The Mentors Behind Your Commission
Trained by Those Who Served the Nation
Our trainers aren't academics who read about the military — they are the military. Retired Major Generals, Colonels, Wing Commanders, and Naval Officers who collectively bring over 200 years of active service in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. When they teach, they teach from experience. When they mentor, they mentor from the heart.
Faculty Profiles
Meet Your Trainers
Maj Gen Shyam Shrivastava (Retd)
Director – Defence Training
Strategic Leadership & Operations
Major General Shyam Shrivastava brings over three decades of exemplary service in the Indian Army, having commanded formations across some of India's most strategically critical sectors. From the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh to counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast, his career is a masterclass in leadership under pressure.
As a decorated General Officer, he has been responsible for training and mentoring thousands of young officers during his tenure at premier military training establishments. He held key staff appointments at the Army Headquarters and has extensive experience in strategic planning, operations management, and military intelligence.
At Scope Defence Academy, Gen Shrivastava oversees the entire training curriculum and personally mentors officer-aspirants. His philosophy is simple: "A good officer is built in the classroom before he is tested in the field." Under his guidance, our students don't just clear exams — they develop the mindset of a commander.
Service Highlights & Achievements
- Commanded an Infantry Division with distinction in operational areas
- Served in Counter-Insurgency operations in J&K and Northeast India
- Key staff appointments at Army HQ and Military Operations Directorate
- Instructor at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Decorated with Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for distinguished service
- Expert in military strategy, leadership development, and officer grooming
Why Train Under Maj Gen?
Training under a Major General means learning leadership from someone who commanded 15,000+ troops. Gen Shrivastava teaches you what textbooks cannot — the art of decision-making under fire, the weight of responsibility, and the pride of leading from the front.
Col KP Singh (Retd)
Head – Physical & SSB Training
Physical Training & SSB Preparation
Colonel KP Singh is a battle-hardened infantry officer who served for over three decades in some of the Indian Army's most elite units. His career spans operational deployments across the Line of Control, high-altitude warfare in Siachen, and peacekeeping missions with the United Nations.
Known for his no-nonsense approach to training and his deep understanding of what it takes to crack the Services Selection Board (SSB), Col Singh has personally mentored hundreds of candidates who have gone on to receive their commissions. His SSB preparation methodology is rooted in real military selection criteria — because he sat on the other side of the table.
Col Singh believes that physical fitness is not optional — it's the foundation of everything an officer does. His PT sessions are legendary at the Academy, pushing students past their perceived limits and building mental resilience that lasts a lifetime.
Service Highlights & Achievements
- Served with elite Infantry units in operational and peace tenures
- UN Peacekeeping Mission experience in conflict zones
- Former SSB Assessor — knows exactly what the board looks for
- Specialist in physical fitness standards and obstacle course training
- Mentored 200+ successful SSB candidates over his career
- Expert in Group Testing, Personal Interview, and Psychology modules
Why Train Under Col KP?
Col Singh has sat on SSB boards. He knows every nuance of Officer Like Qualities (OLQs), every trick question in the Personal Interview, and exactly how to lead a Group Discussion. When he prepares you, you walk into the SSB knowing the system inside out.
Cdr RMPS Somal (Retd)
Head – Naval Studies & CDS Preparation
Naval Operations & Maritime Strategy
Commander RMPS Somal served with distinction in the Indian Navy for nearly three decades, navigating warships through the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean and beyond. His career includes extensive sea-time on front-line warships, participation in major naval exercises with allied navies, and key appointments at Naval Headquarters.
As a specialist in naval operations and maritime security, Cdr Somal brings a unique perspective to defence training that only a sailor can. He understands the sea, the ships, and the spirit of the Navy — and he passes this knowledge on to every student who dreams of wearing the white uniform.
His approach to CDS and NDA preparation for the Navy wing is unmatched. He doesn't just teach syllabus — he builds sailors. From navigation to naval history, from maritime law to the psychology of life at sea, Cdr Somal ensures our Navy-aspirants are prepared for the complete transformation that lies ahead.
