In a shining testament to the excellence of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Cadet Imon Ghosh, a Class 12 student from West Bengal, has achieved All India Rank 1 in the NDA 2 2024 examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). His journey reflects the resilience, discipline, and guidance nurtured at one of India’s most prestigious military institutions.
The Journey from Birbhum to NDA AIR-1
Hailing from Birbhum, West Bengal, Cadet Imon Ghosh comes from a proud Army background. His father, Havaldar Ujjal Kumar (Retd.), served in the Indian Army with distinction, while his mother, Mrs. Gargi Ghosh, is a homemaker. Due to frequent postings during his father’s service, Imon studied in several schools across India before joining Sainik School Kunjpura in Haryana. He was later admitted to RIMC, Dehradun, in Class 8—an important turning point in his life.
The RIMC Ecosystem: A Foundation for Excellence
In a conversation with SSBCrack, Imon shared that his decision to join RIMC was driven by his passion for the Armed Forces. “Every cadet at RIMC has a dream—to wear the uniform and serve the nation. What’s unique here is that there’s no pressure, yet everything around you—your peers, instructors, and daily routine—naturally aligns with that goal.”
He emphasized that the structured mentoring at RIMC simplifies the tough NDA preparation. “From Class 11, we begin our focused NDA studies. The teaching standards here are exceptional—our Maths, English, GK, and Science teachers make concepts so clear that cracking the written exam becomes manageable.”
Leadership, Training, and the Role of Mentorship
Imon credited a large part of his success to the unwavering support of Colonel Rahul Agarwal, Commandant of RIMC. “Col Agarwal Sir was more than just a mentor—he was a guiding light. His leadership, especially during our SSB training, made a significant difference.”
RIMC conducts comprehensive in-house training for the SSB Interview. “The mock interviews, group discussions, and psychological sessions prepared us thoroughly. We were taught to lead, communicate, and think like officers well before facing the real SSB,” Imon added.
Unexpected but Well-Earned Triumph
When asked about topping the NDA 2 2024 merit list, Imon responded with humility, “I had a feeling I might make it to the top 10 based on my written marks, but securing AIR-1 was beyond imagination. It was a total surprise.”
Interestingly, despite his Army roots, Imon has chosen the Indian Air Force as his preferred service. “Ever since childhood, I’ve been captivated by fighter jets. That fascination turned into a dream, and now it’s a step closer to reality,” he said with a proud smile.
Words of Advice to Future Aspirants
Imon offered valuable insights for aspirants preparing for both RIMC and NDA:
“Getting into RIMC is competitive. You need strong analytical abilities and a disciplined mindset. For NDA, consistency is the key. Stay focused on your goal, and don’t let distractions derail your preparation.”
Regarding the SSB Interview, Imon stressed real-life leadership. “The qualities assessed during SSB are not built overnight. Take responsibility in your daily life, be proactive, and learn to lead by example.”
Emotions, Gratitude, and Reflections
Speaking about the moment he shared the news with his family, Imon said, “I couldn’t see my father’s reaction on the phone, but I know he was proud. It was an emotional moment for all of us.”
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to Colonel Rahul Agarwal, RIMC Principal, NDA Cell, and all his teachers. “They believed in me and shaped me into who I am today. I owe them everything.”
RIMC: A Legacy of Leadership
Reflecting on RIMC’s contribution to his success, Imon noted, “RIMC is like any excellent academic institution in terms of syllabus. But what makes it different is the discipline, camaraderie, and military ethos that prepare you for a life in uniform.”
He also acknowledged the high expectations that come with being an RIMC cadet. “During my SSB, the Interviewing Officer questioned me rigorously. As an RIMC boy, you’re expected to be a notch above—and that expectation pushes you to be your best.”
A Role Model for Future Generations
Cadet Imon Ghosh’s remarkable journey from a small town in West Bengal to securing the top rank in one of India’s toughest entrance exams is a story of grit, determination, and vision. His success adds another feather to RIMC’s illustrious legacy and sets a powerful example for defence aspirants across the country.
