and has a rich history of graduates who have excelled in all spheres of military and sports activities.
Current Affairs questions will be from last 5-7 months (for AFCAT, NDA, CDS, TA)
Indian Military Academy celebrates its 85th Raising Day
They have etched stories of heroic valour and outstanding leadership in numerous battlefields across the world, winning several gallantry awards,” an Army official said.
He added, “IMA had rendered outstanding service to the nation by nurturing thousands of well-trained high-calibre officers. I urge all the service and civilian employees to work with the same zeal to bring greater laurels to the academy as you have in the last 85 years.”
So many candidates who have attempted last NDA exams and the one who are going to appear for the NDA exam 2018 are asking us the age limits of NDA exam which is going to happen in 2018. To apply for NDA exam you must be under the age range which we are going to mention below, of course, there are other criteria as well which you need to fulfill. But in this article, let’s talk about the correct age limits for NDA 2018 Exams.
There is no fixed number of attempts you can make for NDA exam, you can apply for NDA exam as long as you meet the age limit requirements (most important, other factors are also counted). Because of the NDA age limits and your DOB, some might get 3 chances and some of you might get 4 chances. Read below to find the NDA age limits of the upcoming exams.
Current Affairs questions will be from last 5-7 months (for AFCAT, NDA, CDS, TA)
Only unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 02nd July 1999 and not later than 1st July 2002 are eligible.
The date of birth accepted by the Commission is that entered in the Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate or in a certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or in an extract from a Register of Matriculates maintained by a University which must be certified by the proper authority of the University or in the Higher Secondary or an equivalent examination certificates. These certificates are required to be submitted only after the declaration of the result of the written part of the examination. No other document relating to age like horoscopes, affidavits, birth extracts from Municipal Corporation, service records and the like will be accepted. The expression Matriculation/Higher Secondary Examination Certificate in this part of the instruction includes the alternative certificates mentioned above.
Candidates should note that only the date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Higher Secondary Examination Certificate available or an equivalent certificate on the date of submission of applications will be accepted by the Commission and no subsequent request for its change will be considered or granted.
Candidates should also note that once a date of birth has been claimed by them and entered in the records of the Commission for the purpose of admission to an Examination, no change will be allowed subsequently or at any subsequent examination on any ground whatsoever.
The candidates should exercise due care while entering their date of birth in the respective column of the Online Application Form for the Examination. If on verification at any subsequent stage any variation is found in their date of birth from the one entered in their Matriculation or equivalent Examination certificate, disciplinary action will be taken against them by the Commission under the Rules.
Candidates must undertake not to marry until they complete their full training. A candidate who marries subsequent to the date of his application though successful at this or any subsequent Examination will not be selected for training. A candidate who marries during training shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred on him by the Government.
Only unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 02nd Jan 2000 and not later than 1st Jan 2003 are eligible.
The date of birth accepted by the Commission is that entered in the Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate or in a certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or in an extract from a Register of Matriculates maintained by a University which must be certified by the proper authority of the University or in the Higher Secondary or an equivalent examination certificates. These certificates are required to be submitted only after the declaration of the result of the written part of the examination. No other document relating to age like horoscopes, affidavits, birth extracts from Municipal Corporation, service records and the like will be accepted. The expression Matriculation/Higher Secondary Examination Certificate in this part of the instruction includes the alternative certificates mentioned above.
Candidates should note that only the date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Higher Secondary Examination Certificate available or an equivalent certificate on the date of submission of applications will be accepted by the Commission and no subsequent request for its change will be considered or granted.
Candidates should also note that once a date of birth has been claimed by them and entered in the records of the Commission for the purpose of admission to an Examination, no change will be allowed subsequently or at any subsequent examination on any ground whatsoever.
The candidates should exercise due care while entering their date of birth in the respective column of the Online Application Form for the Examination. If on verification at any subsequent stage any variation is found in their date of birth from the one entered in their Matriculation or equivalent Examination certificate, disciplinary action will be taken against them by the Commission under the Rules.
Candidates must undertake not to marry until they complete their full training. A candidate who marries subsequent to the date of his application though successful at this or any subsequent Examination will not be selected for training. A candidate who marries during training shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred on him by the Government.
Conclusion:
If you are born before 02nd July 1999, you are not eligible for NDA 1 2018. For example, if your DOB is 01 July 1999, you are not eligible.
If you are born before 02nd Jan 2000, you are not eligible for NDA 2 2018. For example, if your DOB is 01 Jan 2000, you are not eligible.
NDA 1 2018 Important dates
Notification Date – 10 January 2018
Last date of form submission – 5 February 2018
Date of examination – 22 April 2018
NDA 2 2018 Important dates
Date of notification – 6 May 2018
Last date of form submission – 2 September 2018
Date of exam – 9 November 2018
How to prepare for NDA Exam?
We have published a comprehensive book for NDA aspirants named ” Let’s Crack NDA Exam”
The book covers strictly what you need to study for the NDA exam.