Service Highlights & Achievements
- Commissioned officer in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy
- Extensive sea-time on Destroyers, Frigates, and Missile Vessels
- Participated in multi-national joint naval exercises (MALABAR, RIMPAC)
- Served at Directorate of Naval Operations, Naval Headquarters
- Specialist in Navigation, Operations, and Maritime Security
- Commended by Flag Officer Commanding for exemplary service
Why Train Under Cdr RMPS?
The Navy is about precision, endurance, and composure in the face of the unknown. Cdr Somal has sailed through monsoons and missile drills — and he brings that hardened calm to every lesson. Future naval officers could not ask for a better guide.
Mr. Ramesh Chandra (Retd)
Head – Academics & GK
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
Mr. Ramesh Chandra is a seasoned defence educator and current affairs expert whose career has been dedicated to one mission: making India's toughest competitive exams approachable. With over 25 years of teaching experience spanning NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and CAPF examinations, he has earned a reputation as one of central India's most effective defence exam coaches.
His command over General Knowledge, Current Affairs, History, Geography, and Polity is encyclopaedic — yet his teaching style is refreshingly simple. He breaks down complex geopolitical events into student-friendly narratives, turning news headlines into exam-ready knowledge.
What sets Mr. Chandra apart is his proprietary current affairs methodology. He maintains a constantly updated database of defence-relevant current affairs, international relations, and security developments — ensuring that our students are never caught off-guard by a single question in the examination hall.
Service Highlights & Achievements
- Coached 5,000+ students for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and CAPF examinations
- Subject matter expert in History, Geography, Polity, and Defence Studies
- Developed proprietary current affairs capsule used by 50+ coaching centres
- Published author of defence exam preparation guides
- Regular contributor to defence and security journals
- Faculty at multiple premier defence coaching institutes across India
Why Train Under Mr. Ramesh?
Competitive exams are won or lost in General Knowledge. Mr. Chandra's current affairs capsules and his ability to predict exam trends make him indispensable. His students consistently score 20-30% higher in the GK section than the national average.
Capt Anil Khare, Ex IFS Officer (Retd)
Head – Communication & Personality Development
Communication, Diplomacy & Personality Development
Captain Anil Khare brings a rare and powerful combination of military discipline and diplomatic finesse. After serving as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, he transitioned to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), where he represented India in international diplomatic missions across multiple countries.
This dual career — the structured rigour of the Army and the refined communication of the Foreign Service — makes Capt Khare uniquely qualified to prepare young aspirants for the personality-centric stages of defence selection. His expertise in communication skills, body language, interview techniques, and cross-cultural awareness is second to none.
At Scope Defence Academy, Capt Khare heads the Personality Development and Communication module. His workshops transform nervous, inarticulate candidates into confident, articulate individuals who can hold their own in any room — whether it's an SSB boardroom or a commanding officer's briefing.
Service Highlights & Achievements
- Commissioned officer in the Indian Army with operational experience
- Served in the Indian Foreign Service — diplomatic postings in Asia and Europe
- Expert in English communication, public speaking, and interview mastery
- Specialist in personality profiling and Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) development
- Conducted 500+ mock interviews and personality assessments
- Fluent in English, Hindi, and working knowledge of foreign languages
Why Train Under Capt Anil?
The SSB Interview and Conference are where most candidates fail — not for lack of knowledge, but for lack of communication. Capt Khare (Army + IFS) moulds personality at its core, ensuring you express your potential the way the selection board wants to see it.
Wg Cdr Manish Mishra (Retd)
Head – Air Force Studies & AFCAT
AFCAT Preparation & Air Force Operations
Wing Commander Manish Mishra spent over 26 years defending India's skies in the Indian Air Force. A qualified fighter controller and air operations specialist, he was responsible for managing complex air defence scenarios in some of India's most sensitive air sectors.
Wg Cdr Mishra's career saw him deployed at forward air bases along the western and northern borders, where split-second decisions meant the difference between mission success and failure. He served in Air Force Selection Boards and has an intimate understanding of what the IAF looks for in its future officers.
At the Academy, he leads our AFCAT preparation programme and Air Force orientation. His classroom isn't just about solving practice papers — it's about understanding the Air Force way of thinking. Students learn about air power doctrine, aviation awareness, and the unique culture of the IAF, giving them a decisive edge in both the written exam and the AFSB interview.
