"If you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working for it."
Hello everyone,
I am Cadet Nishant Kumar Yadav, and I feel honoured to be part of the Georgians family and a proud alumnus of Rashtriya Military School, Belgaum. The day I joined this prestigious institute (2 July 2012), I began transforming from a boy into a cadet—mind, body, and personality molded from class 6th onwards.
Today, most Defence aspirants know the 5-day SSB process, so I’ll share what I wish I’d worked on sooner: communication skills. Despite my school offering every facility, I didn’t focus on public speaking or English lectures. I was good at sports and other activities, but never gathered the courage to take the stage in English. For those in Sainik, Military, or Navodaya schools: there’s still time! Make the most of your school, become an all-rounder, and never shy away from working on your weaknesses.
After passing out of school in April 2019, my first goal was to improve communication, but I lacked proper guidance. Joining Delhi University, I immediately felt out of place and missed the military life I loved since 2012. That’s when I joined Georgians Academy for Professional Studies (GAPS).
At Georgians, I found a home-like environment and the structure I needed. I prepared for NDA 144 written and, more importantly, learned how to speak confidently on any topic. Daily training (not just coaching) made all the difference—psychology, interviews, group tests—each area improved, provided I put in daily effort and followed instructions to address my weaknesses.
My advice for all aspirants:
- Know yourself. Ask yourself honestly if you want to don the uniform. If your heart says “yes,” never stop working for it—come out of your comfort zone.
- Seek the right environment. Sometimes you need the right guidance to truly shine. You are your own best judge, but mentors, friends, and family can help you discover your strengths and weaknesses.
- Work on your psychology. It’s not built in a month, but is shaped by your upbringing, mindset, and outlook. Still, you can always improve by changing how you think.
- For the interview: Don’t just memorize questions. Fill your PIQ form, then write down every possible question an outsider could ask about your life, personality, and background. Prepare answers honestly—don’t cheat yourself!
- For group tasks: Treat it like sports—play with team spirit and common sense. Be open-minded and extroverted, but value every member.
- Be good at heart. The Indian Armed Forces demand high moral values and integrity.
The biggest lesson: Never forget the life you promised to yourself. At Georgians Defence Academy, every day is an opportunity to grow. If you’re not seeing progress, find the right environment and push yourself harder.
Believe in yourself, and improvement will follow.
Jai Hind.
