About Centurion Defence Academy
Centurion Defence Academy is a leading defence coaching institute in India, known for the highest selection rate in the officer cadre. The Academy provides holistic guidance for various defence entrance exams such as NDA, CDS, MNS, AFCAT, and many others. Equipped with all the modern infrastructural facilities and the latest teaching methodology, Team Centurion has established a benchmark in defence exam preparation. With four centers in India, including three in Lucknow and one in the vicinity of IMA Dehradun, Centurion Defence Academy has emerged as the best defence coaching.
Proud Centurions have earned recommendations for almost every defence exam, be it NDA, CDS, MNS, AFCAT, Army 10+2 TES, Navy 10+2 (B.Tech.) Cadet Entry Scheme, NCC Special Entry, TGC, and SSC (Tech.) Entry, among others. In practice, Centurion Defence Academy is producing 2-3 officers every week. Centurion is not only the best NDA coaching in Lucknow but also the top coaching in Dehradun for complete NDA preparation. Under the active guidance of Team Centurion, many defence aspirants have achieved their dream of becoming officers in the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard.

Best NDA Coaching Institute in India
Centurion Defence Academy is a popular choice among defence aspirants for the best NDA preparation in India. The Academy offers holistic guidance for NDA with Written + SSB courses.
Holistic Guidance for SSB Interview
With a strong focus on Screening Tests (OIR and PP&DT), Psychological Tests, GTO, and Personal Interview, Centurion Defence Academy stands out as the best SSB coaching in India for all officer cadre entries.
Best Coaching for CDS and AFCAT
Centurion also provides comprehensive guidance for graduate entries such as CDS and AFCAT. Besides, focusing on excellence in written exams, it also prepares candidates for SSB interview.
Top MNS Coaching (NEET+MNS)
With consistently outstanding results in the MNS exam, Centurion Defence Academy has established itself as the best MNS coaching in India, offering comprehensive guidance for NEET+MNS.
Specialization in NDA Foundation Course
To empower NDA aspirants to achieve their dream of joining the NDA at an early age, Centurion offers its NDA Foundation Course, which focuses on 11th and 12th along with NDA preparation.
Complete CPSS Guidance for Flying Branch
Centurion Defence Academy also specializes in providing the best CPSS training to defence aspirants who wish to become fighter pilots in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force.
To ensure your success in defence exams, we have designed our coaching program in a digitally robust and technically advanced manner that develops both your knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Our team comprises experienced and renowned faculty members and ex-officers of the Indian Armed Forces to help you become an officer. Our faculty members are dedicated and devoted individuals of the highest caliber with a genuine concern for building your future in the armed forces. The academic environment and infrastructure at Centurion Defence Academy are highly encouraging, which will help you achieve your dreams.
Our Elite Panel of Ex-Board Members & Retd. Defence Officers
Psychologist Shishir Dixit
Chairman of Centurion Defence Academy, Lucknow & Dehradun Center, Author of Ranneeti Book
Psychologist Shishir Dixit, Par Excellence, is the Chairman of Centurion Defence Academy, with centers in Lucknow and Dehradun. He specializes in clinical psychology, behavioral therapy, mentorship, and individual profile mapping, as well as career counseling and guidance. With a remarkable ability to produce 3-4 officers weekly, he has set a milestone in the selection of defence aspirants into the officer cadre of the Indian Armed Forces through his personalized training and individual guidance. His strategic foresight and strong leadership have established Centurion Defence Academy as the best defence coaching institute in India. Additionally, Shishir Dixit is an accomplished author of the book “Ranneeti,” a columnist, and a motivational speaker. He strives to instill in his students the principles of servant leadership, such as empathy, humility, integrity, and social adaptability, while nurturing defence aspirants with traits of discipline, commitment, and selfless service to the nation.