Service Highlights & Achievements
- Fighter Controller with experience at frontline Air Force stations
- Served at Air HQ in the Directorate of Air Operations
- Member of Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) panels
- Specialist in Air Defence operations and tactical planning
- Trained at prestigious Air Force establishments including AFTC and DSSC
- Recognized for operational excellence during heightened alert periods
Why Train Under Wg Cdr?
The Air Force demands speed, precision, and clarity — qualities that Wg Cdr Mishra embodies. Having served on AFSB panels, he knows what separates the selected from the screened-out. His AFCAT mentoring is surgical, focused, and results-driven.
Wg Cdr Arun Pandey (Retd)
Head – Mathematics & Reasoning
Mathematics & Quantitative Aptitude
Wing Commander Arun Pandey served in the Indian Air Force for over 24 years, specialising in technical operations and engineering logistics. A B.Tech graduate who earned his commission through the AFCAT route himself, he understands the aspirant's journey from the very first application form to the final merit list.
After retiring from the IAF, Wg Cdr Pandey dedicated himself to teaching the subject that makes or breaks defence exam results: Mathematics. His command over quantitative aptitude, mathematical reasoning, and elementary mathematics (NDA Paper II) has made him one of the most sought-after maths faculty members in the defence coaching ecosystem.
His teaching methodology is built for military-style efficiency — concept, practice, speed drills, and accuracy checks. Students who once feared mathematics come out of his classes solving NDA-level problems in under 90 seconds. His success rate speaks for itself.
Service Highlights & Achievements
- B.Tech commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force (Technical Branch)
- Cleared AFCAT and SSB through personal merit — relatable journey for aspirants
- Specialist in NDA Mathematics Paper II, CDS Elementary Maths, and AFCAT Numerical
- Developed speed mathematics techniques for competitive exam time management
- Achieved 90%+ pass rate in mathematics among coached students
- Published problem sets and formula banks used across defence coaching centres
Why Train Under Wg Cdr?
Mathematics is the #1 reason candidates fail NDA and CDS. Wg Cdr Pandey doesn't just teach formulas — he teaches military-speed problem solving. As someone who cleared AFCAT himself, he brings credibility and empathy that students trust.
Lt Cdr Dipika Singh (Retd)
Head – English & Women Officer Entry
English, Comprehension & Women Entry Guidance
Lieutenant Commander Dipika Singh is a trailblazer — one of the distinguished women officers who served in the Indian Navy at a time when female representation in the armed forces was still growing. Over her 20+ years of service, she broke barriers, earned respect, and proved that courage knows no gender.
Lt Cdr Singh served across naval establishments in education, administration, and human resource management. Her career included training appointments where she was responsible for grooming young sailors and officers — an experience she now brings to the Academy.
Beyond her naval expertise, Lt Cdr Singh is exceptionally qualified in English language and comprehension — the subjects that determine selection or rejection in every defence exam. Her English classes are rigorous, interactive, and designed to transform students with weak language skills into confident communicators. She also serves as the Academy's dedicated mentor for women candidates, guiding them through the specific entry schemes, physical standards, and psychological preparation unique to women in the armed forces.
Service Highlights & Achievements
- Among the pioneering women officers in the Indian Navy
- Served across naval bases including INS Chilka and INS Valsura
- Training and education specialist with HR management experience
- Expert in English Language, Comprehension, and Verbal Ability for defence exams
- Dedicated mentor for women candidates — SSC, CDS, AFCAT women entry schemes
- Advocates for women in defence and regularly conducts outreach workshops
Why Train Under Lt Cdr?
For young women who dream of wearing the uniform, Lt Cdr Dipika Singh is the role model and mentor they need. She's been there, done that — and now she's here to make sure more women follow in her footsteps. Her English coaching is equally powerful for all students.
Your Future Starts Here
Learn From the Best. Become the Best.
These officers dedicated their lives to serving India. Now they're dedicating their experience to shaping you. Don't just prepare for the exam — prepare for the uniform.