“डर मुझे भी लगा फासला देखकर, पर मैं बढ़ता गया रास्ता देखकर, खुद-ब-खुद मेरी नज़दीक आती गई मेरी मंज़िल, मेरा हौसला देखकर।” Hello Aspirants, Today, I Harsh Dubey sharing a journey that spanned 7 years, 13 failed attempts, countless sacrifices—and finally, success. On 20th June 2025, my life changed forever when I was recommended in my 14th SSB attempt. This wasn’t just a result; it was the culmination of relentless persistence, unwavering patience, and unshakable belief. My journey began in 2018 with my first attempt at NDA II. What followed was a long and testing phase filled with disappointments:
- ❌ 5 unsuccessful NDA attempts
- ❌ 6 unsuccessful CDS attempts
- ❌ 6 unsuccessful AFCAT attempts
- ❌ 1 unsuccessful CGCAT attempt
And finally—a recommendation in the Indian Coast Guard.
The Seed of a Dream
From a young age, I was a bright student. A sentence my father once told me in Class 7 stayed with me forever:
“No one from our village has ever become an officer — you must be the one to change that legacy.”
That one thought lit the fire of purpose in me.
Watching my cousins serve in the BSF as soldiers only fueled that desire. But it was only after joining the NCC that I truly discovered my passion for the armed forces. That’s when I knew — this is my calling.
The Setback That Shook Me
Despite being a strong student, I underperformed in Class 12. My confidence shattered. I felt I had lost everything — even my father’s trust. Doubts haunted me:
“Will I ever do anything meaningful in life?”
But then came a turning point — graduation. I pursued B.Tech and graduated with a 9.1 CGPA, which opened opportunities through TGC, SSC (Tech), and Navy (Tech) entries. The SSB calls started rolling in.
The SSB Rollercoaster
My first SSB was on 24th July 2023, just two days after my final exam. And I got screened in! For the first time in years, I saw pride in my father’s eyes. Though I wasn’t recommended, something inside me whispered:
“You are meant for something big.”
I soon joined TATA Electronics as an Engineer. But I knew the corporate world wasn’t my true destination. I decided to work for just one year, gain experience, and continue chasing my real dream.
During that time, I made endless excuses to attend SSBs — fake MBA calls, a fabricated grandfather’s death, even a staged hospital admission. But these actions had consequences. My manager lost trust, my team grew distant. Eventually, in January 2025, I left the ₹50,000/month job and returned home to Delhi to pursue my dream full-time.
The Dark Phase
Quitting that job was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. With no income, no guarantee, and just a dream in hand — I walked a lonely path. And things didn’t immediately improve. I faced multiple screen outs and conference outs.
The fear crept back in:
“Did I make a mistake?”
But something deep within kept me going. I reminded myself: “Your time will come.”
And finally, it did.
The Moment of Glory
20th June 2025 — I received my recommendation from the Indian Coast Guard.
The moment my chest number was called, a surge of emotions overwhelmed me. I couldn’t hold back the tears. Years of pain, struggle, and silent effort rushed back — but they now had a purpose. That single moment of success made every hardship worth it.
What I Learnt (And Did Differently)
While coaching and mentoring helped, I realized that self-introspection and honest improvement were equally vital. Here’s what worked for me:
✅ Time management during psych tests
✅ Confidence and boldness in responses
✅ Clarity of thought and staying cheerful during the process
✅ GTO performance — being a real team player, staying calm, and contributing meaningfully
Even while working a demanding job, I gave it my all:
- 🎯 I set clear targets
- 🎤 Recorded my lecturette videos and self-reviewed them
- 🤝 Practiced with friends and adopted their feedback
- 📌 Stayed in regular touch with my mentors
By my 14th attempt, my mindset had transformed. Earlier, I used to carry the heavy burden of pressure. This time, I entered with the mindset:
“This will be the best attempt of my life.”
And it truly was.
I gave my best interview ever, delivered a lecturette that came straight from the heart, and performed in the GTO tasks with complete clarity and calmness.
7 Years, 14 Attempts, One Victory
It took:
- 7 long years
- 14 SSB attempts (7 conferences, 7 screen outs)
- Countless sacrifices and painful decisions
But the dream came true. Along the way, I found great friends, unforgettable memories, and life-changing lessons. I learnt that:
Hard work, patience, and a never-give-up attitude never go in vain.
My Gratitude
I owe this victory to:
- 🙏 Prateek Bhaiya and Kumar Bhaiya for their constant support
- 🙏 My parents and mentors who stood by me through every failure
- 🙏 SSBCrack, for keeping me updated with current affairs and helping aspirants like me stay focused and motivated
To every defence aspirant reading this — never give up. Your journey may be long, painful, and full of uncertainties. But if your goal is strong and your heart is pure, your time will come.
Jai Hind