Maj Gen A.K. Chaturvedi (Retd.) AVSM, VSM
Trained IO (DIPR), Interviewing Officer Lucknow Center
Major General A.K. Chaturvedi (Retd.), AVSM, VSM, is a distinguished veteran of the Indian Army, whose career commenced as a Second Lieutenant and culminated as a Major General. Commissioned in the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers (Bengal Sappers) in December 1974, he retired in July 2012. Across his commendable career, spanning from Second Lieutenant to Major General, he oversaw crucial infrastructural development and personnel management in the Military Engineer Services. Trained as an Interviewing Officer at the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Major General A.K. Chaturvedi is currently associated with Centurion Defence Academy as a Senior IO. His role involves guiding young aspirants to fulfil their dreams of joining the Defence Services and serving in the esteemed Officer Cadre.
MAJ GEN SHAMMI SABHARWAL (Retd.)
Interviewing Officer, SSB Mentor Dehradun Center
Maj Gen Shammi Sabharwal (Retd.), an alumnus of RIMC Dehradun and the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla, dedicated 38 illustrious years of service to the Indian Army. Commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in December 1981, he held a diverse array of influential roles, showcasing his exceptional leadership and expertise. With two instructional appointments at the School of Artillery, Devlali, and a significant stint as a military observer with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Rwanda, Africa, Maj Gen Sabharwal’s experience spanned varied terrains. He later served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Uttarakhand Sub Area in Dehradun. His subsequent role as Additional Director General NCC (Bihar & Jharkhand) underscored his commitment to shaping young minds. Beyond his military achievements, Maj Gen Sabharwal is an avid reader and an advocate for physical fitness. Presently, his expertise contributes significantly as an Interviewing Officer at Centurion Defence Academy, reflecting his ongoing dedication to mentorship and national defence.
Col Rajesh Kumar Sharma
GTO Lucknow Center, Ex GTO-bhopal & Kapurthala
Colonel Rajesh Kumar Sharma (Retd.) is a distinguished defence professional with an extensive career spanning over three decades. An alumnus of the IMA Dehradun, he commenced his journey with the Regiment of Artillery in June 1986. Colonel R.K. Sharma holds a distinctive role as a former Ground Testing Officer (GTO) at Bhopal and Kapurthala SSBs, enriching his role in guiding defence aspirants at the Centurion Defence Academy in Lucknow. His invaluable experience has honed his expertise in guiding and mentoring defence aspirants through the intricate facets of individual and group obstacles, thereby enriching their understanding of GTO tasks. Presently settled in Lucknow, Colonel Sharma remains deeply committed to his role at the Centurion Defence Academy, where his dedication and profound insights as a GTO continue to inspire and shape the aspiring candidates seeking to join the defence forces.
Dr. (Col) Ajay Bahadur
Medical Expert – CDA
Dr. (Col) Ajay Bahadur (Retd.) is an esteemed medical expert at the Centurion Defence Academy (CDA), boasting an extensive array of professional qualifications including an M.B.B.S. from Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, an M.D. in Internal Medicine also from A.F.M.C., Pune, and a D.M. in Cardiology from the Military Hospital (Cardio Thoracic Centre), A.F.M.C., Pune. With an impressive 31 years of clinical experience, Dr. Ajay Bahadur remains committed to providing invaluable medical guidance to defence aspirants, leveraging his expertise to empower and prepare individuals aspiring to join the Armed Forces. His wealth of knowledge and practical experience in medicine significantly contribute to the holistic preparation of candidates at Centurion Defence Academy, ensuring they possess the physical fitness and medical awareness necessary for a successful career in the defence services.
Gp Capt A Basu
Senior Interviewing Officer, Most experienced in SSBs (12+years, 4 tenures in AFSBs), Senior Mentor Centurion Lucknow & Dehradun Center
Group Captain A Basu (Retd.), began his remarkable journey with the Indian Air Force in July 1992. His dedication extended to international arenas as he actively participated in Tri-Services and international flying exercises. He spent three months in Kyiv, Ukraine, overseeing the An32 upgrade acceptance. In 2011, he volunteered for the Interviewing Officers Course and continued to serve in this role for over 12 years until his retirement on 31 August 2023. During this period, he held key positions, functioning as IO, Senior IO, and Deputy President in successive AFSB tenures. Group Captain A Basu contributed significantly to candidate assessment, conducting around five thousand SSB interviews. His operational service included deployment at Kargil for over two months during Op Vijay in 1999. Currently, Group Captain A Basu shares his wealth of experience as an SSB Mentor with Centurion Defence Academy.
