Meet Lt Hardeep Gill: A mid-day meal worker’s son who achieved his Army dream after 8 attempts

Not every success story begins with early wins or smooth progress. Many unfold quietly, shaped by years of waiting, repeated effort and moments where the outcome feels uncertain. Lt Hardeep Gill’s journey fits that reality closely. It is a story built on patience rather than speed, and on consistency rather than luck. After failing eight times at the Services Selection Board, the son of a mid day meal worker from Jind has finally joined the Indian Army. His journey has now drawn attention because it reflects what many defence aspirants experience but few stories fully capture.

This is not a tale of instant achievement. It is about staying committed to one goal, even when the road keeps stretching forward.

Early loss and a strong foundation

According to a report by India Today, Hardeep Gill lost his father in an accident when he was only two years old. From that point, his mother Santosh became the sole support for the family. She worked as a mid day meal cook and also managed a small landholding to supplement the family income.

Life at home was simple and structured around hard work. There were no extra resources, but there was stability and discipline. Growing up in this environment shaped Gill’s understanding of responsibility from an early age.

One dream that stayed constant

Despite the challenges around him, Gill held on to a single ambition. He wanted to serve in the defence forces. That idea stayed with him through school and later into adulthood.

As per the report, he completed his schooling in his village and went on to earn a BA degree through IGNOU. Alongside his studies, he continued preparing for defence examinations. The routine required focus and patience, especially with limited means.

A setback that changed the direction

Around four years ago, Gill was selected as an Airman in the Indian Air Force. The selection brought relief and hope to the family. The process was completed and expectations were high.

However, with the introduction of the Agnipath scheme, earlier recruitments were cancelled, as per the India Today report. The opportunity ended before it could begin. The setback was significant and difficult.

Instead of stepping away from his goal, Gill decided to prepare again. This time, he chose to aim for a commissioned role in the armed forces.

The long wait through repeated attempts

Gill appeared for the Services Selection Board multiple times. Each attempt meant preparation, paperwork and travel. Each result brought rejection.

In total, he faced eight unsuccessful attempts. The repeated setbacks tested his confidence and patience. Still, he continued to return, believing that persistence mattered.

As per the report, on his ninth attempt, the outcome finally changed. Gill cleared the SSB and secured the 54th rank in the All India Merit List of the Combined Defence Services examination.

Training at the Indian Military Academy

Gill joined the Indian Military Academy in 2024. Training followed a strict and demanding schedule. Cadets went through physical training, drills, field exercises and regular assessments.

The routine was challenging, but it marked a clear shift from waiting to moving forward. For Gill, the training represented years of effort, finally finding direction.

Beginning service in the Army

According to the report, after completing his training, Gill was commissioned as an officer in the Indian Army. He was posted to the 14th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry, a unit known for discipline and operational readiness.

The posting marked the start of his professional service, moving him from preparation into responsibility.

A grounded view of success

Gill has spoken about his journey in a simple and measured manner, according to the India Today report. He credits his family, especially his mother, for shaping his determination. He openly acknowledges that the repeated failures were difficult, particularly after losing the Airman opportunity.

According to him, each setback became a lesson in resilience.
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