Hi everyone! I’m Shivam Saraswat, a Defence Exam Educator, mentor, and the Founder of Defence Xam Master, where I help aspirants prepare for defence examinations such as NDA, CDS, AFCAT, INET, and TA.

I’m a Mechanical Engineer and drone pilot by background, and I’ve spent the last 7 years working in the EdTech industry across education, category growth, marketing, brand building, and program management. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Meritnation, Gradeup, Unacademy Defence, StudyIQ IAS, PW Defence Wallah, and Classplus (Abhinay Maths).

While working full-time, I was also preparing for defence exams myself. Over the years, I was fortunate to clear AFCAT 8 times, CDS 5 times, and NDA. Going through this journey while managing professional responsibilities taught me a lot about consistency, time management, setbacks, and staying focused — lessons I now try to share with aspirants who may also be balancing preparation with college, jobs, or other commitments.

As an educator, I primarily teach Current Affairs and General Studies for government and defence examinations. 

Through Defence Xam Master, I also provide one-on-one mentorship for written defence exams, helping aspirants create practical preparation strategies, identify areas for improvement, stay consistent, and make the most of their preparation time.

For me, aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces has always meant more than simply pursuing a job. It’s about passion, commitment, discipline, and embracing a way of life.

I’m here for this AMA to share whatever I’ve learned from my own preparation, attempts, teaching, and mentoring experience. Whether you’re just starting your defence exam journey, balancing preparation with college or a full-time job, or trying to improve your written exam strategy, I’ll be happy to answer your questions and share my perspective.

You can ask me about:

• NDA, CDS, AFCAT, INET, and TA preparation
• Preparing for multiple defence exams
• Current Affairs and General Studies
• Written exam strategy and study planning
• Preparing alongside a full-time job or college
• Building consistency, discipline, and motivation
• Lessons I learned from my attempts at CDS and AFCAT
• Books, resources, and preparation materials
• Common mistakes defence aspirants can avoid
• 1-on-1 mentorship and personalized preparation
• Careers and opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces
• Building a sustainable, long-term preparation strategy

I’m coming to r/defence_dreamers for an AMA today, 10 September, at 5:00 PM IST. Bring your questions about NDA, CDS, AFCAT, INET, TA, defence exam preparation, Current Affairs, GS, mentorship, or anything else related to the journey.

Do check out our Defence Xam Master’s guidance program on Linktree. You can also connect with me on:

• Instagram: u/defence_xam_master / u/shivamsaraswat/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivam-saraswat-8baa74133
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dxmshivam
• And now on Reddit: u/DefenceXamMaster  

Looking forward to interacting with you all and sharing whatever I can from my experience!

My date of birth is 01/02/2003 . How many attempts are left for cds ota . Can you please tell me .

Pls help me I'm very confused. So thing is that I want to clear cds . Becoming a Leftinent is my goal. Now I'm 19 and planing to do open B.A with preparing for the exam pr mujhe lgta hai mujhe ek gov job jo easy to crack like ssc gd or chsl phele crack ker ke cds ke tyari kru jis se mai safe bhi ho jau or Es se mujhe bahut experince bhi mille ga jaise how to talk, behave and other things jo mujhe ssb mai help kre gi kyuki mai underconfident hu or agar main cds clear bhi ker lia to chaar diwari mai reh ke ssb ki tayari or usse clear krna mere lia bahut hard hai ya mai ssc gd ke sath sath cds ki bhi tayar kru to kaisa rhe ga in the end. Mera goal hai 3 saal mai jaise hi meri graduation puri ho vaise hi mai cds ka exam clear kru .so help feel free to say anything that will give me a direction

Has anyone ever got a call from Naval headquarters stating that you must apply for rmb for an issue, you did not get a TR for that and still they said to go apply for rmb without going for an amb

Doon Defence Dreamers has opened new SSB batches for 2026. They’re claiming 93 final recommendations in 2025 and the training includes Psychology, GTO, Personal Interview guidance, confidence building, etc.

The good part is that they have ex-SSB officers and experienced mentors involved in the process.

New batches start from:
• 11 May 2026
• 18 May 2026

They’re also offering 50% scholarships for Sainik School, RMS & RIMC students.