Lt. Col. Aditya Budhiraja ( Retd.)
SSB Psychology Mentor, Dehradun Center
Lt. Col. Aditya Budhiraja (Retd), an officer from the Rajput Regiment with 20 years of army experience mostly in J & K (including Siachen glacier) and North East and a tenure in UN mission in Africa pursued his interest in the field of Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health post retirement in Jan 2010. While in service he was awarded twice with Vice Chief and Army Commander Northern Command Commendation Cards and also attended the prestigious SSB psychologist course at DIPR (Defence Institute of Psychological Research), New Delhi. He is a Barefoot Counselor, Mindset Coach, Guide, Mentor, Healer and Therapist who is also a trained Hypnotherapist, Pranic healer and NLP Practitioner alongwith various other therapies like CDT (Cognitive Drill Therapy), RFBT (Recovery Focussed Behavior Therapy), Mindfulness and Meditation. On a mission to spread awareness on issues related to Mental, Emotional and Spiritual health and spread joy/bliss/happiness, he has helped scores of people in the last 13 years. He is a keen learner of various ways and methods to handle contemporary societal issues to include stress/anxiety etc, relationships, parenting and upbringing of children in the present day world. He also does career guidance and trains the youth aspiring to join the forces in SSB psychological techniques and more than 1000 candidates (300 candidates trained online only during the Covid two years) have cleared SSB and are in various Army / Air Force and Naval academies. Being a soldier himself, he is especially on a mission of giving back to the organisation in the above fields.
Lt. Col. Amit Srivastava, SM (Retd.)
Senior GTO Lucknow & Dehradun Center
Lt. Col. Amit Srivastava, SM is a retired officer of the Indian Army with 25 years of distinguished service. Presently, he is associated with Centurion Defence Academy as a Senior GTO at Dehradun Centre, overseeing the GTO segment of the SSB Interview. He is a trained Group Testing Officer (GTO), having completed an extensive course from the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR). He has served at the Selection Centre, Allahabad as Sr. GTO and has also been part of the Core Team for raising a new Selection Centre at Kapurthala with two SSBs. During his tenure as a GTO at different boards, he assessed more than 10,000 candidates and appraised their suitability as per the selection parameters of the Indian Armed Forces. At Centurion Defence Academy, Lt. Col. Amit Srivastava, SM, with his years of rich experience, ensures that defence aspirants are equipped with the required GTO skills and officer-like qualities to excel in their pursuits.
Mrs. Gurkirat Kaur
Director of Academics and Innovation - CDA
Mrs. Gurkirat Kaur, in her role as Director of Academics and Innovation at Centurion Defence Academy, epitomizes leadership and expertise in shaping the next generation of military leaders. Her specialized focus on communication skills and personality development training is integral to guiding defence aspirants toward successful careers within the Indian Armed Forces. Mrs. Kaur’s distinguished mentorship extends beyond conventional academics, instilling in candidates the requisite officer-like qualities crucial for excelling in the demanding landscape of defence services. Notably, her representation of India in Nepal under the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Youth Exchange Programme underscores her commitment to fostering international cooperation and leadership development. Her unwavering dedication, coupled with a strategic and holistic approach, plays a pivotal role in empowering defence aspirants, ensuring they embody the values, skills, and leadership essential for serving the nation with distinction.
Aditya Dubey
(PD and Eng Spoken Trainer) Vice president-CEPL
Mr. Aditya Dubey, holding the position of Vice President at Centurion Education Pvt. Ltd. (CEPL) and also rendering his services as the Personality Development and English Spoken Trainer, stands as a beacon of guidance and expertise, nurturing students for the past 18 years. His specialization in Competitive English, Communication Skills, and Soft Skills is instrumental in preparing and shaping the career paths of defence aspirants. Mr. Dubey’s innovative and productive teaching methodologies have been pivotal in guiding young minds towards successful careers in defence services since the establishment of CEPL. As a leading figure at Centurion Defence Academy, his leadership and dedication play a crucial role in ensuring the holistic development and readiness of young students aspiring to serve in the defence forces. His dedication to continual learning underscores his pivotal role in nurturing strong and capable individuals for the challenges of defence service.