Hello everyone,
I am Mohit Yadav from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. I completed my schooling from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Jhunjhunu in 2019. Recently, I was recommended from 24 SSB Bangalore for TES-43 on 16 January 2020—a proud moment after a journey filled with challenges and learning.
Coming from a defence background, I always aspired to join the Armed Forces. My motivation grew in 2017 when I started Class 11 with PCM and saw two seniors from my school clear the NDA written and SSB. Their success stories motivated me to work hard and aim to become an officer in the Army. When these seniors visited our school, their words and experiences inspired all of us—especially since they were the first from our school to join NDA.
When I entered Class 12, I joined Georgians Academy for Professional Studies during my summer vacation in May 2018, based on my seniors’ recommendation. There, I met many Defence aspirants, all working hard towards their goals. After preparing at the academy, I appeared for the NDA exam in September 2018 but couldn’t clear it due to struggles with Mathematics.
Undeterred, I focused on my CBSE studies and simultaneously prepared for the next NDA exam, dedicating extra time to Mathematics and seeking help from my teachers. I gave my board exams in March 2019 with full effort and was delighted to score 91% in my CBSE results.
I returned to GAPS in April 2019 to prepare for NDA-1 2019, giving my second attempt—but again, I didn’t clear it. Shifting focus, I began preparing for TES-42 SSB, confident of a call-up. I worked hard on communication skills and confidence through lectures and group discussions, and prepared diligently for the psychology test under the guidance of KP Sir, Deepak Sir, and Ramandeep Madam.
Despite my efforts, I was screened out at Bhopal during my first SSB for TES-42. It was disheartening, but the encouragement from KP Sir and my parents kept me going. I’ll never forget Deepak Sir’s words after that setback: “Nobody becomes an officer in one or two months. You must consistently work on your personality and keep striving.”
Determined, I prepared for my final NDA attempt by analyzing my mistakes, practicing previous year question papers, and clearing doubts with fellow aspirants. On November 17, 2020, I cleared my NDA written exam on my third attempt!
With renewed confidence, I began preparing for my second and last TES SSB. I analyzed my previous performance, identified weak areas, and worked hard to groom my personality and boost my confidence. Every day brought a new lesson—whether from my mentors or fellow aspirants. I took every suggestion seriously and kept improving.
On January 11, I went to Bangalore for my TES-43 SSB. The process began on January 12, and I gave my best at every stage. When results were announced on January 16, 2020, and my chest number was called out, I was overwhelmed with happiness—it was the best day of my life. I became the third officer from JNV Jhunjhunu to be recommended, fulfilling KP Sir’s hope of finding the next officer from our school.
The most important lesson I learned at GAPS is that regardless of SSB results, becoming a better person is what truly matters. Even if you don’t join the Army, living life with the spirit of an officer is the greatest achievement.
Now, I’m eagerly awaiting the merit list and looking forward to joining IMA.
Jai Hind.
Mohit Kumar Yadav
