6 failed attempts, Assam boy from border village becomes Indian Army Lieutenant

Rajarshi Barua, a resident of Sareng village on the border of Darrang and Udalguri districts, has been commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army. Barua's achievement comes after he cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam on his seventh attempt.

The only son of Indra Baruah and Shanti Boro Barua, Rajarshi faced numerous challenges during his journey to success. Despite failing the Assam Police Sub-Inspector exam and the CDS exam multiple times, he remained undeterred. His determination and hard work paid off after four to five years of intense preparation.

Upon his return home, Barua was welcomed as a local hero by his village, where he was honored with traditional Assamese symbols like the gamosa and jaapi. The celebrations included music, with rajarshik dhole-dog (royal drums) playing in the background.

Barua, who completed his BTech at the Central Institute of Technology in Kokrajhar, decided to join the armed forces after being inspired by an army officer's briefing at Rangiya railway junction. He prepared for the CDS exam mostly on his own, using online materials. For the service selection phase, he underwent specialized training in Bengaluru and cleared the tough psychological tests and interviews in Allahabad on his first attempt.

Barua is currently posted to the 19th Mahar Regiment and serves in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, with his first assignment in the prestigious but challenging Siachen Glacier.

While his parents are immensely proud of his achievements, they remain apprehensive about sending their only son to serve in the world's highest battlefield. However, Rajarshi Barua's journey stands as an inspiring example of resilience and dedication for his community and beyond.