Success Story Of Cdt Nandini Waikar YTA 08 NDA 154 AIR 3 (Girls)

Success Story Of Cdt Nandini Waikar YTA 08 NDA 154 AIR 3 (Girls)

AIR 3 (Girls) | AIR 27 (Overall) | NDA-154
Jai hind everyone! My name is Nandini Waikar and I got recommended from 33 SSB Bhopal for the Indian Navy (NDA 154), securing an overall AIR 27 and AIR 3 among female candidates. Today I would like to share my journey with all the aspirants out there.
Before joining YTA, I was a quiet, reserved teenager who often used to question her potential. I was physically inactive and hesitant to speak. I wanted to join the NDA, but deep down, I doubted if I had what it took. I questioned whether I truly belonged in a world that required such boldness. Yet somewhere beneath that quiet exterior, there was a flicker of hope and a desire to change and grow, to become a better version of myself.
The first few weeks at YTA were full of big changes for me. Adjusting to a completely new environment and staying at hostel for the first time was demanding but what made it easier was the friendship I earned in my battalion, Gladiators. Surprisingly, it didn’t take long for me to bond with my hostel mates. Despite our different backgrounds, we became like a family supporting, encouraging and pushing each other to grow. As a battalion we were always united and motivated whether be it in sports, cultural events or inter battalion competitions.
My first courageous step taken in YTA was standing up for the academy elections. As an introvert, it was a huge challenge to campaign for myself and deliver a speech in front of nearly 400 people. Even though I didn’t win the elections, the experience taught me more than any victory could. It was the moment I broke my fear and proved to myself that I was capable of standing tall in front of a crowd. After that turning point, I never looked back. I began participating more actively in academics and extracurriculars and also started taking responsibilities. My rank improved steadily in the weekly academic tests and as Agon (sports tournament) approached I found myself excelling there too, where I won the title of best player in Cricket and Box Cricket. My battalion showed great enthusiasm and teamwork in the entire tournament which resulted us in winning multiple trophies. The real highlight came during the Quiz competition, where my team secured first place among all the battalions. That victory wasn’t just about winning a competition, it was a sense of satisfaction where I truly realized that I had the potential to lead, to perform and to succeed.
With newfound confidence, I began preparing intensely for the written exam. I performed well in mock tests and sincerely attempted every comprehensive exam, which gave me belief that I could clear it and I did. As the SSB approached, I dived deep into preparation, learning every aspect of the SSB interview. More importantly, I began to introspect and truly understand myself – my strengths, weaknesses and my ability to express myself clearly and confidently. During this entire procedure I got people who believed in me more than myself and guided me through this tough path.
Getting recommended felt like a dream come true, something that once seemed impossible to me two years ago. Achieving this milestone, securing an AIR 27, and earning the highest SSB score (511) among all the female candidates in India is truly the most rewarding moment of my journey. I wholeheartedly dedicate this success to my mentors at YTA, my family and friends, who played a vital role in shaping me into a person I am today.
Thank you and Jai Hind!