Hardik Garg NDA 153
Cadet Hardik Garg NDA 153 course. Hello everyone! I’m Cadet Hardik Garg from RIMC Dehradun. I come from Yamunanagar in Haryana, where I spent my early years and schooling. My father is a senior lecturer at MMDU Ambala, and education has always been a key part of my upbringing.
In 2019, I took a major step toward my dream by joining the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC). This was driven by my lifelong aspiration to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces. At RIMC, I had the opportunity to learn and excel in various sports and activities, and I met inspiring personalities who truly embodied the spirit of service. The environment at RIMC offered a taste of actual military life, instilling in us values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
Coming from a joint family with a strong business background, my choice to pursue a military career was a unique one. However, my family was always supportive, standing by me through each challenge. The RIMC community became my extended family, where my coursemates and mentors helped me prepare for my exams. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and motivation, with everyone lifting each other to do their best. My teachers and mentors corrected and guided me as needed, helping me grow and improve.
The journey to clear my Services Selection Board (SSB) interview was challenging. In my first SSB attempt, I was screened out, which was disheartening. However, my commandant and fellow cadets believed in my dedication and encouraged me to keep going. For my second attempt, I put in relentless effort, working with my friend Anmol, who was AIR 1 in NDA 152. We studied together, focusing on everything from knowledge and delivery to approach and accuracy. This time, I made it through and secured AIR 2. This success made all the sacrifices worthwhile. I attended my second SSB at the 33 SSB, Bhopal, on August 6, 2024.
A significant source of motivation throughout this journey was Defence Direct Education. Their Mission NDA book played a crucial role in helping me crack the NDA exam, while their SSB preparation books were invaluable in guiding me toward success in my second attempt. The comprehensive insights and structured guidance from these resources truly made a difference in my preparation.
Life at RIMC was intense but fulfilling. Our day started early, with a reveille at 5 a.m., followed by physical training and drills that strengthened our stamina and energy. Breakfast at the cadet mess provided a nutritious start to the day, preparing us for classes, discussions, and public speaking until 2 p.m. Afternoons were reserved for sports and fitness sessions, where we honed both our physical and mental coordination. In the evening, after the daily roll call, we focused on academics during prep time. Lights out was observed at 10:30 p.m., allowing us to rest and recharge for the next day’s challenges.
Throughout each term, we participated in competitions, lectures, educational visits, sports events, and other activities that fostered all-around growth. These experiences taught us skills beyond the classroom, shaping us into well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges of military life.
My journey at RIMC has been invaluable, and each experience brought me closer to my goal of joining the Armed Forces. I’m excited to take forward the lessons I’ve learned and to continue growing as a cadet and future officer.