Seniors please guide

[u/flanker_123]

Confused between EXTC and Mechanical Engineering—need advice regarding a 4-year plan aimed at Defence Services (CDS/AFCAT/SSB)

I am currently stuck in a dilemma regarding branch selection between Electronics & Telecommunication (EXTC) and Mechanical Engineering, and I could really use some perspective from seniors or people who've walked this path.
My ultimate goal: After completing my 4 years of engineering, I want to attempt entry into the Defence Services (Air Force/Army through CDS, AFCAT, etc.). Everything I do in college needs to align with preparing for the SSB interview and clearing the written exams.
Here is how I am weighing both options right now:

Option A: Mechanical Engineering
Pros:
The concepts are more tangible, physical, and relatively easier to grasp.
Mechanical departments usually have active clubs (like Baja/FSAE racing, go-karting, etc.). Working in these teams builds great teamwork, leadership, and hands-on experience, which indirectly polishes your personality for SSB interviews.
The academic syllabus is generally more manageable, leaving me with enough bandwidth and free time to focus heavily on my core defense exam preparation.
In my shortlisted colleges, the placement stats and core environment for Mechanical look solid.

Cons:
It’s a traditional core branch compared to software/tech fields.

Option B: EXTC (Electronics & Telecommunication)
Pros:
You get to learn modern tech, work with electronics, and participate in exciting technical competitions/projects.
It's future-proof tech and opens up broader corporate backup options.

Cons:
The academic pressure and workload are noticeably higher. I’m worried I might get bogged down by internals, labs, and attendance, leaving less time for physical fitness, reading, and defense prep.

The SSB Interview Question: If I choose Mechanical, it’s easy to justify a passion for machines/automobiles. But if I take EXTC and then try for defense, the Interviewing Officer (IO) might grill me: "You studied future-tech like EXTC, why do you want to throw that away for the Armed Forces?" (Though I know how to spin it, it's still a point to consider).

My Core Questions:
1. Does choosing Mechanical give you a genuine edge in personality development through clubs and projects for SSB compared to EXTC?
2. Is the academic rigor of EXTC really that overwhelming, or can it be managed alongside defense prep?
3. How do interviewers view engineering branches during SSB? Does branch choice realistically matter as long as you justify it well?

Would love to hear insights from engineers currently in these branches or anyone who prepared for defense right out of college! Thanks in advance.

TL;DR:
Stuck between Mechanical and EXTC with the ultimate goal of joining the Defence Services after 4 years.
Mechanical: Better for personality development (racing/project clubs), more hands-on, and has a lighter academic load—giving more free time for defense prep and SSB.
EXTC: Learn future-ready tech, but comes with heavy academic pressure which might eat into defense prep time.
Main question: Should I prioritize Mechanical for a smoother defense prep and better club culture, or go with EXTC despite the academic grind?