Success Story: From ₹800 a Month in Fields to Army Officer – Haryana Boy Becomes Lieutenant

In a remarkable journey of determination and perseverance, Hardeep Gill, a young man from Alipur village near Uchana in Jind district, Haryana, has transformed his life from toiling in fields alongside his mother for ₹800 a month to being commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army through the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.

Early Struggles
Hardeep lost his father at the age of two, leaving his mother, Santrun Devi, to raise him and his three sisters alone. Despite having a small piece of land and limited resources, she worked tirelessly as a laborer in the fields and a mid-day meal worker in a local school, earning just ₹800 per month. She ensured that her children received education and instilled in them the values of hard work and resilience.

Balancing Work and Studies
Hardeep began helping his mother in the fields from a young age while continuing his education. He completed his 10th and 12th grades from the village school, working during the day and studying in the afternoons.

Passion for the Army
After completing his 12th grade, Hardeep developed a strong desire to join the Indian Armed Forces. He initially applied for the Indian Air Force (IAF) Airman position but was unsuccessful due to minor shortcomings in the selection process. Despite ranking 59th in the All India Merit List, he could not join due to the Agnipath scheme implementation, which delayed his joining letter.

Persistence Pays Off
Undeterred, Hardeep pursued graduation through IGNOU and continued preparing for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam. On his ninth attempt at the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, his determination paid off. He cleared the selection and secured 54th rank in the All India Merit List, earning a place at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.

A Proud Moment
In December 2025, Hardeep marched in the Passing Out Parade at IMA in the proud presence of his mother. He will join the 14th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry. His journey stands as a beacon of inspiration for young aspirants, proving that relentless effort, perseverance, and belief in one’s abilities can overcome even the toughest challenges.