Interview - Aryan Sheoran

“From 12 SSB failures to AIR-2: Success achieved through Discipline, Consistency and Self-Confidence”

CSC: Heartfelt congratulations from Civil Services Chronicle on your outstanding success. First, please tell us about yourself.

Aryan Sheoran: Thank you very much. I originally hail from Bhiwani, Haryana, and currently live in Dwarka, Delhi. My family consists of my parents, me and my younger brother. My father is a Head Constable/Driver in the 118th Battalion of the CRPF and is presently posted at Gund, Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir. My mother is a homemaker.

I completed my Class 10 and 12 studies from CRPF Public School, Prashant Vihar, Rohini. In Classes 11–12 I had PCM along with Computer Science. After that I did a B.A. Programme with History and Political Science from Dayal Singh Evening College, University of Delhi. I enjoy reading self-help and fiction/fantasy books, watching films and series, playing cricket, travelling to new places and meditating.

CSC: How did your attraction towards uniformed services develop, and why did you choose CAPF?

Aryan Sheoran: From the very beginning I wanted to join the armed forces. The uniform and the respect that comes with it always attracted me. My father himself is in the CRPF, and hearing from him about the respect that officers receive in the forces also inspired me to move in this direction.

I appeared for the NDA examination six times, CDS four times and AFCAT twice. During this period I faced the Services Selection Board (SSB) selection process a total of 12 times, but could not achieve final success. Thereafter I chose CAPF (Assistant Commandant), because its nature was quite close to my goal of joining a uniformed service. This was my first attempt in CAPF, and securing AIR-2 in it is extremely special for me.

CSC:Why is CISF your first preference in CAPF?

Aryan Sheoran: My first preference is CISF. The main reasons are the relatively faster promotion prospects and a better balance with family life. For these reasons I have given CISF as my first preference.

CSC: What was your daily routine and preparation strategy like?

Aryan Sheoran: My routine was balanced. I started the day with running, followed by exercise and meditation. Then I went to the library and studied till about 12:30 in the afternoon. After lunch I returned to the library and studied till around 7 in the evening.

I divided my time between practice for Paper I and Paper II. In Paper II, I focused especially on General Studies, Current Affairs, Essay and Comprehension. For about seven months I prepared my Paper II notes from newspapers, the Chronicle magazine and Vision’s magazine. In the last one month I mainly concentrated on mock tests and revision.

CSC: You prepared without joining any CAPF coaching batch. What were your main study resources?

Aryan Sheoran: It is difficult to name any single resource. I did not join any coaching institute’s batch for CAPF. Since the time of my first NDA examination in 2021, I had been studying from free videos of various YouTube channels. Because of preparation for other UPSC and defence examinations over the past five years, my base was already ready.

School education also played an important role in my success. Because of good teachers at CRPF Public School, my basic concepts were quite clear, so I did not face much difficulty in the CAPF written examination.

CSC: What should CAPF aspirants keep in mind regarding physical preparation?

Aryan Sheoran: I believe that from the beginning very excessive or extremely hard physical exercise is not necessary. Limited but regular physical activity is good for both physical and mental health.

After clearing the written examination, one can increase the volume and intensity of running and focus on sprinting. Healthy food is also important. In my view, consistency is more important than intensity in physical preparation.

CSC: How challenging was it to maintain self-confidence after 12 SSB failures?

Aryan Sheoran: That was really my biggest challenge. By nature I was shy and my participation in extra-curricular activities was also limited. I was also afraid about the CAPF interview -whether I would be able to perform well or not. However, facing the five-day SSB process 12 times forced me to step out of my comfort zone and confront my fears.

During this period I read the book You Can Heal Your Life, which emphasises self-love and gratitude. I started practising positive self-talk and continued with meditation.

The written and physical examinations were not the biggest challenges for me; the real challenge was believing in myself. Today I feel that those SSB failures were also part of the process of improving my personality.

CSC: What kind of questions was asked in your interview?

Aryan Sheoran: In my interview, questions were asked on topics such as the recent CAPF Bill, pension in CAPF, the Kargil War, my SSB experience, the use of Artificial Intelligence in the defence sector, and developments related to Iran-America. One or two case studies were also given.

In my experience the interview mainly revolved around current affairs and our views on them. Several counter-questions were also asked on the basis of my answers. Therefore, merely knowing the facts is not enough; it is also important to express one’s opinion on an issue in a logical and balanced manner.

CSC: What role did the ‘The Invisible Helping Hand’ initiative play in your preparation?

Aryan Sheoran: Apart from telephonic conversations with several CAPF officers, I remained associated for about three months with Shri Rakesh Nikhaj’s initiative ‘The Invisible Helping Hand’. A friend of mine had recommended it.

CSC: What was the family’s reaction on securing AIR-2?

Aryan Sheoran: Everyone was extremely happy - one can say the entire family was ‘on cloud nine’. Seeing my family’s happiness was a very special experience for me.

CSC: Would you also like to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in the future?

Aryan Sheoran: Yes. After securing AIR-2 I met and interacted with several CAPF officers. Most of them advised me to also attempt the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Therefore, in the future I would like to prepare for the CSE and definitely try it.

CSC: How do you view the training and your future role as an officer?

Aryan Sheoran: I am quite excited about the training. There will be opportunities to make new friends, meet new people and learn a lot from others. Most importantly, I will get the opportunity to serve the country and fulfil the responsibilities that come with the uniform.

Whatever responsibility is given to me, I want to fulfil it with complete honesty and seriousness, giving my 100 per cent.

CSC: Finally, what message would you like to give to CAPF aspirants?

Aryan Sheoran: Maintain consistency and discipline, and instead of thinking too much about the result, keep preparing. Step out of your comfort zone, confront your fears and try to become a better version of yourself.

Keep moving forward by learning from failures. Even after achieving success, never become arrogant; always remain humble, grounded and grateful for the opportunities that life has given you. My journey has taught me that it is very important to come out of self-doubt, believe in yourself and keep making continuous efforts.

CSC: Thank you, Aryan, for sharing your inspiring journey and valuable insights with Civil Services Chronicle; wishing you continued success as you embark on your journey as a CAPF officer.