From a village in Farrukhabad to IAF: How Ankit Kumar cleared SSB after 12 attempts to become a Flying Officer

Ankit Kumar faced 11 SSB setbacks before earning his IAF uniform: His inspiring journey. (Photo: X Post)

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston ChurchillFrom a small village in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, to the coveted uniform of the Indian Air Force (IAF), 24-year-old Ankit Kumar has a story built on persistence. He reportedly faced the Services Selection Board (SSB) process 12 times before finally achieving his dream of becoming an IAF Flying Officer.A native of Ahimalapur village in the Mohammadabad area of Farrukhabad, Ankit endured repeated rejections and conference outs but refused to let setbacks decide his future.

From a military family to the IAF

Ankit grew up in a family deeply connected with the armed forces. His father, Rajesh Chaturvedi, served in the Indian Army for 30 years before retiring as an Honorary Captain. His mother, Seema Devi, supported the family through years of transfers and changing cities.Ankit studied at Army Public School and later at DNPG College, Fatehgarh. But despite his military upbringing, his own journey to the officer’s uniform was far from straightforward.The SSB process tested him repeatedly. Twelve attempts meant facing disappointment more than once, yet he continued to return.

AIR 1 in Coast Guard, but the IAF remained the dream

Ankit’s persistence becomes even more remarkable considering another achievement along the way. He secured All India Rank 1 for Assistant Commandant in the Indian Coast Guard.For many aspirants, that would have been a dream outcome. But Ankit’s ambition remained focused on the Indian Air Force and its Flying Branch.Instead of abandoning that goal, he continued pursuing it.

June 13, 2026: The dream finally takes flight

The wait ended on June 13, 2026, when Ankit was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force during the passing-out parade in Hyderabad.He received the President’s Commission in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking the beginning of his career in the IAF.Back home in Farrukhabad, his family and neighbours celebrated his achievement with flowers, garlands and sweets.

12 attempts, one unbreakable spirit

Ankit Kumar’s story is ultimately about what happens after rejection.The 12 SSB attempts are not merely a number. They represent years of preparation, disappointment, self-belief and the decision to try again.For defence aspirants facing their own conference outs or unsuccessful attempts, his journey carries a simple message: a setback may change the timeline of a dream, but it does not have to change the dream itself.From a village in Farrukhabad to the IAF uniform, Ankit’s journey proves that sometimes, the most important step towards success is simply finding the courage to make one more attempt.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and social media posts. Some details could not be independently verified and are presented with attribution. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of TOI Education.