Early Life & Background of Harkaran Pratap Singh
Every AFCAT SSB success story begins in a small town, with a big dream.
For Harkaran Pratap Singh, that town was Solan in Himachal Pradesh. Growing up in the hills, he was surrounded by calm mountains, disciplined army cantonments and stories of soldiers who guarded the borders in extreme conditions.
From school days he was soft-spoken but very observant. Teachers often described him as “quiet yet dependable”. He liked sports, especially outdoor games, and was always ready to help his classmates. Slowly, the idea of joining the Indian Air Force started taking shape in his mind.
Unlike many students who think about the uniform only after graduation, Harkaran began reading about AFCAT, fighter jets, and the life of an officer while he was still in school. He followed videos of 1 AFSB Dehradun, listened to experiences of recommended candidates, and tried to understand what exactly happens in the SSB interview.
But like every aspirant, he also had doubts—
Is my communication strong enough?
Will I be able to face group tasks with confidence?
How should I prepare for psychology tests?
These questions finally pushed him to look for the right guidance.
Joining Doon Defence Dreamers for SSB Preparation (29 September Batch)
When Harkaran decided to take his dream seriously, he started searching for an academy that understood the AFCAT SSB success story from inside the SSB gates, not just from books. Through seniors and social media he came to know about Doon Defence Dreamers (Dreamers Edu Hub) in Dehradun.
He saw that many students from the academy had already been recommended from 1 AFSB Dehradun and other boards. The detailed feedback, personal mentoring and disciplined environment attracted him. Finally he travelled from Solan to Dehradun and took admission in the SSB course (29 September Batch).
On the very first day, he filled the SSB admission form, got his photograph clicked and attended the orientation session. In that session, mentors clearly explained:
What qualities SSB assessors actually look for
How AFCAT written selection is different from the SSB process
Why having the right mindset is more important than just coaching
This clarity relaxed him. He realised that the SSB is not an exam to “crack” with tricks; it is a place where the real personality comes out.
Training Journey at DDD: Classes, Routine and Mentorship
Once the batch started, Harkaran’s routine became structured and focused. The day at Doon Defence Dreamers usually began with morning interaction and ended with doubt-clearing sessions. During this journey he steadily built the base of his AFCAT SSB success story.
The training covered all three major testing areas:
Psychology Classes – He learnt about TAT, WAT, SRT and SD. Mentors explained how these tests are not checking English grammar but the way a candidate thinks in real life. Harkaran practised writing fast, positive and realistic responses instead of memorising stories.
GTO Tasks Practice – From group discussions and group planning exercises to progressive group tasks and command tasks, he got regular hands-on exposure. The academy’s GTO ground simulated actual tasks seen at 1 AFSB Dehradun and other boards. Through repeated practice he learnt how to give logical suggestions, how to listen when others speak, and how to take initiative without dominating the group.
Interview Preparation – One-to-one mock interviews were a turning point. In the first mock, he realised that he sometimes gave very short answers and did not highlight his achievements. Mentors guided him to prepare his “PIQ story” – his education, hobbies, responsibilities at home, strengths, weaknesses and future plans – in a natural way.
Apart from these, there were sessions on current affairs, Air Force ranks and branches, basic defence knowledge and etiquette inside the selection board. Regular tests and feedback ensured that he kept improving week by week.
Preparation for AFCAT & SSB: Building OLQs, Confidence and Communication
SSB is not only about tasks; it is about Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). Harkaran understood that if he wanted a genuine AFCAT SSB success story, he had to work on his personality every single day.
At the academy he focused on three main areas:
a) Communication Skills
Even though his English was decent, he sometimes hesitated while speaking in front of strangers. Group discussions at DDD forced him to come out of his comfort zone. Initially he would speak only once or twice in a GD; later he started opening the discussion, giving structured points and also supporting others.
b) Physical Fitness
With a height of about 184 cm and athletic build, he already looked fit, but he knew that stamina and agility were equally important. Evening time was dedicated to running, basic exercises and games. This helped him stay energetic during long 1 AFSB Dehradun testing days.
c) Mental Preparation
SSB tests patience. There are long waiting hours, sudden changes in schedule and continuous evaluation. Through guidance, meditation tips and peer support, he learnt how to remain calm, accept feedback and not get affected by small setbacks in any single test.
By the end of his course at Doon Defence Dreamers, Harkaran had a clear picture of his strengths: responsibility, sincerity, team attitude and honesty. Instead of trying to “act” like an officer, he focused on being a better version of himself.
