Centurion Defence Academy, Lucknow Coaching Experience (SSB Preparation)

Last Updated : 31 Dec, 2024

Centurion, Lucknow is a well-known coaching institute that provides mentorship and guidance for SSB, NDA, CDS, and other defense-related examinations. In 2024, I had the privilege of being a part of this institute when I qualified for NDA 153 and began preparing for my SSB interview.

Program Overview and Environment

Centurion offers a 21-day mentorship program, which I enrolled in for a fee of ₹16,000. This program also included preparation during the week leading up to the SSB. The environment was decent overall, but what truly stood out were the instructors.

Instructors’ Efforts: Their dedication to providing personalized feedback was commendable and a significant factor in my preparation journey.
Administration: While the administration could have been more efficient, it did not overshadow the quality of mentorship provided.

GTO Ground: A Room for Improvement

One notable area where Centurion fell short was its GTO (Group Testing Officer) ground. Based on my experience:

The ground lacks essential obstacles for tasks like the Command Task.
The terrain and infrastructure felt underwhelming and poorly maintained.
It didn’t fully prepare candidates for the real GTO experience, which could be a critical gap for aspirants.

Mentorship and Personality Development

Despite the shortcomings in infrastructure, Centurion excels in personality assessment and development:

The instructors effectively highlight gaps in candidates’ personalities and guide them to work on these areas.
Their feedback mirrors what you might expect from officers during SSB, AFSB, or NSB, making the preparation highly relevant.
While it’s challenging to transform one’s personality in just 21 days, the program helps instill positive changes and shapes candidates into better performers.

Final Thoughts: The Outcome Beyond Selection

Investing in such a program is not without its risks. Selection is never guaranteed, and you may question the ₹16,000 fee if the results don’t go your way. However, Centurion does more than prepare you for an exam:

It grooms you into a better individual, equipping you with skills and insights that go beyond defense exams.
The program’s impact on personal growth and self-awareness is undeniable and valuable for life, regardless of selection.

All the best to all aspirants! Remember, whether or not you achieve your desired outcome, the journey itself will leave you better prepared for life’s challenges.