Also, a major problem faced by the aspirants regarding the current affairs section, we are providing lifetime access to our CA ebooks with this book.
India’s first women fighter aircraft pilots are likely to fly the mighty fighter jets soon as they are about to complete their final part of training at Indian Air Force facility. Bhawana Kanth, Mohana Singh and Avani Chaturvedi are currently flying the British Hawk advanced jet trainers at Kalaikunda in West Bengal. They were commissioned as flying officers in the IAF in June 2016.
“The women pilots will be assigned to fighter squadrons after they complete their training in the third week of October. Their performance has been good,” a senior officer said. This three created history by becoming the first female fighter pilots in Indian air force and ended a rigid gender-based combat exclusion policy in the IAF in October 2015.
They are likely to be assigned to a Sukhoi-30 squadron later this month, IAF sources said. They are part of a batch of around 40 flying officers training on Hawks at the Kalaikunda air force station.
Three more female fighter pilots are going to join Indian Air Force, they are set to join the service in December 2017. The trio of Rashi Raina, Shivangi Singh and Pratibha are currently undergoing the second phase of their training at an IAF flying establishment at Hikimpet, on the completion of which they would be commissioned. They join the Indian air force academy in June 2017. IAF was unable to find more women fighter pilots since last two batches.
Current Affairs questions will be from last 5-7 months (for AFCAT, NDA, CDS, TA)
Rashi, Shivangi and Pratibha learn their basic flying with Pilatus PC-7 aircraft at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal after which they went to Hakimpet for the intermediate training with Kiran Mark-II aircraft. The final part of the training would happen with Hawk advanced jet trainer early next year.
Hello, Bravehearts, I am Rohit Ranjan from Gopalganj, Bihar and I got recommended from 17 SSB Bangalore for Indian army TES 38. I did my schooling from one of the prestigious organisation of our country that is Sainik School Gopalganj. It was my second attempt, in my first attempt, I was conference out from 14 SSB Allahabad of NDA 138 course. It was my birthday on my conference day (24 January 2017), and I got conference out.It was my worst birthday I have ever experienced. I was totally shattered and broken.I along with my friend who was my classmate boarded the train for returning back to our school. We wept in the train and it seems that everything was shattered. However, we consoled each other and returned back to our school. I cannot imagine that I will celebrate my birthday like this. The board’s examination was on the head and there was little preparation of that. As a Sainik school cadet, I determined and promised myself that I will give my best in the board’s examination. But one thing was also in my mind that one day I will earn the plus sign.
Now I would like to flashback on my ssb experience at Bangalore for TES 38. I reached Bangalore with one of my friend who was my classmate. We both reported on 10 August 2017 at KSR Bengaluru railway station.Total of 254 candidates reported for this batch. It was the first batch for TES 38. We had our briefings and documentation. They seized our mobile phones and other electronic gadgets. I was given the chest no. 193 . I felt a little bit uneasy because I heard the discussions of all the repeaters who were behaving like they were the president of the board. Although I was also repeater I kept myself quiet for the day.
On the very next day, I got up early in the morning at 4:00 am and making others get up. I did not take bath and got ready. We all reported with our luggage at 6:00 am and had our breakfast. The OIR test was conducted in a hall. I think there is no any requirement of preparation for this test. I did all the questions in both the settings. Subsequently, we were shown the picture on which we all wrote the story.
We all were divided into the groups of 16. I narrated my story with full confidence and proper eye contact with my group members. It was totally a fish market in the gd but I managed to speak 3-4 times in the group. Out of 254, 50 got screened in it was time to fill up the documents and PIQ form. I was allotted chest no 45 ( jersey no. of my favorite player Rohit Sharma) and I was very happy.
Current Affairs questions will be from last 5-7 months (for AFCAT, NDA, CDS, TA)
We were sent to women accommodation because the main candidate’s accommodation was being renovated. We got up early in the morning with the sound of “ uttthhhooo, uthhoo,,,” which was really a funny waking up style. It was psychology day and we reported to the hall and gave all the tests. I would like to suggest you all that write the stories which are realistic and practical. If possible write stories which have happened in your past. ( like if you were sports captain os your school, then try to put story of that). In WAT, I completed all the 60 with giving my first reaction of the word.
Try to complete all SRTs in the given time. I did my all SRTs in the given time.In self-description try to give your original thoughts. Overall I felt satisfied with my psych test and I was happy. On the same day, I was called for my interview which was taken by dy president of the board, he asked me questions like “which is largest peninsular of the word, largest tunnel, middle east countries etc . “ and my answer was I don’t know sir I will find it. He asked me the rapid-fire question on my school life and family background. He also asked me about Indo- China relation, Indo – Pak relation, Kashmir issue, Kavery water river dispute, Indus water treaty, etc. I gave answers to these questions with full confidence and felt that he was satisfied with my answers.
