From NDA Aspirant to Civil Servant: A Journey of Resilience and Adaption

I am 28 now. It's disheartening to look back at the six years I dedicated to government job preparation, primarily focusing on the NDA National Defence Academy exam. Although I had put all my effort into securing a job in defense, my journey was marked with numerous rejections and disappointments. However, my determination to serve my country and my passion for the military did not waiver.

The Path to Preparation

My journey began in the 12th grade when I learned about the NDA exam. Inspired by the prospect of a career in defense, I decided to take the challenge. To my joy, I cracked the exam. A retired Colonel, with his deep wisdom and guidance, inspired me to pursue a military career. However, the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview did not go as planned, and I was unfortunately deferred.

Undeterred, I continued preparing for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and three more NDA exams. Unfortunately, my efforts led to the same outcome. Inbetween these attempts, I found myself neglecting other competitive exams like JEE and AIEEE. While my friends secured admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs, I was left with a private college degree.

A Shift in Focus

College life was mostly consumed by NCC National Cadet Corps activities and physical training. Despite my dedication and consistent performance at my coaching center, a stable job at Wipro Technologies became the reality. Initially, IT seemed like a refreshing change, but my continuous attempts at SSBs did not bear fruit. I faced permanent rejection due to medical grounds.

Feeling stuck and disoriented, I switched jobs and locations to escape the monotony. From Bengaluru to Kolkata and then to Noida, each move was a step towards finding stability and purpose. Eventually, I discovered a new path when I decided to prepare for the RAS Rajasthan Administrative Service exam. However, the demands of the IT sector made it difficult to clear the prelims.

Focusing on a relatively easier exam, the SSC CGL, I cleared it on my first attempt. This marked the beginning of a new phase in my career, joining as an Inspector in Central Excise and Customs. With a stable job, I resumed my RAS preparations, cleared the prelims smoothly, and am now awaiting the results.

Lessons Learned and Future Paths

There are multiple paths to success, and my journey has taught me to adapt and explore various options. Here are some suggestions for those pursuing similar paths:

Take a job and prepare alongside: Your preparation is never wasted. As an example, what I studied for NDA/CDS helped me crack the SSC CGL and RAS prelims. Start your own coaching classes: This allows you to directly apply your knowledge and make a significant income. Offer home tuition: If you have spare time, offering private tuition can be a flexible and income-generating option. Teach in coaching centers: This is another way to stay engaged in the preparation process while earning a good income. Help prepare study material: Coaching centers often pay well for creating quality study material.

These options allow you to stay financially secure while continuing your preparation for exams such as state Public Service Commission (PSC) exams. Remember, resilience and adaptability are key to navigating the path less traveled.