This blog is dedicated to all Armed Forces aspirants who have attended their SSBs (Services Selection Boards). The experience at SSBs is a significant lesson in adulthood that you will remember for a lifetime. My journey taught me countless lessons and provided insights into the harsh realities of life. It also offered me the opportunity to introspect and understand how to face challenges without giving up.
So let's begin with how it all started.
My SSB journey began in Pune after I cleared my NDA (National Defence Academy) examination. I attended a preparatory class, which was hectic as I wasn't used to waking up early in the morning. Suddenly, I was exposed to a whole new world filled with other aspirants who had previous experience preparing for the SSB.
It was here that I met one of my co-founders, Krish Bhagwat, and this marked the beginning of my journey. Shortly after my 18th birthday, I traveled from Pune to Mumbai, where my lessons in adulthood continued.
Unfortunately, my train was delayed, and I spent the entire day soaked in rain. The heavy downpour caused flooding, and I found myself under a bridge in typical movie-esque fashion. Observing the countless people and families arriving in Maharashtra with one or two suitcases was eye-opening. They were coming in hopes of creating a better life for themselves, often settling in small slums and working hard to send money back home. This experience taught me my first important lesson in adulthood: things don’t always go your way, and there are many out there facing much more significant hardships than your own. It reminded me to be grateful for what I have.
As I continued my journey, I was surrounded by a cultural mix on the train—people from various regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Sindh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. The conversations were lively, showcasing the rich diversity of India. I realized that this cultural disparity was a beautiful representation of our nation’s varied backgrounds.
Soon, I arrived at the NDA stage, where I was screened on the first day—a challenging process. While I had practiced with mock tests, participating in the discussion test with others felt profoundly different. Over the next four days, I developed great moments and strong connections with my fellow aspirants, learning about their backgrounds and lives. We lived together in one dormitory, sharing various activities, and I never expected to form such deep connections.
My interview went well, and I performed adequately in the psychological tests and the GTO (Group Task Officer) activities. However, I couldn't identify the mistakes I made during the process. On the final day, there was a conference where we received our results.
As I reflected on my experiences with SSB, I noticed a pattern: in both of my attempts, those I connected with often got recommended while I didn't. This was a disappointing feeling, offering a new perspective on life and the challenges it presents—one that you can only fully understand through personal experience.
My SSB experiences were filled with bittersweet memories, marked by successes and failures, and moments of tears among aspirants. One memorable instance was when a candidate from Jodhpur traveled for two days by train to Bangalore for his SSB, only to leave without a recommendation. Yet, he remained undeterred, embracing the journey as part of his growth and showcasing the patriotic spirit often overlooked by society.
Overall, my time at SSB was a mix of bittersweet emotions and joy. If I ever get the chance to attend SSB again after clearing my exams, I will undoubtedly seize that opportunity. It offers a platform to elevate oneself, learn from past mistakes, and create lasting memories while connecting with others. I truly believe everyone should experience this journey at least once in their lifetime.
I'm not able to convey everything here since some things I've experienced there i cannot share here they're personal to me and little too close to my heart to share them... but I'm sure if anyone of you goes for SSB you for sure will create such bittersweet and close memories of your own