When 19-year-old Deepak Kandpal walked across the parade ground at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in late 2025, uniformed in his ceremonial dress, he stood out—not just as another cadet, but as the one awarded the prestigious President’s Gold Medal. This honor marked him as the best cadet of the 149th graduating course, a recognition of excellence in academics, physical training, leadership, and all-around performance. 

For Deepak, this distinction carried even greater meaning. Hailing from a modest background—his father worked as a taxi driver; his early schooling was in a small village—his journey to the top of NDA’s graduating batch is a testament to grit, dedication, and resilience. 

Discipline, diligence, and all-round excellence were what set him apart.

At NDA, cadets undergo rigorous training—a mix of academics, physical conditioning, military drills, leadership modules, and character building. Excelling here isn’t just about doing well in written exams—it’s about being officer material. For Deepak, his performance was outstanding across all fronts: mental strength, academic clarity, physical fitness, discipline, and leadership potential.

The President’s Gold Medal awarded to him doesn’t just recognise a strong finish—it reflects sustained excellence over years of strenuous training and a well-rounded personality that meets the standards of future officers. 

His success sends a powerful message: your background doesn’t determine your destination. With hard work and commitment, even aspirants from humble or non-military backgrounds can reach the highest echelons at NDA.

Why Deepak Kandpal’s Story Matters—Inspiration for Thousands of Aspirants

• Breaking Stereotypes: His background wasn’t one of privilege or privileged education—yet he rose to become the top cadet. That challenges the notion that only elite students or defence-family kids can succeed at NDA.

• Proof of Meritocracy: The fact that merit, not background, prevailed shows that NDA (and Indian armed forces aspirational paths) remains open to anyone with the will and discipline.

• A Light for Youth from Modest and Rural Backgrounds: For students from small towns or modest families (just like many across Punjab, Uttarakhand, and rural India), Deepak’s journey proves that dreams are achievable.

• Holistic Excellence Matters: NDA doesn’t just test academics—body, mind, character, and endurance leadership. Deepak’s success emphasises the need to prepare every facet of oneself.

How to Turn Your Dream into Reality—Starting with a Strong Foundation

If you’re inspired by Deepak’s journey and want to aim for NDA / a career as an officer, you need more than wishful thinking. You need structured preparation, discipline, guidance, and the right environment. That’s where coaching institutes like AIM Defence Academy come in.

AIM Defence Academy offers integrated NDA-preparation programmes that combine academic studies, written-exam coaching, physical training, SSB (Service Selection Board) interview preparation, and personality development—all under one roof. 

Whether you are finishing 10th, in 11th–12th, or starting later, AIM provides options: NDA-with-schooling (for students still in school), serious NDA crash courses, online classes for remote aspirants, hostel facilities for out-of-station students, and a disciplined, defence-orientated environment. 

With experienced faculty (including retired defence officers), structured syllabus coverage, mock tests, physical training, and SSB grooming, AIM is designed to help transform aspirants into well-prepared candidates fitting NDA’s demanding selection standards. 

What This Could Mean for You (Especially from Mohali / Punjab)

Since you are in Mohali / Punjab — institutes like AIM Defence Academy can be a realistic and structured way to prepare for NDA (or other defence exams). You don’t necessarily need a defence family or elite schooling — what you need is discipline, commitment, and the right training environment.

If you start early (after 10th or in 11th/12th) and prepare seriously — both academically and physically — you could position yourself like Deepak: earning a place at NDA, excelling, and going on to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.