YTA Success Stories Episode 02: Cadet Sai Made

YTA Success Stories Episode 02: Cadet Sai Made

Success Story – Cadet Sai Made

SSB Recommended – Indian Navy | NDA 156 Course (July 2026)

Setbacks, Suspension and Success – Cadet Sai Made’s Path to SSB Recommendation

Cadet Sai Made’s journey to an SSB recommendation is a story of resilience, discipline and the quiet determination of a young boy from a small town who dared to dream differently.

Sai comes from Hinganghat, a small industrial township in Wardha district, about seventy-five kilometres South of Nagpur. His family background was far removed from the world of uniforms and military life. His mother is a statistician who always emphasised academic discipline, while his father runs a canteen in the industrial belt.

Yet the spark for the Armed Forces came early.

As a young student, Sai once saw a smart young Lieutenant visiting his school. That brief encounter left a deep impression on him. The confidence, the uniform and the aura of leadership fascinated him. From that day, the idea of becoming an officer quietly took root in his mind.

His mother played an important role in shaping his academic discipline. She insisted that he recite mathematical tables every day without fail. What began as a daily routine soon became a strength. Sai consistently won mathematics quiz competitions in school, developing a natural comfort with numbers.

While he was studying in Class 9, the Russia–Ukraine war began in distant Europe. For many students it was simply a news headline. For Sai, it was something more. He began following international events with curiosity, gradually developing a fascination with geopolitics and military affairs.

The idea of wearing the uniform became even stronger.

In his hometown, very few young people joined the Armed Forces. Most careers revolved around the industrial ecosystem of the town. Sai wanted something different. The uniform represented challenge, purpose and identity.

When the time came to prepare seriously for the NDA, his parents searched online for the best preparatory environment and discovered Yashotej Academy in Pune.

Moving to Pune was the first big transition in Sai’s life. It was the first time he had stepped outside Wardha for an extended stay. Even the Marathi spoken by students from Western Maharashtra sounded different and unfamiliar.

The initial days were emotionally difficult. He missed home and often felt overwhelmed by the new environment. On several occasions he called his mother in tears. But her response was always the same. She reminded him that he had chosen a demanding path, and that only the toughest candidates succeeded in it.

Gradually he settled down.

Physically active and enthusiastic, Sai eagerly participated in sports and training activities. However, during cross-country practice he suffered a serious setback. A fall resulted in an ACL injury, forcing him to return home for nearly a month of complete rest.

The period was frustrating. Being confined to bed and dependent on his mother for daily tasks made him realise the sacrifices his parents had always made for him. Determined not to waste time, he continued studying even during his recovery to compensate for the absence from the academy.

When he returned to YTA, the academic rhythm had already moved ahead. Initially one of the toppers in the batch, Sai saw his performance drop due to the forced break. His mathematics preparation, which had once been his strongest subject, was particularly affected.

But his growing interest in geopolitics and current affairs ensured that he maintained a strong grip on the General Ability subjects.

Another challenge emerged during Class 12. One day he inadvertently forgot to return a mobile phone, which was discovered during random checking. As per academy regulations, he was suspended for one month. The forced break again disrupted his academic momentum, especially in mathematics.

Yet the dream of joining the NDA refused to fade.

Sai responded the only way he knew — through hard work. He began dedicating three hours daily to mathematics practice, while revising General Ability subjects every night before sleeping. While studying geography he began using maps extensively to visualise locations and events. Revision became a daily habit rather than a last-minute exercise.

The effort soon paid off.

In the very first mock test after his return, Sai regained the top position in his batch. The result restored his confidence and motivated him to work even harder.

After clearing the NDA written examination, he shifted his focus towards SSB preparation. Current affairs, which had always been his strength, became his major advantage. The SSB assessor team that conducted the preparation capsule at YTA helped him identify and work on his weaknesses.

Sai reported to the Visakhapatnam SSB along with two fellow YTA cadets. The screening process went smoothly and he progressed to the next stage.

During the interview, most questions revolved around his activities at YTA and his journey from Hinganghat to Pune. He answered honestly and confidently.

In the Group Testing Officer tasks, Sai adopted a simple approach. He volunteered early to attempt tasks and also stepped forward to assist other candidates during their obstacles. The assessors observed both initiative and cooperation.

In the evening, after the day’s activities, the three friends spent time walking along the Visakhapatnam sea beach, enjoying the calm surroundings.

Sai later admitted that he was not surprised when his name appeared on the recommendation list. Deep inside, he had always believed that his effort would eventually succeed.

He attributes his success to three pillars — the unwavering support of his parents, the collective motivation of his study group and the guidance of the faculty at Yashotej Academy.

With the SSB recommendation secured, Sai now looks forward to continuing his winning streak at the National Defence Academy, carrying with him the lessons of discipline, resilience and perseverance learned during his journey.