The AMA Post is live here: https://www.reddit.com/r/defence_dreamers/comments/1wccgrc/im_shivam_saraswat_defence_educator_chief_mentor/

Shivam Saraswat is a Defence Exam Educator, mentor, and the Founder of Defence Xam Master, helping aspirants prepare for competitive defence examinations including NDA, CDS, AFCAT, INET, and TA.

A Mechanical Engineer and drone pilot by background, Shivam has spent 7 years in the EdTech industry, working across education, category growth, marketing, brand building, and program management. His professional journey includes roles with Meritnation, Gradeup, Unacademy Defence, StudyIQ IAS, PW Defence Wallah, and Classplus (Abhinay Maths).

Alongside a demanding full-time corporate career, Shivam pursued his own defence exam preparation and successfully cleared AFCAT 8 times, CDS 5 times, and NDA. His experience of preparing for competitive examinations while managing professional responsibilities has shaped his approach to mentoring aspirants who are balancing studies with college, jobs, or other commitments.

As an educator, Shivam specializes in Current Affairs and General Studies for government and defence examinations and currently provides one-on-one mentorship for written defence exams through Defence Xam Master. He focuses on helping aspirants build practical preparation strategies, stay consistent, identify weaknesses, and approach competitive exams with the discipline required to succeed.

For Shivam, joining the Indian Armed Forces is more than simply securing a job, it is about passion, commitment, and embracing a way of life.

Whether you're beginning your defence exam journey, struggling to balance preparation with a full-time job or college, or looking for guidance on clearing written examinations, this AMA is an opportunity to ask your questions directly to an experienced defence educator and mentor.

Ask him anything about:

• NDA, CDS, AFCAT, INET, and TA preparation
• How to prepare for multiple defence exams
• Current Affairs and General Studies preparation
• Written exam strategy and study planning
• Preparing for defence exams alongside a full-time job or college
• Building consistency, discipline, and motivation
• Learning from repeated attempts at CDS and AFCAT
• Books, resources, and preparation materials
• Common mistakes defence aspirants should avoid
• 1-on-1 mentorship and personalized preparation
• Careers and opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces
• Building a long-term defence exam preparation strategy

Find Shivam and his Defence Xam Master guidance program on Linktree.

You can also follow him on Instagram: shivamsaraswat on LinkedIn.
Defence Xam Master on Instagram: @defence_xam_master

Join Shivam Saraswat for an AMA on r/defence_dreamers on Thursday, 10 September, at 5:00 PM IST, and bring your questions about NDA, CDS, AFCAT, INET, TA, defence exam preparation, Current Affairs, GS, mentorship, and more!

Note: This post is an announcement. The AMA is scheduled for the future and is not currently in session. It is not sponsored by Reddit or the guest. The opinions expressed by the AMA guest(s) are solely their own. Featuring the AMA does not imply an endorsement by Reddit.

Hi everyone!

r/defence_dreamers is currently unmoderated and looking for active moderators to help support and grow the community!

If the defence exam journey—the daily study grind, examination prep, and the passion to serve in uniform is something you're living through right now or have successfully navigated, you might be a great fit.

This communities covers a lot of ground for defence aspirants across India, from subject-wise strategies and resource sharing for NDA, CDS,AFCAT, CAPF to interview tips and guidance. Modding here is a chance to give back to the community that probably helped you and keep this space supportive, civil, and organized.

Leave a comment if:

• You're currently preparing for or cleared any defence exam (NDA / CDS / AFCAT / CAPF / Others) or are currently serving and want to stay connected.
• You can check in regularly and enjoy helping peers with study strategies, resource recommendations, and exam doubts.
• Bonus: You’ve modded a sub or run a study group before, or you're comfortable with the operational bits - removing spam, keeping discussions civil, responding to posts/comments. No prior experience is necessary!

If that sounds like you, drop a comment telling us where you are in your defence prep journey and why you'd like to join the mod team. We're excited to hear from you!

A little bit of extra context: I'm a Reddit admin helping get things set up and won't stay on the mod team long-term once new mods are in place. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about modding or the process!