Denied entry into the Indian Air Force after the launch of the Agnipath recruitment scheme, Haryana’s Hardeep Gill refused to abandon his dream of serving the nation. Four years later, his perseverance paid off as he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army after passing out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
From IAF Selection to Agnipath Setback
Hailing from Village Alipur near Uchana in Jind district, Lieutenant Hardeep Gill was initially selected as an IAF Airman, ranking 59th in the all-India merit list among nearly 3,000 selected candidates. However, the introduction of the Agnipath scheme resulted in his batch not receiving joining letters, effectively ending his Air Force dream despite merit-based selection.
Raised by a Single Mother After Early Tragedy
Hardeep lost his father before the age of two and was raised by his mother Santro, a mid-day meal worker earning about ₹800 per month, while also managing a small agricultural landholding. To supplement income, she sold milk from two buffaloes in the evenings.
Despite financial hardship, Hardeep continued his education—studying till Class 10 in a village school, completing Class 12, and later graduating through IGNOU, all while helping his mother in the fields.
Nine SSB Attempts and Unwavering Determination
After the IAF setback, Hardeep appeared for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, which he cleared. However, success at the Services Selection Board (SSB) remained elusive—until his ninth attempt.
According to Major General Yash Mor (Retd), who mentored Hardeep online for SSB preparation, the breakthrough finally came in 2024.
“He cleared SSB on his ninth attempt and joined IMA after securing 54th rank in the all-India merit list,” Maj Gen Mor said.
‘I Never Gave Up Hope’
In a podcast recorded after his selection, Hardeep spoke candidly about social pressure and repeated failures.
“People in my village said I would lose out on lower-level jobs because I was fixated on becoming an officer. But I never gave up hope and kept improving myself with every attempt,” he said.
Commissioned Into Sikh Light Infantry
On Saturday, Hardeep Gill proudly marched out of the Passing Out Parade at IMA, with his mother watching as he was commissioned as a Lieutenant. He will now join the 14th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry, marking the beginning of his career as an Indian Army officer.
A Story of Resilience and Inspiration
Lieutenant Hardeep Gill’s journey—from Agnipath disappointment and repeated SSB failures to commissioning at IMA—stands as a powerful example of resilience, self-belief, and determination, inspiring countless defence aspirants across the country.
