Malcolm Dias, 18, worked hard for months preparing for his goal – to join defence services. On Saturday, he became the first person from Bhuigaon village in Vasai to crack the National Defence Academy entrance exams, ranking 220 on the merit list.

“After my class X board exams, I knew I wanted to join the defence. And so, I did not choose engineering or medicine as my career. My aim was to serve the country and my family members supported me throughout. They worked hard to provide me with good education,” said Malcolm.

“My first preference is to join the Air Force and Navy would be my second option,” he added.

Malcolm’s father Elias, a lab assistant in a Kandivli school, is a proud man. “I am happy that Malcolm has worked hard to join the National Defence Academy in Pune. We are proud that he has become the first person from Vasai to crack the NDA exams,” said Elias.

Around 3 lakh candidates appeared for the exams, out of which, 469 candidates were selected.