In an inspiring story of perseverance and determination, Craftsman (Cfn) Ankan Pruseth of the Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) has successfully cleared the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview for the Special Commissioned Officers (SCO)-59 Course in October 2026, overcoming three previous unsuccessful attempts.
Enrolled in the Indian Army’s Corps of EME on June 22, 2016, Ankan Pruseth has dedicated more than a decade to serving the nation. Throughout his military career, he has nurtured a dream of earning a commission and serving the Indian Army as an officer.
However, his journey towards achieving this ambition was not without challenges. Despite facing setbacks in three previous attempts, Pruseth refused to give up on his aspirations. Instead, he continued preparing with determination, discipline and an unwavering belief in his abilities.
Since May 20, 2025, Pruseth has been serving in the Chetak Corps Zone, where he continued fulfilling his military responsibilities while pursuing his ambition of becoming a commissioned officer.
His persistence finally paid off in October 2026 when he successfully cleared the SSB interview for the SCO-59 Course, marking a significant milestone in his journey towards earning an officer’s commission.
The Special Commissioned Officers entry provides an opportunity for eligible serving Indian Army personnel to progress into commissioned officer roles, recognising their military experience, leadership potential and professional capabilities.
Pruseth’s achievement highlights the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of repeated setbacks. His journey from a soldier in the Corps of EME to successfully clearing the officer selection process serves as an inspiration to fellow soldiers who aspire to rise through the ranks.
His story carries a powerful message: failure in an attempt does not mean failure in life. With determination, consistent effort and the courage to keep trying, even the most challenging dreams can move closer to reality.