It was time for GTO task in the next two days, all the tasks were having its own importance. In GD, there was totally fish market and I tried to speak less . I gave my points in gd politely. One thing is sure that if your points are valid then everyone is going to pay attention. The same case happened with me. In my group, two candidates were already recommended in their previous attempt and rest all were repeaters. So it was a tough competition. I kept believing in my myself in each and every test. I actively participated in GPE exercise. I did 13 obstacles and my command task was wonderful. My GTO sir asked me in three ways to the same command task. In between, he also gave me the pressure of timing and removing any helping material. I did all the tasks successfully. After the GTO tasks, we were briefed by our GTO sir. And we all friends went to visit nearest sites. We went to the Cubbon park, science museum. We have exchanged the numbers of each other and created WhatsApp group.
It was 15 August (independence day), we all were positive with our approach. The conference day and independence day wow…… it was a coincidence
Let’s be independent today we were talking with each other in a jolly mood. It was raining heavily in the morning. We got up with the funny sound of “ utthhho “n, uthho” and even in the night we also did some mischievous thing like creating sound of uthho and sutto. NNevertheless it was conference day we dressed up smartly but it was raining continuously. We did not took our breakfast and the time was of reporting to the waiting hall. We reported to the hall and we were brifed about the olq by the deputy president sir . And it was announced that they are going to call us from descending order of our chest numer . I was chest no . 45. I prepared all the questions which I have not answered in the interview . My conference lasted for two minutes , I wished president sir with a warm smile . My interviewer has asked me two questions “ what is your future planning if somehow if u r not able to join defence forces due to medical grounds ? “ and “ how was your stay?” . I gave my opinion of preparation for civil services and how I have planned for that . For the second answer I told him that “sir, it was a wonderful stay”.
It was result time. We all waited for our result for half an hour and then one officer came to our hall and announced the result. Finally, it was chest no 45. The best feeling ever I had. I and my friend both of got recommended. I could not believe for some moment but it was dream come true.
I was very happy !!!!!!!!!!!!
Sainik school gopalganj .( aryans)
Rohit Ranjan
Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen, the Warriors of the Future and Present. I, Sajal Roy, take this pleasure and honor to have the opportunity to write another article for you all. I was Recommended from the Indian Army (22 SSB Board, Bhopal) Short Service Commission Technical Entry -43rd course on June 2014 with merit but medical out. This article is focused and centered to a very important observation and conclusion that I drew and wanted to share.
Living in the present is an importantly hidden officer like quality.
So some points that I would mention in regards to this officer like quality
For the people who are in the job sector like in any corporate or any other private sector or government sector and are aspiring to join the Armed Forces etc do refer to this fact of living in the present. It also includes the student group who are currently into some or the other academic curriculum and perhaps everyone.
At times we get a feeling that this job is not for us, there is no point working extra hard in this role, we keep focusing that if we wish we were there in that sector of the job (here Armed forces) life would have been so great. With this we stop working the extra hard which we are well capable of, we don’t work to our potential, we take things for granted not understanding the gravity, our performance remains average, we don’t strive towards taking the extra mile, due to average performance our promotions and other stuff get delayed and hence it affects the morale .This kind of attitude and routine will adversely affect the mindset and thought patterns. One will continue to live in the future and in the expectation of the future but will miss out on the present.
Sajal Roy
Similarly taking relevance to the TAT and other tests, we will continue to drift and imagine things completely in the future tense but will miss out on the present details of the picture. I am giving this example as this is the most relevant in terms of SSB topic. These little habits might unknowingly reflect in many other areas and if those areas include the points where a candidate is tested in the SSB then it might hinder the chances of the candidate. A small step towards something can make a habit in no time. At times we observe challenges where are we going wrong. Hence I would like to contribute to one such challenge i. e living in the present.
The corrective habits that we can inform include:
Living in the present minute than expecting or thinking about the future minute.
For the people who are working- Have a goal and target in regards to your selection to the Armed forces but don’t undermine the present where you are standing
Exceed the expectations of your employers by performing the best on a day to day basis, if they demand performance you go ahead and set a benchmark. Take proactive measures of initiating interaction with the seniors and their seniors by requesting appointments and try to observe their insights on leadership. The leaders there understand the hardships and importance of sharing knowledge and insight. They will sportingly do it. That’s why they are leaders in their field.
Those are promoted to the next level who are above average: Here in this case, if we neglect the present and take our job casually not giving the best, some other individual who might be average will be persistent with efforts and he may get promoted. This, in turn, might create a feeling of resentment and low morale in ourselves that how can we be not promoted and will keep inhibiting us to perform unless we take the situation sportingly. Further, these may develop seeds of jealousy, narrow-mindedness, and pessimism. (For sure howsoever little negative the trait may be, it is detrimental when it comes to SSB recommendation). To perform the best each day and take every element of the present with gravity.
