Brij Mehta Diaries

Rejection at Bangalore

The third week of January 1971 found me at the Services Selection Board (SSB) in Bangalore, appearing for the Short Service Commission I the Army. I threw myself into every group discussion and activity, convinced I had done well. Yet, when the results were announced, rejection struck—not a single candidate from our batch was selected.

As we waited at the reception gate for the bus to take us to the railway station, the air heavy with disappointment, an office boy came running, breathless. “Brij Mohan —report to the Admin Officer immediately!” he called.

My heart raced. Inside, the Admin Officer informed me that my unit had sent an Army Signal—a telegram—directing me to proceed to SSB Jabalpur for the ACC interview scheduled in the first week of February. He assured me of full support, arranging attachment to the Sub Area for accommodation, messing, and a rail warrant. A civil clerk guided me through the paperwork with quiet efficiency. Their kindness and my unit’s foresight—sending even a signal to my home—ensured I would not miss this chance.

Resilience at Jabalpur

Thanks to that support, I reached Jabalpur as scheduled. Though demoralized by Bangalore’s rejection, the fortnight in between gave me time to refresh my general knowledge and current affairs, and to steel myself for the ACC interview.

Our batch was strong, candidates drawn from various regiments. I spoke confidently in group discussions and lecturettes, and kept pace in every activity. On the tense day of results, the Commandant began calling chest numbers: “Chest No. 2… Chest No. 4…”

For a moment, I thought I was out again—then realized No. 4 was mine. Relief surged. Alongside SS Brar and Jeevan Singh Gurung, I was among the three selected out of fifteen.

We stayed another week for medical examinations at Military Hospital, Jabalpur. Specialists scrutinized us thoroughly before presenting us to the Medical Board. The verdict: medically fit, SHAPE 1—the Army’s highest medical category.

Recognition and Farewell

News of my selection reached my unit swiftly. Pride and respect followed, for I was the first Other Rank from the battalion—raised in 1964—to be selected for ACC. Very few jawans had even known of this opening at the ACC for Other Ranks to be commissioned as an officer.

Orders from Army HQ soon arrived: I was to join ACC at Ghorpuri, Poona, in June 1971. As the date neared, JCOs and NCOs of my company planned a farewell. The MT Havildar, whose name I sadly cannot recall, went further—arranging for me to travel comfortably in a three‑tonne vehicle bound for Pathankot, sparing me the discomfort of crowded transient convoys.

The journey through Srinagar, Udhampur, and Pathankot was smooth. From Pathankot I boarded a Delhi‑bound train, reaching the capital the next morning. Candidates joining ACC were granted NCO rank, entitling them to travel Second Class. For me, it was a privilege—my first such journey alone, though I had earlier travelled First Class accompanying my father.

Reflection

From rejection at Bangalore to success at Jabalpur, these weeks became a crucible of resilience. The telegram at the gate, the encouragement of officers and clerks, the camaraderie of fellow candidates, and the honourable farewell from my company—all remain etched as the moment when my dream of becoming an officer began to take shape in reality.