Success Stories

Each one of us set out with a dream in mind. A dream we hope to achieve and excel in. My dream, my ambition has always been to join the Indian Armed Forces. In my first step towards my dream came in beginning of April 2015, when I qualified the written exam of NDA – 134 course and got my call up letter for the SSB. But in my first attempt, I was not fortunate to get recommended and was conferenced out. Not giving up hope, the same month I sat for written exam of NDA-135 course and this time felt it necessary to get guidance for the SSB to find out exactly where I lacked and to perform better if I got a call letter again. I was very fortunate enough to find the S.A.L.T. - Siegwald Academy for Leadership Training, the only such institute in Eastern India that caters to the need of aspirants like me to guide us in the process of SSB and also develop many personality traits.

In my 2 week course, I was guided by a team of ex-officers of the armed forces experienced in the field of SSB, and were at a point assessors themselves. The SSB being scientific way of selection of officers to the various wings of the Armed Forces, there are various aspects of the selection that most of us are not aware of. During the course, we were first explained in detail the stages of the selection process and the officer like qualities that are looked for in them. The detailed presentations and along with lectures by the officers in all the topics gave us all the information that one needs to know regarding the process of selection. But as they say, practice makes one perfect, we were put through regular practices through all the tests, whether a written examination or a group discussion and also first-hand experience in GTO tasks. All these practices under time constraint helped us to perform better in the next exam. Even proper interview is conducted wherein we get an evaluation of the test we just gave and also given an opportunity to clear out doubts then and there. After all this we had a professional communication class to help us to improve our verbal speaking skills and especially to develop our self-confidence.

Finally in the month of September 2015, I got a call up for SSB for both NDA and TES 10+2 entry. I was successful in both the SSB and got recommended for both the entries. I would take this opportunity to thank the academy for guiding me to achieve my dream to become an Officer in the Indian Army.

ISHAN HAS JOINED TES !! WE WISH HIM ALL THE BEST !!

How I got motivated to join the Indian army:-

The UES 25 interviews were happening in college and I met a Major who had come to interview us. The charisma with which he spoke with was mesmerizing.

Retired officers from S.A.L.T - Siegwald Academy for Leadership Training came to our campus for counselling about the SSB process. This experience, the 10 minute interaction with them, was enough for me to make up my mind. This is the lifestyle I wanted and the personality I must develop upon.

No other career would offer me the camaraderie, adventure, unparalleled social respect and high fitness levels as perks. The feeling of doing a service and not a job was another feel good factor. Anyone and everyone you spoke to and told that “I am a defence career aspirant”…. their eyes would light up… this is the kind of feeling and respect you are given. It had to be this or nothing. My mind was made.

I started doing my research on a career as an Officer in the Indian Army, the lifestyle, the SSB process etc…. And I realised this is what I wanted from life. This is who I wanted to be. I was willing to work hard no doubt but working hard without the right knowledge was as good as not trying. I needed guidance. I visited Siegwald Academy.

Now let me answer the most important question “is coaching necessary?”

Yes and No.

No:- because if you have it in you and you are sure about yourself and your abilities, nothing can stop you…

But then again how many of us are this perfect and self-aware?

Yes:- because they don’t teach you….they help you understand the process of the SSB and expose your weaknesses like an open nerve, every task will be integrated in you so well that it will become muscle memory. Take my word for it, this was personality development one on one for me. People agreed that I was a changed individual who was motivated and steadfast. I was willing to work harder and take calculated risks with life and all that paid off.

I was greeted with warmth and the place was very easily accessible. Unlike places like other competitive coaching you are not given an array of books, truth be told you don’t need a single book! you don’t sit in a class with 50+ odd candidates. Here the group is much smaller so that no candidate lacks an individual touch.

The people responsible for your build-up are experienced with leading teams to war for very long careers , they know you better than you know yourself at the end of day one. This I believe is very important.

Regular Communication classes are taken to improve the command over the English language, remove the fear of public speaking and let you express yourself more fluently. I was very comfortable with the command I had over the English language but I was not comfortable with expressing myself in public. This was clearly dealt with on day one itself.

What if I did not succeed at the SSB what would be the benefit of coaching then?

I know people have this question, I did too.

First and foremost if you are questioning yourself on weather you will win or loose, you Sir have lost already. Do not let that doubt creep into your head. You are no less than anyone. Hard work and perseverance and if you put your mind to it you will do it.

An Officer is first and foremost a very good manager. Crisis management, labour management, etc are an integral part of ones work life. The experience at Siegwald has made me a leader, a manager, a soldier, and a better individual, this will help me in all walks of life. Now I’m only gaining from this and not losing. So will you.

You will do it, if you believe you can do it. Put your mind, body and soul in it. Nothing is impossible. Work hard give your 100%. Life will give you back the 100%...

Jai hind,
Divyansh Joshi.
Recommended for UES25 Course