1 AFSB Dehradun Experience – From Screening to Conference
Finally the day came when he reported at 1 AFSB Dehradun through AFCAT entry. The environment inside the board was both exciting and serious. Everything he had practised now had to be executed confidently.
Screening Day
On Day 1, candidates underwent OIR tests followed by PPDT. Thanks to his training, he wrote a clear, positive story and participated actively in the group discussion. He neither shouted nor remained silent—he balanced both listening and speaking. After the results, his chest number was called in the list of screened-in candidates. It was the first big step in his AFCAT SSB success story.
Psychological Tests
Next came TAT, WAT, SRT and Self-Description. Harkaran stuck to the basic rule taught at Doon Defence Dreamers: Write what you actually believe and what you are capable of doing. His stories were realistic, action-oriented and showed responsibility.
GTO Tasks
Across the next two days, he participated in group discussions, military planning exercises, progressive group tasks, half group tasks, individual obstacles and the command task. On the GTO ground, he remembered his mentors’ words:
Do not try to show off
Help others cross the obstacle
Give practical ideas, not just emotional statements
His performance remained steady and natural.
Personal Interview
In the interview, the IO asked about his family, education, hobbies, reasons for joining the Air Force, and also some personal challenges he had faced. Because he had already prepared his life story during coaching, he could answer openly and confidently. He did not hide his weaknesses; instead he explained how he was working to improve them. This honesty created a positive impression.
Conference
The last phase was the conference. Every candidate feels the heartbeat racing at this time. When Harkaran entered the room, he was greeted and asked a few questions about his stay, learning and suggestions. The interaction was short but polite. After that, all he could do was wait for the results.
Family Support and Role of Parminder Singh ji
Behind every AFCAT SSB success story, there is a family that stands silently in the background. For Harkaran, his father Parminder Singh ji played that role.
From allowing him to travel from Himachal Pradesh to Dehradun for coaching, to supporting his decision to join the armed forces, the family never pressured him to choose an “easier” career. They trusted his dream and his sincerity.
Whenever he felt low during preparation, a quick phone call with his parents would refresh his motivation. They reminded him that success or failure is a part of life, but effort and character should never be compromised. This emotional backing gave him the courage to face the tough days at 1 AFSB Dehradun without fear.
The admission form filled at Doon Defence Dreamers proudly carries his father’s signature. It is a simple line on paper, but it symbolises full faith in their son’s ambition.
Harkaran’s Success: Recommendation Through AFCAT Entry
When the results were finally announced at 1 AFSB Dehradun, names started coming one by one. Hearing his own chest number among the recommended candidates was a life-changing moment for Harkaran. Months of preparation, doubts, hard work and hope came together in that single announcement.
For Doon Defence Dreamers, it was another proud AFCAT SSB success story added to their record. For his family, it was the moment when their son moved one step closer to the blue uniform of the Indian Air Force. For other aspirants, his journey became proof that a sincere student from a small town, with the right guidance and mindset, can definitely get recommended.
The congratulatory poster with the tricolour in the background and the words “Recommended from 1 AFSB Dehradun through AFCAT Entry” is not just a design—it is the reflection of discipline, sacrifice and determination.
Motivational Message for Future AFCAT & SSB Aspirants
Harkaran’s journey sends a clear message to every young aspirant preparing for AFCAT and SSB:
Start Early but Stay Consistent – Dreams of the uniform should be supported with daily efforts. Even small steps like reading newspapers, improving fitness and observing leaders help in the long run.
Take Proper Guidance – Joining a focused academy like Doon Defence Dreamers (Best SSB Coaching in Dehradun) can save you from years of confusion. Experienced mentors know what actually matters at SSB and can shape your preparation in the right direction.
Work on Real OLQs, Not Acting – SSB assessors are experts. They can easily see when a candidate is pretending. Be honest, accept your flaws and show that you are genuinely improving yourself.
Stay Positive During the Whole Process – Not every test will go perfectly. But one slightly weak performance does not decide your entire result. Maintain a steady average throughout.
Respect Your Family’s Support – Parents, siblings and friends who motivate you are your strength. Keep them informed, share your progress and value their sacrifices.
If you also dream of seeing your name in the recommended list of 1 AFSB Dehradun or any other board, remember the story of Harkaran Pratap Singh. He was not born extraordinary. He simply chose to work hard, seek the right training and keep faith in himself.
Your own AFCAT SSB success story can also begin today—with one decision, one step and one honest effort in the right direction.
