From Guwahati to Officers’ Training Academy: The Inspiring Journey of Avishek Dubey (CDS 1 2025 OTA Entry)
When a student from a simple background clears a tough defence exam, it inspires an entire generation. The success story of Avishek Dubey, son of Shri Parsuram Dubey and Smt. Rinku Dubey, is one such example. Coming from Guwahati, Assam, he turned his childhood dream of wearing the olive green into reality through CDS 1 2025 OTA entry and his performance at 18 SSB Prayagraj from 14 October to 18 October.
This blog tells his journey in simple, human language – how he decided to join the armed forces, how he prepared, what happened at SSB Prayagraj, and what other aspirants can learn from him.
Avishek Dubey Early Life and Background
Avisek grew up in a middle-class family where values like honesty, discipline and respect mattered more than luxuries. His father, Parsuram Dubey, always believed that real success comes from hard work, and his mother, Rinku Dubey, constantly reminded him to stay humble and focused.
Living in Guwahati, he often saw uniformed personnel at railway stations, airports and public events. Somewhere in his mind, a picture started forming – one day he also wanted to stand tall in uniform, representing India. However, like many students, he initially did not know the exact difference between NDA, CDS, OTA or SSB. Slowly, as he entered senior secondary classes, he began to research defence careers and came across the opportunity of CDS 1 2025 OTA entry.
Deciding to Aim for CDS 1 2025 OTA Entry
The decision to prepare for the Combined Defence Services examination was not casual. Avisek understood that CDS 1 2025 OTA entry was not just an exam, but a complete journey that tested knowledge, personality, fitness and mental strength.
He was especially attracted to the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) because of its unique role in training short-service commissioned officers for the Indian Army. For him, OTA was a place where youth from different cultures and states come together, learn leadership and then lead soldiers in real operations. As someone from Assam, he wanted to show that students from the North-East can shine in national-level competitive exams when given the right guidance.
Understanding the Exam and SSB Path
Before starting preparation, Avisek took time to understand the entire process properly. He learned that:
CDS 1 2025 OTA entry includes written papers in English and General Knowledge.
After clearing the written exam, candidates are called for Service Selection Board testing.
For him, the allotted centre was 18 SSB Prayagraj, one of the oldest and most reputed SSB boards.
The SSB interview runs for five days, and includes screening tests, psychological tests, group tasks, interviews and conference.
Knowing this complete path helped him make a realistic plan. Instead of just focusing on the written exam, he started working on his personality, communication skills and physical stamina, all of which are crucial for SSB Prayagraj.
Joining Dreamers Edu Hub / Doon Defence Dreamers
A major turning point in his journey was joining Dreamers Edu Hub (Doon Defence Dreamers)(Best CDS coaching institute in Dehradun) for structured guidance. He realised that self-study without direction can lead to confusion and wasted time. At the institute, he found:
Concept-based classes in English and General Studies that matched the pattern of CDS 1 2025 OTA entry.
Regular tests and answer-writing practice that improved his speed and accuracy.
Daily current affairs discussions, which later helped him in both the written exam and personal interview at SSB Prayagraj.
A disciplined routine with PT sessions, which built his stamina and confidence.
The environment of the institute was focused and defence-oriented. Seeing other aspirants working hard for NDA, CDS, AFCAT and SSB created positive competition. Faculty members constantly reminded students that clearing CDS 1 2025 OTA entry is possible for anyone who is consistent and honest with their efforts.
Preparation Strategy for CDS 1 2025 OTA Entry
Avisek followed a simple but strong strategy:
Clear Basics First
He devoted the first few months to strengthening basic grammar rules, comprehension skills and core static GK topics like history, polity, geography and defence awareness.Daily Study Routine
His day included 6–7 hours of focused study – divided between English, GK, revision and mock tests. He avoided distractions such as unnecessary social media scrolling and kept his mobile usage limited.Mock Tests and Analysis
At Dreamers Edu Hub / Doon Defence Dreamers, he regularly attempted full-length tests for CDS 1 2025 OTA entry. After each paper, he carefully analysed his mistakes, noted weak areas and worked on them.Physical Fitness and Lifestyle
Along with academics, he maintained a healthy lifestyle – proper sleep, light diet, running, push-ups, and basic exercises. This helped him remain energetic during classes and later during SSB Prayagraj tasks.Positive Mindset
Whenever he felt low, he reminded himself why he started. Talking to mentors and seeing previous selections from the institute gave him confidence that he too could achieve this goal.