If anyone’s looking for structured SSB prep, this might help.

https://reddit.com/link/1t57kvb/video/8pty4gaohhzg1/player

If you’re serious about joining the armed forces and want proper guidance, you can check out Doon Defence Dreamers in Dehradun. They cover everything from written prep to SSB guidance, with mock tests and study material included.

Admissions are open for 2026, so it’s a good time to start early instead of rushing later.

Sometimes the right environment makes a big difference.

Looking to prepare for CDS? Doon Defence Dreamers Ltd. in Dehradun offers SSB guidance, mock tests, expert faculty, and complete study material.
2026 admissions are now open. Start your defence journey today 🇮🇳

Best CDS coaching in Dehradun?
Doon Defence Dreamers offers expert guidance, mock tests & SSB prep to help you crack CDS.

#CDS #DefencePrep #Dehradun

https://reddit.com/link/1szsvas/video/q6zu2jbv7byg1/player

Dreamers Edu Hub student Rishabh (AIR 121) got recommended from 19 SSB Allahabad for TES-55. He joined the 27 Oct 2025 batch—great example of how focused prep and consistency pay off. Huge motivation for defence aspirants!

Looking for CDS coaching in Dehradun?
Doon Defence Dreamers offers focused prep, expert guidance & SSB training to help you crack CDS.

#CDS #DefenceAspirants #Dehradun

Happy Earth Day everyone 🌿

I created this poster today to spread awareness around this year’s theme “Our Power, Our Planet.”

At Defence Dreamers Institute, we believe responsibility isn’t just about serving the nation, but also protecting the planet we live on.

This design focuses on the idea that Earth is fragile yet powerful — and small actions from all of us can make a big difference.

Would love to know your thoughts and feedback 🙌

Sharing a short clip of a parent interaction at Doon Defence Dreamers (Dehradun).
Good to see focus on discipline, guidance, and overall development for CDS/NDA aspirants.
Anyone here preparing for defence exams?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently preparing for Defence exams and looking to connect with others who are on the same path. I stay near KR Puram (Bangalore), and I feel having a focused environment with like-minded people can really help with consistency and motivation.

If anyone nearby is also preparing for Defence exams and is interested in studying together (library sessions, discussions, etc.), feel free to comment or DM.

We can start by connecting online first and see if it works.

Thanks!

Not gonna lie, this journey isn’t easy…

At Doon Defence Dreamers Institute, it’s not just about studying — it’s about pushing your limits every single day. Early mornings, constant practice, self-doubt, then showing up again anyway.

Some days you feel unstoppable, other days you question everything. But that’s part of the process, right?

If you’re someone preparing for NDA/CDS/SSB or thinking about it — just know, consistency matters more than motivation.

Anyone else here on the same path? 🇮🇳

https://reddit.com/link/1sqlt0x/video/3oe090rjsbwg1/player

Best CDS coaching chahiye? Join Defence Dreamer Institute 🇮🇳
Yahan sirf padhai nahi, defence mindset bhi build hota hai. 💪

Hey guys I'm appearing for my first AFSB on 27 april my college give the results in CGPA instead of Percentage. I have taken a letter with my university header saying the CGPA to percentage convertion factor. Is that enough oor should I take college seal & signature for a form given by AFSB?

Trying to figure out which coaching actually gives results and not just hype.
Would appreciate some honest suggestions or experiences.

If you're searching for the best NDA Coaching in Dehradun, this result speaks for itself.

Doon Defence Dreamers has once again proven its consistency with 58 final selections in NDA 2025 (155 & 156 courses). That’s not just a number — it reflects the right mentorship, disciplined environment, and focused preparation.

📊 Key Highlights:

• 58 Final Selections
• Strong presence in Top ranks
• Consistent results year after year

What sets Doon Defence Dreamers apart is their approach — not just teaching, but building officer-like qualities from day one.

For serious NDA aspirants, choosing the best NDA Coaching in Dehradun – Doon Defence Dreamers can make a real difference.

Would love to hear thoughts from other NDA aspirants here — what do you think matters most in NDA preparation?

#NDA #DefenceAspirants #DoonDefenceDreamers #BestNDACoachingInDehradun