In this inspiring and motivational blog for defence aspirants, we share the success story of Lieutenant Adarsh Kumar, who recently graduated from the Officers Training Academy, Gaya. Adarsh graduated from OTA Gaya as part of the 43rd Course of the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) of the Indian Army. Adarsh comes from a humble background, and he struggled a lot during his preparation days. Let us see how Adarsh, the son of a gateman from Lucknow, became a Lieutenant in the Indian Army.

Adarsh’s struggle in Lucknow

Adarsh is from Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh. He came to Lucknow to continue his studies. As a Hindi-medium student with a village background, Adarsh struggled initially. His father serves as a gateman in Lucknow, and Adarsh, along with his father, used to live in a rented room in Lucknow. In this blog, we will share the complete journey of Adarsh Kumar and also discuss how he succeeded in becoming a lieutenant in the Army despite failing the NDA SSB interview.

Passing Out Parade at the OTA Gaya

On June 8, 2024, the OTA Gaya organized a grand Passing Out Parade event. It was the 25th Passing Out Parade (Silver Jubilee) of the Officers’ Training Academy, Gaya. The notable personalities who witnessed the event were Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Paramjit Singh Minhas, Commandant OTA, Gaya, civil dignitaries, officers of OTA, Gaya, the passing-out officer cadets, and their proud family members. Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, the current Vice Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, was the Reviewing Officer for this event.

Adarsh graduated from the OTA Gaya

In this POP, a total of 118 officer cadets passed through the Antim Pag and became Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles. Out of 118 officer cadets, 58 were from the Special Commissioned Officers Course, and 60 were from the Technical Entry Scheme course. The Passing Out Parade also witnessed 15 officer cadets from Assam Rifles. Adarsh Kumar passed out from the Officers Training Academy, Gaya, under the 43rd course of the Technical Entry Scheme.

A memorable day for Adarsh’s family

8th June 2024 was indeed a memorable and auspicious day for the family members and teachers of Adarsh Kumar. To witness the passing out parade of his student Adarsh Kumar, the Founder Director of Centurion Defence Academy, Sir Shishir Dixit, was also present at the Officers Training Academy, Gaya. Adarsh took coaching from Centurion Defence Academy and prepared for his defence dream under the guidance of Sir Shishir Dixit.

A day of joy and delight for Sir Shishir Dixit

It was a day of great joy and delight for Sir Shishir Dixit as well, so he visited OTA Gaya to meet Adarsh Kumar and his family members and conveyed his best wishes to them. Besides him, Mr. Hemant Dixit, the guardian of Centurion Defence Academy, was also there to witness the POP event at the OTA Gaya.

An inspiring journey of Adarsh

Adarsh Kumar’s journey is truly inspiring for thousands of young defence aspirants who wish to join the Indian Army as an officer. His success story shows the power of hard work and good guidance. Despite being the son of a gatekeeper, Adarsh never gave up on his dreams.

Adarsh’s initial days in Lucknow

He lived in a small rented room in Lucknow and worked hard to prepare for his goal. He first appeared in the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exam and also cleared the written phase in his first attempt. However, he faced a setback when he didn’t pass the SSB interview.

Perseverance always pays off

Instead of being discouraged due to failure in the NDA SSB, he continued to prepare for the SSB interview for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES-43 Course) of the Indian Army. With his hard work, dedication, perseverance, and thoughtful guidance from Centurion Defence Academy, he cracked the SSB Interview under the TES-43 course within two weeks.

Recommendation from 19 SSB Allahabad

Adarsh received recommendation to join the OTA Gaya from 19 SSB Allahabad, one of the toughest selection boards. Subsequently, he joined the OTA Gaya and after four years of rigorous training, now he has passed out from the OTA Gaya and become a Lieutenant. A key part of Adarsh’s success was the support and guidance of Sir Shishir Dixit, who was always there to help and encourage Adarsh. There is no doubt that his advice and guidance were crucial in Adarsh’s journey.

Role of Sir Shishir Dixit

It was quite visible at the time of Adarsh’s recommendation, because with Sir Dixit’s guidance and mentorship, Adarsh’s hard work paid off, and within two weeks, he was selected for training at the Officers Training Academy in Gaya. Adarsh Kumar’s story shows that with hard work, determination, and the guidance of a good mentor like Sir Shishir Dixit, anyone can achieve success in life. At the OTA Gaya event, Sir Shishir Dixit congratulated all the passing-out cadets and wished them a bright future.

Centurion’s SRNTH Scholarship program

At present, Adarsh’s younger brother and sister are preparing for the NDA exam at Centurion Defence Academy under the Shishir Rameshwar National Talent Hunt (SRNTH) scholarship program. This scholarship program is run by Centurion Defence Academy to provide financial assistance to deserving defence aspirants who come from poor socio-economic backgrounds. Sir Shishir Dixit, the Founder-Director and Expert Faculty (Defence Exams and SSB Interview) of Centurion Defence Academy, says that it is his wish that at least one member from every family should join the defence forces and serve the nation.

Centurion’s highest selection rate in officer cadre

To achieve this noble vision, he runs the SRNTH scholarship program to help many more students like Adarsh. For many years, Centurion Defence Academy has been producing the highest selection rates in the officer cadre of the Indian Armed Forces. As the best defence coaching institute in India, the Academy gives three to four weekly selections. The success stories of its students are present everywhere, from YouTube to other social media platforms. Besides this achievement, Centurion Defence Academy also holds the record for the highest selection of girls in the officer cadre of the Indian Armed Forces.