After the office hours, we tend to hang out at dinner or any other place. Make a point to not to discuss office matters at your personal leisure. IF the group is not agreeing to take a stand and just suggest proactively some sort of planning for a particular outing or divert the topic or something sort. (Who knows this progressive habit can help you maneuvering group discussions and group planning exercises and handling aggressive group discussions.) For those who think that the group will be thinking of them differently it might be in the immediate time, they may even pass comments but later on, they would be thankful to you. Being an armed forces aspirant one should take all the stand whenever and wherever possible.
Be Action and leader oriented: This is something that can be related to any day to day life. Inaction is not an option, so when there is a call for a situation take the action. If we take the action there is a room for it to be right or wrong, if we do not there is no room for the same. This attitude brings in courage. Let’s say you face something wrong in the office, make sure to speak up. Don’t hesitate that things won’t be taken care and with that expectancy give up on the thing. I was personally reading one article and I am sharing it with you here. Try a read- http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/sam-manekshaw-on-leadership-and-discipline/
Dialogue: Resolving any nature of conflict through Dialogue is one of the best ways to avoid conflict. Be it any level at any vertical like a student, professional etc. The problem lies when we don’t talk about something that bothered us by someone we internally develop a feeling of grudge and the loop goes on. The proceedings of the day go with the grudge on the mind and hence we are not able to move forward. So even if we are asked to speak something good about the person then we are not able to as our mind is filled with the element of a grudge. In areas involving matters related to senior management (for working professionals ) etc there can be a high amount of friction, but when handled with dialogue (polite) there is room for high-level improvement along permanent in nature. This needs to be coupled with being action oriented and taking the first step to initiate.
Current Affairs questions will be from last 5-7 months (for AFCAT, NDA, CDS, TA)
Try to invest in three important areas: With personal relevance to my life, I would suggest the three definite areas where I invest my time and effort i.e. Growth, Grooming, and Lifestyle.
Growth: Going ahead and attending conferences and seminars keeps us in the company of think tank and we tend to get more confident after coming to know some more matter. This indirectly has a huge impact. Like I in this year attended the India Electronics Week Summit held in Bangalore. The knowledge and exposure to the innovative technologies from all the best companies in the world left me awestruck. Similarly lookout for these activities. Also, people can pursue different corporate certifications etc. For students, they can attend courses, paper presentation seminars, industry lecture etc. These areas are those which would tangibly or intangibly help you in your growth. Go about doing different types of free courses online.
Grooming: This includes all the areas related to the way you present yourself from behavior, personality, dressing sense etc. This does not mean going for the expensive materials as such or so. This includes maintaining proper habits like being active, being clean with hygiene, making your own bed, winding up the bed after you wake, keeping your room or house clean and organized etc. Another area includes professional development like practicing public speaking, watching things of learning value, making a habit of using no unparliamentarily words even during casual conversations, inculcating mannerly habits like when someone is coming to greet you stand up and greet the person back. This makes the person feel good and shows your etiquette Reading more on proper Chivalry habits, Gentleman Habits etc.
Lifestyle: This includes each and every element of life. Like what we do in daily basis as such. Personally, for me, I make sure that this element of my life is well sorted. This includes simple participation in multiple areas. Participate in a different format of sports. Participate in Society meeting, in other social gatherings as well as in self-love. This helps to obtain a diverse personality and interactive personality. Setting goals and achieving them both in personal and professional life, taking time for exercise, learning a different sport, learning something different like music as such, going for an outing both solo as well as in group during weekends, making time for family and getting in touch with relatives, going out for social purpose like NGO, volunteering as a mentor, carrying yourself in a proper way etc. This element is intangibly in nature but does count. Lifestyle is indeed a blend of both personal and professional life.
Honesty, Integrity, and Passion are a must aspect that I think is a necessity for anything and everything. Being true and honest may make u face disappointment but will keep your head high. It is one of the greatest strength if a person can adhere to complete honesty at all times, it is also one of the greatest weakness that appears as a strength when a person fumbles while speaking the lie. Integrity includes the moral code of conduct i.e doing the right thing at all costs. If something is right, take the stand and dam the consequences. Don’t be afraid to take the stand. Keep the difference. Keep a class in every way. Passion is the fuel which drives. For those who are all passionate to serve, begin with serving yourself, your family, to the people around you and perhaps everything that falls at your place. Last but not the least, Live like a Champion with the grace of a Gentleman.
It has always been a great opportunity to interact with aspirants and I always look forward to continuing as long as I breathe. I owe tons of gratitude to this platform of SSBCRACK for bridging me directly with so many warriors.
