Chandigarh: 27th March, 2025: Another proud moment for Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, as its recent alumnus, Mr. Prince Chahal has  secured All India Rank (AIR) 15 in the CDS exam for the Indian Naval Academy (INA). 
Mr. Chahal, a 2024 graduate from the Electrical Engineering Department, is currently working as an Aviation Software Engineer at Airbus, Bangalore. Reflecting on his success, he attributed his achievement to the unwavering support of his family and close ones. He expressed, "My parents never stopped believing in me. Their constant encouragement and personal sacrifices have been my greatest strength, keeping me focused and motivated even during the toughest times."
The Combined Defense Services (CDS) examination is conducted by UPSC for entry into various defense academies—Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA)—for the role of commissioned officers. Lakhs of candidates apply every year, but only around 900 clear the written stage for the Indian Naval Academy. Further, a five-day-long intensive selection process where only 89 candidates made it through and then candidates undergo a thorough medical evaluation. A total of 32 seats were notified for INA, and he secured AIR 15 on an overall basis. The journey was demanding, requiring immense dedication, resilience, and hard work, but the result made it all worthwhile.
Eager to embark on this new journey, he looks forward to joining the defense academy, where he aims to serve the nation with pride and honor while honing his skills, upholding the highest standards of service, and contributing effectively to the defense forces.
He also acknowledged the role of his teachers, mentors, and everyone who provided support along the way. Their guidance has been instrumental in this success. Lastly, he also expressed his gratitude towards PEC for providing a great platform to develop the overall personality and for equipping a strong technical background in Electrical Engineering, which has played a crucial role in shaping the analytical and problem-solving abilities. His remarkable achievement is an inspiration for aspiring defense personnel and a testament to PEC's legacy of excellence in shaping future leaders.