Hello everyone,
I am Dheeraj Sherawat, and I recently got recommended for the Indian Air Force in NDA-144—after five unsuccessful SSB attempts.
My journey began on 21 November 2018, when I started preparing at Georgians Academy for Professional Studies under the guidance of Kunwar Pratap Singh Sir and Deepak Sir. What set the Academy apart for me was their focus on individuality. Each candidate received detailed case studies, and the mentors always emphasized evolving as better human beings first—the recommendation would follow. They explained the real essence of SSB and how to bring out the best within ourselves.
On 21 January 2019, I reported at 4 AFSB Varanasi for NDA-142, got screened in, but was conference out. After discussing my attempt with my mentors, I realized where I needed to improve. I focused on my studies, did well in CBSE and JEE, and once 12th was over, started preparing for TES-42 SSB.
On 3 July 2019, I reported at 32 SSB Kapurthala for my second attempt, only to face another conference out. This one hit me hard, but with my family’s encouragement, I prepared for NDA-143 at 2 AFSB Mysore the next month. Again, I got screened in but was conference out for the third time.
Meeting Ramandeep Ma’am at GAPS for this third attempt gave me new insights, but the result was unchanged. After each setback, Deepak Sir kept reminding me, “You have everything within you—it’s you who will decide when you’ll make it.” That faith kept me pushing forward.
For my fourth SSB, I reported at NSB Kolkata for Navy 10+2 B.Tech Entry on 13 September 2019. Another screen in, but ultimately not recommended. By now, my parents encouraged me to focus on college (B.Tech. IT at DTU), but I wasn’t ready to quit. GAPS became a second family—I kept preparing, introspecting, and correcting myself.
On 7 January 2020, I reported for TES-43 SSB at Bhopal. I was screened in, but once again, I wasn’t selected. This fifth setback forced me to look at all my attempts and realize I made a new mistake every time. My mentors at GAPS told me to let go of the past, approach the next attempt with a free mind, and have zero expectations.
So, on 27 January 2020, I returned to 4 AFSB Varanasi—exactly one year after my first attempt there. With no pressure or expectations, I simply focused on giving my best to every task. On conference day, when I heard “CHEST NUMBER 49” called out, I finally achieved what I’d worked so hard for. The circle was complete, and all the struggles, support, and belief from my family, mentors, and friends flashed before me.
This recommendation is dedicated to everyone who never lost faith in me—even when I doubted myself. My message: Never lose hope. Fall five times, rise up six!
Thank you,
Dheeraj Sherawat
Jai Hind.
