In a remarkable display of perseverance, Keshav Dutt, a 33-year-old from Rod village in Rehan, Kangra district, has achieved the rank of Lieutenant in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals after completing his officer training at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. This significant milestone is not only a proud moment for Keshav and his family but also a source of inspiration for his community.
Keshav’s journey to becoming a commissioned officer is characterized by his unwavering dedication and ambition. Before this notable achievement, he served as a Naib Subedar, having joined the Army as a jawan in 2011. From the onset of his military career, he harbored the goal of rising to the commissioned officer ranks, demonstrating that commitment and hard work can triumph over adversity.
His educational background includes completing his Class XII from Government Senior Secondary School in Rehan. While actively serving in the Army, Keshav recognized the importance of furthering his technical skills. In 2023, he earned a Diploma in Electronics and Communication from the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. This technical expertise has been pivotal in shaping his career within the Army’s communication domain.
Keshav’s quest for a Permanent Commission required him to clear the Service Selection Board (SSB). After facing setbacks with two unsuccessful attempts, his determination paid off when he successfully cleared the SSB on his third try in May 2025. This accomplishment is a testament to his resilience and mental strength—qualities highly valued in military leadership.
Following four months of intensive training at the Indian Military Academy, he was finally commissioned as a Lieutenant in one of the most technologically advanced branches of the Indian Army. Keshav is set to join his new unit at Jalandhar Cantonment on December 26, 2025. This accomplishment also contributes to a family legacy of military service, as his younger brother is currently serving in the Army as well.
The local community in Rehan and neighboring areas has expressed immense pride in Keshav’s achievement, considering it a powerful example of what can be accomplished through hard work, discipline, and determination. His journey, moving from sepoy to Naib Subedar and then to a commissioned officer, serves as an inspiration for active soldiers aspiring to elevate their ranks. Keshav’s success underscores the notion that the Indian Army honors merit, dedication, and relentless resolve, encouraging many others to pursue their dreams of leadership in military service.