The Written Exam and Result
On the day of CDS 1 2025 written exam, Avisek walked into the centre with calm confidence. He had practised enough papers to know how to manage time and which questions to skip.
In English, he focused on comprehension, error detection and vocabulary-based questions.
In General Knowledge, he targeted high-scoring sections like polity, history, defence, current affairs and basic science.
When the result was announced, his name appeared in the list of successful candidates for CDS 1 2025 OTA entry. It was an emotional moment for his family. His father proudly shared the news with relatives, and his mother quietly thanked God for rewarding her son’s hard work. For Avisek, this was not the final destination but a gateway to the bigger challenge of SSB Prayagraj.
Journey to 18 SSB Prayagraj (14–18 October)
Soon, he received the call letter for 18 SSB Prayagraj, with reporting dates from 14 October to 18 October. He now shifted his focus completely from written preparation to personality development.
At Dreamers Edu Hub / Doon Defence Dreamers, he attended special SSB guidance sessions, which included:
Practice for PP&DT (Picture Perception and Description Test) and story narration.
Group discussions on national and international issues.
Mock interviews where faculty members played the role of SSB interviewing officers.
Tips on body language, dress code, eye contact and clarity in communication.
He also practised self-introspection – writing about his strengths, weaknesses, achievements and goals. This helped him stay genuine and honest during psychological tests and the personal interview at SSB Prayagraj.
Inside the SSB Prayagraj Experience
At 18 SSB Prayagraj, Avisek met candidates from all over India. The five-day process was intense but also enriching.
Day 1 (Screening): He carefully observed the picture in PP&DT, wrote a balanced story and spoke clearly during narration. In group discussion, he listened to others and contributed logically instead of trying to dominate. He was screened in.
Psychological Tests: In TAT, WAT, SRT and self-description, he stayed natural, avoided memorised lines and wrote what he truly believed. His training at Dreamers Edu Hub had taught him that assessors value originality and consistency.
Group Tasks: On the GTO ground, he focused on teamwork. He encouraged quieter members, suggested workable ideas and never tried to show off. His performance in group obstacle race and progressive group tasks reflected his stamina and cooperative attitude.
Personal Interview: The interviewing officer asked him about his family, education, hobbies, knowledge of armed forces and awareness of current events. Because he had prepared honestly for CDS 1 2025 OTA entry, he could answer confidently without getting nervous.
Finally came the conference. When his chest number was announced among the recommended candidates, he felt a mix of joy, relief and gratitude. He had successfully cleared SSB Prayagraj for CDS 1 2025 OTA entry.
Role of Family and Mentors
Throughout this journey, the support of his parents was constant. His father never forced him towards any other career just for quick money. Instead, he motivated Avisek to choose a path where he would find purpose and respect. His mother handled many household responsibilities silently so that he could study in peace.
Mentors at Dreamers Edu Hub / Doon Defence Dreamers played the role of extended family. They corrected his mistakes, scolded him when needed, and encouraged him when he doubted himself. Their experience with earlier batches helped him understand what SSB Prayagraj actually looks for in a candidate.
Message for Other Aspirants
The story of Avishek Dubey proves that you do not need to be from a big metro city or an elite school to crack CDS 1 2025 OTA entry and SSB. What you truly need is:
Clear understanding of the exam pattern and SSB process.
Strong basics in English and General Knowledge.
Regular practice through mock tests and group activities.
Balanced focus on physical fitness and mental strength.
Right guidance from a dedicated defence institute like Dreamers Edu Hub / Doon Defence Dreamers.
For young students in Assam, Guwahati and across India, his journey is a reminder that dreams can come true when effort, discipline and faith come together. One day, when he marches at the Officers’ Training Academy and later leads soldiers as a commissioned officer, his success will continue to inspire many more aspirants to follow the same path of courage and commitment.
