Mukesh Didn’t Quit His Job, Didn’t Overprepare, Yet Cleared His First SSB

“SSB doesn’t demand perfection. It looks for honesty—in thoughts, intent, and action.”

Discipline That Came From the Chessboard

Mukesh wasn’t new to pressure. A national-level chess player for Karnataka, with occasional international appearances, he had spent years training his mind—thinking ahead, staying composed, and making decisions under stress. Those habits quietly shaped the officer-like qualities he carried into his SSB preparation.

His CDS journey, however, wasn’t straightforward. He appeared three times—the first two attempts ended at the written stage. In the third attempt, he finally cleared the written exam and reported for his first SSB at 18 SSB Allahabad.

And he got recommended.

Why Preparation Mattered, Even for a First Attempt

Mukesh didn’t rely on luck. He knew that clearing SSB, especially in the first attempt, required clarity.

It was Shreesha, an R2R alumnus who had been recommended in Navy Tech, who suggested that Mukesh join Road to Recommendation. Trusting that advice, Mukesh enrolled—not to learn shortcuts, but to understand the why behind each task.

One key learning stayed with him:

“The emphasis should always be on your thoughts, not just your actions.”

For GTO, Sachin Sir’s feedback was honest, direct, and sometimes uncomfortable—but extremely effective. Group discussions and lecturettes were broken down realistically, without sugarcoating. Mukesh openly feels that his GTO performance was one of his strongest areas because of this guidance.

The interview preparation went even deeper. From small habits like excessive head-nodding to larger concerns around self-presentation, everything was discussed in a raw, personalised manner. Nothing felt generic. Everything made sense—because it was him being prepared, not a version he was trying to copy.

Just days before reporting for SSB, Mukesh faced personal loss—he lost both his grandmother and his dog. It was an emotionally exhausting phase, one that could have easily broken focus.

Instead, he made a quiet decision:

“If I’ve decided to do this, then I will do it. No ifs, no buts.”

That mindset became his anchor. He channelled his emotions into performance, staying present in each task rather than being overwhelmed by circumstances.

Mukesh believes that before trying to become an officer, one must focus on becoming a good human being. SSB, according to him, naturally reflects that authenticity.

His experience at R2R helped him understand that SSB isn’t complicated—it becomes difficult only when aspirants try to become someone they’re not. Once clarity sets in, preparation becomes purposeful.

Sometimes, the right guidance doesn’t change who you are—it simply helps you present it better.

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