IMPHAL: A 17-yr-old boy from Manipur Namoijam Naoba Meetei, cracked the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam in his first attempt, with an All India Rank (AIR) 27. The merit list for the exam was declared on Tuesday, July 6 the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Born to Namoijam Naran Meetei and Namoijam Premila Leima, Naoba hails from Khonghampat Khunou in Imphal. Raised along with three siblings, Naoba had always been inspired by the Indian Army since he was a child. While pursuing his studies at Sainik School, he developed a fascination with the army officers’ lifestyle and work.
Naoba was born and raised in Khonghampat Khunou in Imphal and is an NCC Cadet of Sainik School, Imphal. In today’s society where parents urge their children to choose JEE or other technical exams, the aim to serve the Indian Army remains a hesitation. Instead, Naoba was always focused on his goal. “I have always focused on all-round development and after speculating different career options, this line utilizes everything I have done and learned so far, so I chose this and decided to follow what I have always wanted.” – quoted in an interview with The Frontier Manipur. He took the exam in September 2020, when he was still in school and was in the midway to appear for his XII Board Exam. Naoba cleared the following exam in his first attempt.
According to The Frontier Manipur Report, the 17-yr-old believes if one wants to succeed in life, hard work and sacrifice are the keys. Moreover, one needs to work smart, not only work hard. Other than Meetei, six other NCC Cadets of Sainik School have made it to the merit list, including Mayanglambam Lucky, Meghnath Soibam, Thokchom Siddharth, Mayanglambam Dinesh, Ramesh Lourembam, and Ronendro Angikaar.