Lieutenant Mohammad Haseeb Khan, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, talks about his journey from a long-haired college kid to a lean, mean fighting machine. Lieutenant Mohammad Haseeb Khan’s story appears in Shoot. Dive. Fly. by Rachna Bisht Rawat. We bring you this excerpt from the book with permission from publishers Penguin Random House India:
A day at the Academy
Fit and confident, with warm eyes and a sparkling smile, twenty-two-year-old Lieutenant Mohammad Haseeb Khan talks to me while doing the Young Officers course in Mhow to tell me about the training every Army officer has to undergo. ‘I have an hour,’ he says, looking at his watch, and starts by sharing with me his most vivid childhood memory. ‘We used to live in the Lucknow cantonment. It was my fourth birthday, or maybe fifth,’ he says, nostalgically. ‘My father, Naib Subedar Mohammad Saleem Khan, screened the movie Border for all my friends. He placed a TV on the ground outside our house and all of us sat there, openmouthed, watching Sunny Deol play Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, the famous hero of the Battle of Longewala in 1971. For many days after that, we would go around with
For many days after that, we would go around with sticks balanced on our shoulders, pretending they were guns,’ he laughs. ‘I think that was my first inspiration to join the Army.’ However, Khan was destined for greater things. He joined the paltan of the famed Param Vir Chakra awardee, Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Bana Singh, PVC, after whom a post at the Siachen Glacier is also named.
The Khans were living in Sector 14 in Dwarka, New Delhi, when the call came from the OTA in Chennai. In October 2014, he boarded a train for Chennai, embarking on a three day journey that would take him there. Khan says as soon he was granted admission to the OTA, he had started running and going to the gym to prepare for the physical rigour of the Academy. ‘But nothing prepares you for what’s actually in store for you,’ he smiles.
Gentleman Cadet at nineteen
An OTA bus comes to pick up the fifty young boys who are waiting nervously at the Chennai railway station. They have come from all parts of the country—from Bengaluru to Bengal—and don’t know each other yet. But in one year, they will turn into friends for life who will not only be ready to live but also die for each other. The OTA has seven companies (five for Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) and two for Lady Cadets (LCs) and each cadet is allotted one. Gentleman Cadet Khan gets assigned to Naushera. Around 1 p.m., he is standing outside the company block with forty-nine others.
Capt Mohd Haseeb Khan, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Source: FB-RachnaBisht
The seniors step out and welcome them to the Academy. They say the boys will have to prove they are worthy of Naushera. To do this is quick and easy. ‘Nine knuckle pushups on the road and you can come in,’ a stern-faced senior tells them, stifling a smile. One by one, all fifty do the required push-ups, some more easily than others, and are allowed to pick up their luggage and come inside the building. Khan says he found it tough but managed to do all nine. Once inside, each cadet becomes an understudy to a senior cadet who will be their friend, philosopher and guide during their months at the OTA. Khan is understudy to Gentleman Cadet Anuj Kumar. ‘Over the months, he guided me with everything—right from fixing my uniform to table manners to physical training (PT),’ says Khan. When I couldn’t clear my PT test, he would call me to his room and make me practise. It was a great support system to have him around,’ he says.
The first one month at the Academy is called the ‘honeymoon period’……
SSBCrack: To read the complete story and more such amazing real-life stories you can get this book here. It is a must-read book for every defence aspirant, it has so many real stories to inspire you to join the forces.
I am Sanidhya Vardhan from New Delhi have done my engineering (Mechanical Engg.) and got recommended for Indian Army through CDSE 2 (2016) for SSC(NT) -106 course commencing at Officers Training Academy from October 2017. Primarily during my preparation I used to devote my time to SSBCrack website in which the success stories of other candidates used to inspire me a lot and at that time I used to think when will the time come when I will write my own success story here; so now the time has surely come when I will share my experience of the SSB on this platform so that it will be helpful for other aspirants.
I had cleared CDS 2 (2016) for OTA and my SSB was scheduled just after my Goa Trip which was a customary planned trip with my hostel buddies during my 8th semester.
This was my first shot at this highly coveted selection process and I wanted no stones unturned in the preparation so prepared for the same by a self-help book and by a little introspection into myself. So finally 21st May arrived was when I was supposed to report at Allahabad for my SSB at the so-called rejection board viz. “Selection Center East Allahabad”. Naturally, I was a bit anxious because of this rejection stereotyping of Allahabad by my peers.
I started working on establishing a daily routine to make myself fit for the Interviews both mentally and physically.
For further preparation, I used to scroll the website of SSBCrack which provided me the best open source. Now coming to the experience.
22nd May
I reported at the MCO at Allahabad railway station at around 1230hrs, there were around 20-25 candidates already waiting there and I became engrossed with many candidates one of which was an already recommended candidate whose name was Bhavani Singh who unfortunately couldn’t clear the merit list hurdle. At around 1300hrs we were asked to put our luggage in a truck and get into a bus which would take us to the selection center, I helped some of the guys who climbed the truck to load our luggage.
After a journey of few minutes through midst of city in scorching heat we finally reached Selection Center East after sometime we were asked to get our documents for the Prelim Check by call up office officials after they signed on my call letter I was good to go. There were total 41 of us, I was given Chest Number 4 in 14SSB board during the final documentation process. We were then given a welcome address by one of the GTO’s of 14SSB we were full of energy after that. Finally tired as hell we reached our candidates line took sheets and pillow cover from the caretaker and prepared our beds. We had our dinner at 1930 hrs and chatted till 0100 hrs with friends.
