For many young defence aspirants, the dream of wearing the uniform begins with admiration for those who already serve the nation. For Jitendra Kumar, a young achiever from Karnal district in Haryana, that inspiration was present within his own home.
Jitendra Kumar, son of serving Haryana Police Assistant Sub-Inspector Surjeet Singh, has achieved an impressive All India Rank 21 in the NDA 2 2025 examination, clearing the highly competitive selection process in his very first attempt.
A resident of Village Rasin in Karnal district, Jitendra’s journey from a small village in Haryana to the prestigious National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla is an inspiring example of how academic excellence, discipline, determination and a clear goal can help a young aspirant turn a childhood ambition into reality.
A Family Connected With the Uniform
Jitendra grew up watching his father, ASI Surjeet Singh, serve in the Haryana Police. The values associated with uniformed service discipline, responsibility, integrity and commitment to duty became a natural part of his upbringing.
His father has devoted his professional life to public service through the police force. Jitendra has now chosen to carry forward that spirit of service through a different uniform, beginning his journey towards becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
For the family, his success represents more than an impressive rank in a competitive examination. It marks the beginning of another generation’s commitment to serving the country.
AIR 21 in His Very First NDA Attempt
What makes Jitendra’s achievement particularly remarkable is that he secured All India Rank 21 in NDA 2 2025 in his first attempt.
The National Defence Academy selection process is among the most sought-after pathways for young Indians aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Candidates must first qualify the UPSC NDA and NA written examination before facing the extensive Services Selection Board interview process. The SSB evaluates candidates across multiple dimensions, including intelligence, communication, leadership potential, decision-making, teamwork, psychological suitability and Officer Like Qualities.
Securing a place in the final merit list itself is a significant accomplishment. Finishing with AIR 21 in the first attempt makes Jitendra’s achievement even more noteworthy.
His success demonstrates that preparation is not simply about spending years attempting an examination. Focused preparation, strong fundamentals and the right mindset can enable a determined candidate to succeed even on the first opportunity.
Academic Excellence From School Days
Jitendra’s NDA success was preceded by an impressive academic record.
He secured 98% marks in Class 10, demonstrating exceptional academic consistency at an early stage. He subsequently scored 84% in Class 12 while continuing to work towards his larger ambition of joining the Armed Forces.
These achievements reflect the strong foundation behind his NDA journey.
Academic marks alone, however, cannot guarantee success at the SSB. Candidates are expected to demonstrate personality, awareness, initiative, responsibility, communication skills and the ability to function effectively as part of a group.
Jitendra’s final merit position therefore represents success across both academic and personality-based assessments.
From Village Rasin to NDA Khadakwasla
The journey that began in Village Rasin in Karnal has now taken Jitendra to one of India’s most prestigious military training institutions.
He is currently undergoing training at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra, and is in his first semester.
Life at NDA represents an entirely new chapter.
Cadets undergo a demanding combination of academics, physical conditioning, drill, outdoor training, sports and military instruction. The rigorous environment is designed to transform young cadets into disciplined future military leaders capable of handling the responsibilities that come with commanding men and women in uniform.
For Jitendra, securing AIR 21 was therefore not the destination. It was the doorway to a much longer and more demanding journey.
The years ahead will test his endurance, character, leadership abilities and determination as he progresses through military training and moves closer to earning his commission.
A Father’s Service, A Son’s New Journey
There is something particularly meaningful about Jitendra’s achievement because of his family’s association with public service.
ASI Surjeet Singh serves the people of Haryana as a police officer. His son has now embarked upon a path that could eventually see him serve the country as an Armed Forces officer.
The uniforms may be different, but the underlying principle remains the same service before self.
For children growing up in families connected with the police, Armed Forces and other uniformed organisations, parents frequently become their earliest examples of discipline and duty. Their routines, sacrifices and sense of responsibility can leave a lasting impression.
Jitendra’s achievement reflects how those values can pass from one generation to another while inspiring an individual to create his own identity.
He is not merely following his father’s footsteps; he is building his own path of service.
An Inspiration for Defence Aspirants
Jitendra Kumar’s story carries an important message for thousands of NDA aspirants preparing from villages, towns and cities across India.
Your background does not determine the height of your ambition.
A student from Village Rasin in Karnal can compete at the national level, clear one of India’s most challenging military officer selection processes in the first attempt and secure AIR 21.
The journey requires consistency rather than occasional bursts of motivation. Strong academics help, but candidates must simultaneously develop physical fitness, awareness, communication, confidence, responsibility and leadership qualities.
Most importantly, aspirants must understand that NDA preparation is ultimately preparation for a profession, not merely an examination.
The objective is not simply to clear a written paper or receive a recommendation from an SSB board. The larger goal is to develop oneself into a person capable of accepting the responsibility that comes with leading soldiers, sailors or air warriors.
The Journey Has Just Begun
Today, Jitendra Kumar is a first-semester cadet at NDA Khadakwasla. Years of demanding training still stand between him and the officer’s uniform he aspires to wear.
Yet he has already crossed an important milestone.
From scoring 98% in Class 10 and 84% in Class 12 to securing AIR 21 in NDA 2 2025 on his first attempt, his journey reflects consistency, ambition and disciplined preparation.
For his father, ASI Surjeet Singh, who has spent his career serving in the Haryana Police, watching his son enter the National Defence Academy must also represent a proud continuation of the family’s connection with uniformed service.
For defence aspirants, Jitendra’s story offers a simple but powerful lesson: set your goal early, work consistently, respect the process and prepare yourself not merely to clear an examination, but to become worthy of the uniform you dream of wearing.
From Village Rasin to the historic portals of NDA Khadakwasla, Jitendra Kumar has taken the first major step towards that dream.
AIR 21 is an achievement worth celebrating. But for this young cadet, the greater story is only beginning.
