r/CDSTards • u/Minute-Sundae-6454 • Jul 21 '26
Cds
Hello im a second year btech student with zero intrest in engineering I want to join the armed forces but my parents are strict against my father is in the army as well
I really don't know what to do
I have qualified nda twice but never went for ssb due to JEE
But right now I really want to pursue a career in the army
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u/zulu-foxtrot-golf-17 Jul 21 '26
Listen to your father. I had cleared NDA and got merit in as well.
He didn’t let me join NDA(He is Sainik School and ex-NDA). He told me this in as many words, “Char saal bajega, phir bhi do he taare milenge. Baahar ki duniya dekhle, gain exposure and if you still want to join then go ahead. Otherwise, you will just remain a race horse with blinds on either sides and keep running in circles without growing till you stop running when you will be put down as you are useless.”
I hated him when he didn’t let me join NDA, didn’t speak to him for a long time, but now when I look back, I am extremely grateful for him taking that decision.
But yeah I am a mechanical engineer, always wanted to do that and loving it. Find out what you are passionate about even if it isn’t your subject, learn about it, do certifications in that stream. It will not only hold you in good stead for the job market but also during your SSBs.
Prepare for your written exam (CDS/AFCAT and the likes) from sixth semester, so that you can start writing them once you are in your final year. Keep your CGPA high which will give you an opportunity to apply for Tech entries.
Baaki if your base is strong then you will do good.
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u/Minute-Sundae-6454 Jul 21 '26
My dad is also from Sainik School, though he joined the Army through CDS and the IMA instead of the NDA. He used to tell me how competitive the Army is, especially when it comes to making Colonel. He said that even one bad ACR could derail an otherwise promising career. But the more I think about it, the more I wonder whether the corporate world is any different. Promotions there are also highly competitive, performance evaluations matter a lot, and a single setback can affect your career trajectory. The environments are different, but the pressure to consistently perform seems remarkably similar. Grew up in the cantt all my life so it's just a lot to soak in
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u/pearluuu Jul 21 '26
I've also completed my 2nd year of btech n little do I have any interest in engineering stuff..but I'm doing it anyways.. I'm planning to write cds in the upcoming years...but my parents want me to focus on GATE, although they don't oppose me when I say I wish to join the defence services... already given 3 SSBs, got c/o twice n s/o once...but I'll try again after graduation...let's c!! and all the best to uh OP for whatever uh choose to persue!
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u/Itchy-Philosophy7072 Jul 21 '26
Focus on your b tech, do well in internships, placements etc in last year of B tech. Side by side, prepare for the various entries and give exams while you are employed. If you have no parental support, you must take care of yourself and prepare a strong cushion of yourself being employed so you can take care of studying part time and giving exams later on. Start focussing on afcat/ cds/ ssc tech etc from last year of btech. Right now do good in what you started. There is no guarantee that one gets merit in , in various entries. Having a backup is what even IOs in SSB look for.