..dehradun...

Dehradun, a nice place to visit in north India. Situated in a valley, the city is good for a lot of things. Best schooling in army and other reputed schools like The Doon School, a nice tourist place with number of places nearby to visit, institutes life IMA, FRI etc. But the purpose of my visit was different, Air Force Selection Board. Yes, Air Force. It was my first attempt to join armed forces and surprisingly reached much farther than I hoped.

I cleared the entrance test and was called to Dehradun for further selection procedure.

28^th April

I was just done with my exams on the previous day. I boarded the train along with two other guys from my collage, Rishabh and Harsh. I knew Rishabh earlier but it was the first time I met Harsh. On the next morning, we were in Dehradun. We checked into a hotel near the station and after relaxing for a while, went out for roaming. We were hungry, so we went to McDee for a meal. Since it was hot outside, so after the meal we decided to go for a movie instead of roaming in the sun. I can’t really say how the movie and importantly how the hall was. It was an ultimate experience. After movie, we went back to the hotel, slept for a while and then again went out for dinner. After returning back, we prepared a bit for the next day and slept with a hope that we will give our best.

Seriously saying, at that time I was in favour of returning back home the same day but not alone.

30^th  April

It was the day we were to go to the selection board and perform. We were picked up from the station by the board and taken to the selection board.

After reaching the board, we were first provided with our chest numbers and then we filled the forms.

And then started the selection procedure after a cup of tea. The written exam went good and then it was time for something I was really scared of, GD. But unbelievably it went even better than the previous test. It was my best performance till date and I was really hoping to clear the first elimination phase and the same happened.

After some time, the result was announced. I was surprised to hear that I was the second person to clear but sadly both of my friends couldn’t make it and went home the same day. I was really not expecting this and wanted to go home but couldn’t.  

After that, we were given new chest numbers and allotted different rooms, about ten people in each room. Then happened something that I never expected, never wanted. My phone was taken from me.

After lunch, we went for the next phase, a psychological test. The test continued for about 3 hrs and after that we returned to our room after dinner. After getting in, I got time to interact with my new friends. We just had a small chat and went to bed soon.

The next day was our group task day. We get dressed in our PT uniform and went for the task after the breakfast. But before that we had a group photograph.

We went to the GD room for the task. There were two discussions and I think I performed exceptionally well there. I initiated in both and was able to control the group. And then followed the group planning, group task, half group task, command task etc. all went good except the command task. It was the worst of all.

After finishing with the schedule, we went out to visit nearby Buddha Temple, had momos and played pool for the first time. That night, I had a better interaction with my roommates and as expected, there were some impossible guys.

The third day was a bit odd. The day started with a lecturate and a small group task. I couldn’t really perform well in both and then it was time for the interview. It didn’t went too good but had a good first time experience. The day ended without much excitement but the night was much more exciting.  Suddenly some discussion broke out and it went for about 4 to 5 hrs. and still nobody was ready to sleep.

The next day, we were free. We played pool for half of the day, went out in the evening to a waterfall. It was a nice experience. I tried some swimming there but found it really hard.

That night was our last night, so we decided not to sleep. We had a chat for about two hours, cracked some jokes and then all went to bed. But this was not all. Just after all went to bed, three of us decided to have some fun and that was the most amazing part. We disturbed everyone by putting water in their mouth, ears etc.

The next day was the last. Only event left was a conference, a formal chat with the officials. But it was rarely a chat. I just spent few seconds there and couldn’t even have a look on the face of the officials. After the conference, result was declared and as expected, I was not recommended. I was rather happy not being selected.  I don’t know why, may be I was not mentally prepared.

But it was all. I collected my T.A, congratulated the recommended one’s and went back with one of my friend. We had a terrible journey back to Ludhiana, but still a new experience.

These were those few days of my life that taught me a lot.