In the picturesque coastal city of Visakhapatnam, often referred to as Vizag, a young man named Saikumar G. has cultivated a profound ambition shaped by a family legacy steeped in service and honor. Inspired by his father’s resonant words—“Serving the nation is the highest honour one can achieve”—Saikumar embraced the values of discipline, service, and courage from an early age.
Growing up alongside his father, an army officer, he journeyed through various states, absorbing different cultures, languages, and festive customs. Each relocation introduced him to a tapestry of experiences that enriched his understanding of diversity while also forging deep bonds with fellow military families. However, the bittersweet nature of goodbyes was never lost on him; these partings, though painful, only solidified his resolve to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Saikumar’s long-standing aspiration was to join the Indian Army, seeing it not just as a career but as a calling—an intrinsic part of his identity. This dream burned brightly within him as he envisioned himself donned in the uniform, ready to shield the nation and contribute meaningfully to its security and honor.
Embarking on the path to the Services Selection Board (SSB), Saikumar’s journey was fraught with challenges. Between 2018 and 2024, he endeavored through 17 attempts across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Each attempt served as both an obstacle and a lesson, testing his resolve and character. Despite securing three recommendations, he faced setbacks that included academic pressures, emotional turmoil, and moments of depression. Yet, each hurdle only intensified his desire to achieve his goal.
Throughout this rigorous journey, Saikumar found invaluable support in resources like SSBCrack, which equipped him with essential tools for success. Mentorship also played a critical role in his journey. Wing Commander Ashim Kapoor provided vital insights and guidance, while Major Rahul Biswas was a steadfast ally, sharing wisdom and encouragement. Additionally, the lessons imparted by his father instilled in him the core values of discipline and service.
Juggling a demanding corporate role as a Risk and Compliance Specialist with Uber while preparing for the SSB was no small feat. The dual pressures taught him vital time management skills and resilience. Saikumar dedicated his evenings and weekends to brush up on his SSB performance and written examinations, determined to improve with every attempt.
Through this journey, he learned countless lessons:
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Embrace Failure: Each setback became a stepping stone toward growth.
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Manage Stress: Developing strategies to cope with stress became crucial to maintaining focus.
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Stay Resilient: Renewed strength and determination arose from every challenge faced.
- Build Relationships: The companionship of fellow aspirants and the unwavering support from family provided an emotional backbone.
As he reflects on his arduous journey while awaiting the merit list, the moment he dreamed of has finally arrived—he has succeeded in his endeavor! The announcement marked the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering passion to serve his country.
For those preparing for the SSB, Saikumar offers key advice distilled from his experiences:
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Be Yourself: Authenticity is vital; the SSB seeks candidates who reflect their true selves.
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Prioritize Physical Fitness: Being physically prepared is crucial—not just for passing tests, but for demonstrating discipline and endurance.
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Cultivate Mental Toughness: Mental preparation is as crucial as physical readiness; learning to manage stress can significantly influence performance.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Every experience—successful or otherwise—presents opportunities for growth. Seek feedback and continuously refine your approach.
In closing, Saikumar encourages fellow aspirants not to lose hope: your dreams are valid, and perseverance is the key to achievement. As he prepares to step into a new chapter of service—one that echoes the legacy of honor and duty instilled in him since childhood—his journey exemplifies the spirit of dedication that awaits in every aspiring officer.
Jai Hind!
