Lone Odia NCC cadet steps out as Lieutenant from Indian Army's OTA, shares journey

Lieutenant Subhasis Rath from Bhabani Nagar in Koraput district has successfully concluded his training at Chennai’s Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), sources said on Tuesday.

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Coming from a region unknown for producing defence personnel, the Lieutenant undertook National Cadet Corps (NCC) entrance examination last year with the aspiration of joining the Indian Army.

The inspiring story of Lieutenant Subhasis Rath

Among the 40 candidates nationwide who passed this prestigious examination, Subhasis was the sole candidate from Odisha, securing an impressive 19th rank. Now, at just 21, he has completed his transition from cadet to commissioned officer, as marked by the passing out parade at the OTA.

The parade, a significant rite of passage for any military cadet, was attended by Subhasis' parents who had the privilege of affixing the star on his shoulders. Upon his return home, celebratory moments were shared, and our Koraput correspondent Surya Narayan Panda had an opportunity to interview the newly commissioned officer.

“Around eight to ten lakh youths apply for the exam to join the Indian Army as an officer, every year. Firstly, they have to appear the written exam, the success rate of which is very low. SSB interview is the toughest interview in Asia,” Lieutenant Subhasis said.

“They (SSB) need responsible leaders and responsible officers who will take the Indian Army forward. Through special entry in NCC, I joined the Indian Army as an officer. My all India rank was 19. I underwent 11 months of rigorous training at Chennai,” Subhasis stated.

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The Lieutenant passed out on March 8 and then joined the Indian Army.

“I felt very proud when I took the oath as a commissioned officer,” Subhasis gleamed.