23rd May (Day 1)
We had our OIR and PP&DT on this day for which we had to report at 0630hrs. OIR was easy like if you have prepared for your placements then surely it’s a cakewalk just follow the instructions but in both the booklets I couldn’t complete 4 and 5 questions. After the OIR the projector was adjusted and picture was shown to us and we were asked to write a story. The picture had a doctor and a worried woman with an another lady looking at the doctor. I wrote a story of recently graduated doctor who aspires to be a servant to the society by serving to the needy ones.
We were divided into 4 groups of 10-11 people. I narrated my story confidently and crisply and after the narration of all the stories, we started the discussion which was a very friendly discussion where everyone was providing their inputs in our group there were only freshers finally one of the officers interrupted and told that it was a very fruitful healthy discussion and were told to wait outside for other batches to complete their narration and discussion.
After 1 hour the result was announced and 26 of us were screened in and were given new chest numbers, I was given chest number 10 and coincidentally my favorite football player Mesut Ozil dons that jersey number I was proud of myself and thought in my mind that atleast one of many tasks is completed. I slept early that day so that I would be fresh next day for the Psych Testing.
Current Affairs questions will be from last 5-7 months (for AFCAT, NDA, CDS, TA)
My psych test went fine I had done all 13 TAT , 60 in WAT and 41 in SRT was panicking after doing less SRTs but I focused on the quality more than the quantity , My SDT went okay had to struggle to complete it fully. We had a short tea break and were asked to wait for further instructions finally were informed that the chest numbers from 16-26 and 1-8 have their interviews on that day only while from 9-15 had their Interviews next day after the GTO testing day 1. I went to the Wet Canteen had some refreshments and finally returned to my candidates line played basketball in the evening had to maintain that clean shave look so went to the barber’s shop got late there and was reprimanded by the CHM sir in the evening ,was made to run 5 rounds of the facility. After listening to interview experience of my friends slept early that day as I wanted to be fresh next day for the GTO 1 Testing.
We were told to be there at GTO grounds of 14SSB at 0545hrs.
Day3 (25th May)
I woke early that day with full on confidence and had my breakfast got ready and all our group reported to the ground at sharp 0545hrs and to are amusement the GTO’s were already present there . Our Gto groups were divided in the sequence of our chest numbers 1-8, 9-17, 18-26 were our Groups. Finally our group was called and the GTO sir addressed us with do’s and don’ts the Sir was very friendly in nature and in fact our group had two GTO’s One Officer was constantly assessing us and one gave us instructions so finally our testing began. First there was a GD whose topic was Higher Education Scenario in India, this was the topic with which everyone was comfortable so Chest No 15 initiated the discussion professionally and there was a good discussion going while I was constantly putting my inputs with correct facts and figures so after few minutes the discussion was concluded and the GTO’s changed their position and next topic given to us was “Insurgency In J&K what is the cause behind it “ this topic made me more enthusiastic and I presented good facts here and as usual our group conduct was so good that everyone got their fair chance to speak. The next exercise was GPE in which we solved the problem very diligently and came to a workable conclusion I was nominated by the group to speak up the conclusion which I did confidently and GTO sir praised our team spirit. After this came our PGT I was little worried here because I didn’t what all I had to do here but the instructions from the assessors made me calm and the whole task went well and I gave 2-4 ideas there.
We were then given a break for 10 mins in that break we had Amul Flavored milk and got ready for Snake Race (Group Obstacle).
This was the Fun part we had to choose a war cry and we consented on “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, our group won the snake race with ease. Last task was HGT which is a mere cakewalk. So finally we were done with our GTO-1 testing and all the interview pending candidates (9-13) were informed of the schedules.
INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE:
I reported at the waiting room in my GTO dress, finally Chest number 9 named Rajat Chand was flashed on the LED and his interview Started. That time I saw the time which was 1250hrs that waiting time there was very nerve wrecking. Finally at about 1330 my chest number flashed on the Screen I got up and went to the Board President’s office, finally entered the Room IO greeted me with a beaming smile which I replied with my greetings too. IO told me to have a seat since I was wearing a sacred thread on my right hand (kalawa) the IO asked me about thread and from where you got this, I told him that it was from Ujjain Mahakal. Finally after making me comfortable and not putting pressure from starting he asked about my family and friends and about one negative quality in your best friend I told IO all the answers and then there was a 5 question rapid fire which also I answered with ease. As the IO got to know that I am from Non Army back ground he asked me what are my inspirations to join the forces and If I am selected then where after several years I would like to see myself; to this I said abruptly that I want to become the General of Armed Forces listening to this he suddenly laughed and I asked whether this is possible or not and also told him about my inspirations of my close friend who is currently undergoing his training and will be commissioned next July. I was asked about the stars which a brigadier dons on his uniform I did not know the answer to that so the IO told me to answer that on Conference Day. There was a long discussion on Formula 1 between me IO and he asked me why I like Hamilton and what strategies does he follow in the Race Weekends I answered that aggression is the main thing I like about Lewis and how constructively he uses that Aggression in Motorsports, the IO enquired me about the Drag force, traction force and down force I knew all of that so answered those confidently.
