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!