In a story fit for the silver screen, Vedprakash Dwivedi, a determined young man from a modest background, has achieved national acclaim by topping the Combined Defence Services Examinations (CDS II). This amazing achievement shows his strong dedication to joining the armed forces, a dream he kept alive even after facing the Staff Selection Board interviews 15 times.
Vedprakash, lovingly called Ved at home, faced many challenges on his way to success. In 2018, he lost his father, Subhashchandra Dwivedi, who ran a catering business and was the family’s sole breadwinner. His mother, Sangeeta, a homemaker, gave him strong support, becoming the foundation of Ved’s determination. Ved’s fascination with the armed forces and his mother’s constant support kept him focused on his goal. The support of his maternal uncles, who serve in the Indian Army, further solidified his determination, especially during the difficult times following his father’s passing.
Reflecting on his journey, Vedprakash shared, “I have learned a lot from failures and setbacks. This was my 7th and final attempt for CDS in September 2023, where I finally tasted success.” His determination to join the defense forces saw him attempting every possible examination, including the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) right after his standard XII exams. Despite initial failures, Ved remained undeterred, participating in all recruitment drives for the Indian Navy, Air Force, and Army.
Vedprakash’s persistence through 15 SSB interviews exemplifies his resilience. “Not seeing my name in the list of successful candidates did not deter me from my objective. I persevered, gained insights, and appeared for the next examination with even more zeal,” he said. His experience at the SSB interviews was particularly memorable. “It was the time when I saw the whole of India under one roof! Youngsters from all states of India assemble for the interviews, and we all wear the same colors for five days,” he recounted with pride.
Vedprakash never allowed his failures to overshadow his determination. “I failed many times but found the selection process to be so fair that one cannot find any flaws in it. Whenever I failed, I could clearly see where I fell behind,” he noted. His analytical approach to each setback helped him improve and persist.
With the support of his uncles and his mother’s encouragement, Ved waged a personal battle to achieve his dream. Although he considered the ‘Agniveer’ exams, age criteria disqualified him. He completed his B.Sc and took his final shot at the CDS examinations, a gamble that ultimately paid off as he emerged the topper.
Vedprakash Dwivedi’s journey not only inspires but also reinforces the belief that with determination and the right support, any dream can be realized.