In the middle of interview he asked me if I have any concerns to which I replied I couldn’t wear my favorite Purple Shirt which my mother gave it to me; the IO told me to wear that on Day 5 and then asked me about OPEC issue and whether I Support this trade act or not. He also asked me about the differences in cost of living in Bangalore and in Delhi as I did my B Tech from Bangalore. Finally the IO told me that he is satisfied with answers and wished me all the best for further tests.
Oh yes he also visited us during our GTO testing and asked me who all were assessors so I told him that there were two assessors then suddenly it struck my mind that IO sir were also present there for a short time during our pgt so I exclaimed that fact to the IO. Finally, I left the office and had a look on the wall clock it was 1440hrs and now I was feeling pretty grilled out and thirsty on my way back to Line I had a mango shake and maggi and then slept for few hours and went out with my friends to a nearby café.
Day 4 (26th May)
I got up early and our first task was Individual Obstacles in which we had to shout our favorite actresses’ name on the commando walk obstacle. I shouted Amanda Cerny’s name on that obstacle overall I completed 9/10 obstacles and was satisfied by my performance.
Then there was command Task and 2 times I was called as subordinate, my turn came at the last and then I was briefed by the GTO and he also talked a bit about my life, hobbies etc. The task given to me was of moderate difficulty and I finished my task with ease. At the end, I thanked my subordinates.
The FGT was a simple task which we completed in exact 2 minutes.
27th May (Day 5)
The conference day started with a closing address by one of the testing officers. Thereafter, we were asked to wait for our chest number to flash on the screen and then go into the conference hall. As soon as my chest number flashed, I went in with a smile on my face and wished the president. IO greeted me back and asked me are you comfortable now in your “purple Shirt” to which I replied Yes Sir. And to my amazement the IO was of Brigadier Rank with 3 stars in a form of triangle (which I was supposed to be knowing). I kept my self-calm and IO asked me whether my mother called me yesterday or not to which I replied that “Yes I had talked to my mother and she told me that irrespective of your selection result don’t stop believing in yourself and it doesn’t matter whether you’ll be selected or not just give your best shot tomorrow . IO asked me how it feels now, to which I reverted pretty confident sir. I was asked about the facilities here and which were the tasks according to you, are the one where you lag I answered PGT was the task where I think I had underperformed my favorite task was Group Obstacle. He then asked for suggestions to the board , to which I said that the board is giving us the best possible facilities.
He then wished me luck and afterwards we went to a hall to wait for results. After about half an hour, the results were declared
And to my Shock and Amazement the Technical Officer Shouted that there is only one person who has been recommended viz. Chest Number 10 , I literally died out of shock attack that time was pretty elated and I stood up (while my folder fell) and told my name I was awarded a new chest number +21 (co incidentally my birth date) I was feeling bad for my friends especially towards my GTO group which was the best group ever with best persons ever.
After my semester examination I gave my medicals and was given TR in Dental Department as I had less number of required dental points. I took further treatment to get it corrected in 42 days’ time but my problem couldn’t be corrected and finally in AMB and Subsequent RMB was declared Unfit for this Entry and was told to Get my teeth Corrected For the Next Entry, I was shattered by the fact that how easily a dream can be crashed .
Recently the Merit list was published by the UPSC and I secured AIR 22 in that so I am satisfied with my performance and will surely continue to chase my dreams of becoming a fauji and serve my motherland with my full dedication.
I would like to quote the lyrics of my favorite song here ( Never give up –sia)
“But I won’t never give up, no, never give up, no, no
No, I won’t never give up, no, never give up, no, no.”
Candidates who are looking forward to join the Indian navy can apply for the latest notification posted by Indian army for the recruitment of Logistics and Law cadres. Both men and women who are eligible for this entry can apply online. Read more details below. Notification: Applications are invited from unmarried eligible male/female candidates for grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) in Executive Branch (Logistics & Law Cadres) and from unmarried eligible male candidates for grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) for Information Technology and Permanent Commission (PC) in Education Branch in the Indian Navy for Jul 2019 Course conducted at Indian Naval Academy (INA) Ezhimala, Kerala. Candidates must fulfill conditions of nationality as laid down by the Government of India. SSB Interview Preparation Material [ 100% Recommended]
(a) IHQ of MoD reserves the right to shortlist applications and to fix cut off/based on percentage of marks obtained in final educational qualification without assigning any reason. No communication will be entertained on this account. SSB interviews for shortlisted candidates will be scheduled at Bangalore/ Bhopal/ CoimbatoreNisakhapatna/Kolkata during Nov 18 to Mar 19. A choice of dates for appearing in SSB will be indicated in the application dashboard for shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be informed about their selection for SSB interview on their e-mail or through SMS (provided by candidates in their application form).
