NDA Success Story: Driver’s Son Tops NDA, Dreams of Wearing the Uniform Realized in a Rented Home

After three rigorous years of training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Cadet Adjutant Deepak Kandpal of the Alpha Squadron proudly stood at the Passing Out Parade, receiving the prestigious President’s Gold Medal from Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi. This moment marked the culmination of Deepak’s exceptional overall performance and dedication during training.

Humble Beginnings in Uttarakhand
Hailing from a small village in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Deepak grew up in a rented house with a single dream – to don the uniform of the Indian Armed Forces. His father, Jeevan Chandra Kandpal, a taxi driver, supported his education despite financial constraints. Deepak’s perseverance and hard work have now made not only his family proud but also his entire community in Garud town, Bageshwar district.

Academic Excellence and NDA Aspirations
Deepak completed his early education at St. Edward’s Public School, Garud, up to 8th grade, before joining Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gagarigol for grades 9–12. He excelled academically, topping the district in his 12th board exams. From an early age, he focused on preparing for the UPSC NDA Exam, balancing rigorous academic requirements with his ambition to join the Indian Armed Forces.

After scoring top marks in 12th grade, Deepak secured admission to Delhi University, where he simultaneously took coaching for the NDA exam. The journey was challenging, but his determination remained unwavering. In 2022, he successfully cracked the NDA exam and embarked on the demanding three-year training program.

Excellence in Training and National Recognition
Throughout his NDA tenure, Deepak consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in academic, physical, and leadership domains, earning him the title of best cadet of the 2025 batch. The President’s Gold Medal awarded by Admiral Tripathi symbolized the recognition of his perseverance, discipline, and exceptional skill.

Inspiration for Aspiring Youth
Deepak Kandpal’s journey is a testament that dreams are not limited by background but are achieved through passion, determination, and relentless effort. His story serves as a powerful inspiration to young individuals across rural India, proving that dedication and hard work can overcome any circumstance.

From a rented home in Garud to standing proudly as the top cadet of NDA, Deepak’s success embodies the spirit of resilience and ambition that defines the nation’s future leaders.