Centurion’s 17 Years of Excellence

Centurion came up with what is in its base a very simple but at the same time very powerful idea to provide the best support to defence aspirants all over the country. What we have seen over the years is that what began as a small-scale project has grown into a movement that has had thousands of students achieve their goal of wearing the uniform.

What sets Centurion apart is that they don’t just have the largest number of officer-cadre selections in India (which they do), but also how they go about it. From preparing for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and MNS exams to in-depth personality development and SSB interview training, Centurion makes sure that they cover it all.

In 17 years, Centurion has grown beyond just a passage of time; they have built trust, they have seen results, and they have established a legacy. Of every parent that brings their child to Centurion, what they are doing is not only signing up for coaching but for a future of discipline, courage, and service to the nation.

The 17th Annual Function – A Celebration of Excellence

The highlight of the year was the 17th Annual Function, celebrated in Lucknow with grandeur, pride, and patriotism. The event was attended by:

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya Ji
Serving and retired Armed Forces officers
Parents and families of selected candidates
Students from across the country
Academicians, dignitaries, and media representatives

Keshav Prasad Maurya Ji’s presence at the event was a great honour. He spoke of Centurion Defence Academy’s role in nation-building and in the development of dedicated and motivated youth for the Armed Forces.

Honouring the Real Heroes

At the start of the function, which was a Samman Samaroh, they paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of police officers and defence veterans. This gesture is highlighted as the Centurion’s way of honouring those who protect our nation.

By honouring these heroes, Centurion reminded every student in the audience that joining the Armed Forces is not just about a career; it’s about serving something much greater than oneself.

Cultural Performances by Proud Centurions

What makes Centurion apart is its approach, which it believes in the overall development of students. Defence aspirants are not just trained in academics, but also work to build their confidence, stage presence, and creativity.

At the Annual Event, students perform folk dances, put on patriotic skits, present solo songs and group performances, each presenting a message of unity, discipline, and love of country.

Honoured Guests Who Graced the Occasion

The Annual Function of Centurion Defence Academy was graced by the presence of various eminent personalities from different sectors.

The Chief Guests and other prominent guests included the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Shri Neeraj Singh Ji, Youth BJP Leader and Motivational Speaker, Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Nigam – DIG/CBCID, Major (Dr.) Manmeet Kaur Sodhi, ANO 19 UP Girls BN NCC Lucknow, and Subedar Major Rishi Dixit Ji from Indian Ex-Services League, Lucknow.

Celebrating the Achievers

The most looked forward to moment of the event was the felicitation of selected candidates. Students who passed the NDA 155th batch, CDS, AFCAT, and other officer cadet courses were all on stage celebrating with their parents, who should also be congratulated.

This tradition is important because it marks a celebration, as well as inspiring other aspirants who are sitting in the audience. When they see students just like themselves achieving their dreams, it creates motivation that no classroom lecture can replace.

Centurion proudly announced that in 2025, it once again gave the highest officer-cadre selections in India, proving why it continues to be called the best NDA coaching in India.

Inspiring Words by Lyricist and Poet Manoj Muntashir Shukla Ji

At the Centurion Defence Academy’s 17th Annual Function, which was hosted at Hotel Holiday Inn, the main event of the night was the presence of the famous lyricist and poet Shri Manoj Muntashir Shukla Ji, who took the role of Chief Guest.

He spoke from the heart in a very emotional talk, which touched all the people in the audience. He filled the hall with warmth and inspiration. The audience broke out in great applause to his words, which inspired them. Also, he spoke of the work done by Centurion Defence Academy in guiding defence aspirants and in playing a key role in nation-building.

Expert Talk on How to Crack the SSB and Join as an Officer

At the event, a special session was held to guide students on how to join the officer cadre in the Indian Armed Forces. The session was led by Sir Shishir Dixit, Founder-Director and Chief SSB Mentor of Centurion Defence Academy. He was joined by an expert panel that included retired Army officers and psychologists with years of SSB experience.

The panel members were:

Maj Gen Shammi Sabharwal (Retd.) – SSB Mentor and Senior Interviewing Officer, Dehradun Centre
Gp Capt A Basu (Retd.) – Senior Interviewing Officer, Dehradun Centre
Col. Amit Srivastava, SM (Retd.) – Senior GTO, Centurion Defence Academy

This session was full of practical advice and insights about the SSB process. To make sure more students could benefit, Zee News, the digital media partner, also broadcast the session live on its platforms.

Success Tips from UPSC NDA 155th Course Selected Students for Written & SSB Interview

The selected candidates of the NDA 155th course also spoke during the event. Listening to their stories of hard work, struggle, what they went through in terms of failure, which was many, but also of how they pressed on and in the end achieved what they did.

This gave the younger lot, who are still in the running, what they came for, which was motivation. During the session, the selected candidates answered questions from the Zee News anchor and openly shared their strategies, preparation methods, and experiences.

Felicitating the Backbone – Centurion Staff

A great moment came when Gurkirat Ma’am also presented awards to staff at the Centurion Defence Academy. She honoured teachers, mentors and the support staff who work in the shadows for their dedication and contribution.

Looking Ahead - The Next Chapter

Seventeen years in the game is a milestone, but also only the start. Centurion is into its 18th year with greater dedication to innovation and excellence. With new learning methods, digital resources, and advanced personality training, Centurion is ready to prepare the next generation of officers for the Armed Forces.

Where to watch Centurion’s 17th Annual Function Celebration?

If you couldn’t attend the Annual Function in person and missed the amazing 13-hour celebration, don’t worry, you can still watch it! The entire event was streamed live on the official YouTube channel of Centurion Defence Academy and is available there even now.

Just head over to Centurion’s YouTube channel and look for the event streamed on 13th August 2025. You can also search directly on YouTube with the keyword “Centurion 17th Annual Function.”

Centurion Defence Academy has built its name as one of the best defence coaching institutes in India, with the highest officer-cadre selections in the Armed Forces. We offer courses like NDA, NDA Foundation, CDS, AFCAT, MNS, and SSB Interview to help aspirants achieve their dream of serving the nation.

For details about courses and admissions, call us at +91 9795977776 / +91 9795977779.