(b) The total duration of SSB interviews is five days, consisting of two Stages – Stage I (Day one) and Stage II (Four days).Stage I test consisting of Intelligence Test, Picture Perception and Discussion test will be conducted on the first day of arrival at SSB. Candidates who fail to qualify in Stage I will be routed back on the same day. Stage II tests comprising of Psychological testing, Group testing and Interview will last for 04 days. Successful candidates will thereafter undergo Medical Examination (approx duration 03-05 days).
(c) Candidates recommended by the SSB and declared medically fit will be appointed for training as per All India Merit of SSB marks depending on the number of vacancies.
(d) Change of SSB Centre for interview is not permissible under any circumstance.
(e) Any correspondence regarding change of SSB dates be addressed to the call up officer of the SSB on receipt of call up letter. Candidates are to download the call up letter on receiving intimation from IHQ-MoD (Navy) at SMS/e-mail(provided by candidate in their application).
(f) No compensation will be paid in respect of any injury sustained as a result of test during SSB interviews.
(g) Return AC 3 tier/AC Chair Car rail fare is admissible for the SSB interview, if appearing for the first time for that type of commission on production of railway tickets. Candidates will carry photocopy of the first page of pass book or cheque leaf where the name, NC No & IFSC details are mentioned, while appearing for SSB. How to Apply
Visit join Indian navy website.
Create your correct and complete profile.
Go to current opportunities section.
Under officer tab, apply for this entry.
How to Prepare?
If shortlisted by Indian navy, you will get the SSB interview call letter through email/SMS.
Start preparing for the SSB interview as there will be no written exam for this entry.
To know more about SSB interview, get the book linked below.
Any person on the verge of retirement imagines a pleasant, well-settled life. For 67-year-old Captain Ravindra Kumar Bali, this remains a distant dream. His current address is the footpath next to officers’ mess in Pune Cantonment. He has been residing there since five years under a small plastic sheet to shield himself from rain and his bed, which he sleeps on in the night.
But, Captain Bali doesn’t have any regret or any complaints. He blames his destiny for his situation along with some wrong decision he made during his career.
Bali, born in Kota, Rajasthan, was the son from the second marriage of a police officer. After completing his school, his athletic ambition prompted him to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) as a cadet in June 1970. He trained hard for four years and spent another four years at the College of Engineering (CME), Pune. Subsequently, he received his first posting at Hussainiwala border museum in Ferozepur district.
However, Bali’s soaring career had some room for discomfort. He was distressed upon receiving letters from his ailing parents, who were evicted from their ancestral house by his six step-siblings. He rushed to take care of his parents and tendered a resignation in 1988.
Upon failing to complete 20 years of his service according to the rule, he was neither entitled for volunteer retirement scheme nor was he eligible for pension scheme. Bali had spent the funds on treating his parents, who did not survive for more than three years after that.
By then, he was unmarriageable and so, he decided to stay single.
Soon, he was engaged in a battle for the ancestral home. But, his siblings evicted him too. Looking at the delays in legal system, Bali decided to withdraw himself from all the disputes and shifted to Prabhas Patan near the famous Somnath Temple in Gujarat. He started a business of dry fish with the help of some locals. Here, he spent ten years, spending all the money on maintaining a lifestyle without saving up. Ennui set in after a decade after which, he decided to come back to Pune to find alternative employment. With the help of some old friends he joined a BPO company in Kalyani Nagar.
Bail said, “I achieved stability in my life while working with a BPO. I decided to buy a 1-BHK in Wagholi. I purchased the same by obtaining home loan. But here too, my destiny decided to siphon me off my new-found peace. Around 2012, the particular unit was shut down and I again become jobless. Unable to pay the monthly EMIs, the bank auctioned the flat and handed over Rs 2 lakh to me. I could not secure another job due to old age. Meanwhile I spent all the savings to survive.”
To search for another job, he left for Kerala in 2013. But, a rainy day wreaked havoc in his life once more. His documents were washed away when he was on cycle.
Bali further said, “Since I did not have any identity, I left Kerala and returned to Pune and started staying on footpath. With the God’s wish I have still survived. The locals are providing me with food and water. In case of heavy rain, I take shelter under porches of nearby bungalows. People give me alms considering my old age and fluency in English. I spend my entire day reading all kinds of English newspapers.”
Bali does not want to join any beggars’ home or old-age home. He does not regret his situation as he is still happy and healthy. “I want to die on this footpath with this destiny,” he said.
General knowledge is required in all competitive exams and not only in defence exams, even while facing SSB interview, you must be aware of the latest happenings and a strong current affair knowledge improves your chances in the interview. Here are the latest GK questions from Jan 2017 to June 2017 which you may face in upcoming exams. The Gk questions are in MCQ format and compiled based on the recent competitive exams, in case you want to prepare for the GK and current affairs in the best way, do not forget to check our current affairs ebook series here.
