The History of the National Defence Institute (NDI) began
in 2019, from a modest 300 sq. ft. classroom, driven by a bold
vision and unwavering commitment to serve the nation by training future defence
leaders. The institute was co-founded by Mr. Shaheed MH (Founder
& Director) and was deeply supported by Ms. Ranjitha
N (Co-Founder & Director) joined as a steadfast
partner—someone who believed in the vision, supported it
wholeheartedly who stood with him not just as a partner, but as a
constant pillar through every stage of the journey. They were later joined
by Mr. Aravind Muralidharan (Academic Head) and Mr. Fathaulla
Khan two passionate individuals whose dedication and contribution have
been instrumental to NDI’s growth. Together, the four form the core
backbone of NDI, which today is recognized as a trusted name in India’s
defence exam coaching landscape.
Before establishing NDI, Shaheed MH had
already gained valuable experience working in several reputed IAS
coaching institutes and Defence academies across India.
His expertise in exams like UPSC, NDA, CDS, and SSB, paired with a
passion for mentoring, earned him immense respect among students.
In 2018, while mentoring at a leading defence
academy, Shaheed had the privilege of training three exceptional students in
the defence academy — Ranjitha N, Aravind Muralidharan,
and Fathaulla Khan. Each of them stood out for their
sincerity, discipline, and passion for joining the armed forces. Over time,
these four individuals — guided by values of service, patriotism, and
passion for teaching laid the foundation for a long-lasting collaboration.
The four individuals came together with one mission — to establish a Best Defence academy in India that would shape the future officers of the Indian Armed Forces.
Mr. Shaheed MH (Founder & Director) – National Defence Institute (NDI)
Shaheed MH is the Founder and Director of the National Defence Institute (NDI) — a leading institute dedicated to shaping future officers of the Indian Armed Forces. His journey from the IT Sector to mentoring aspirants is a story of passion, perseverance, and purpose. After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering in 2015, Shaheed began his professional career in the IT sector, having been placed straight out of college. However, his true calling had emerged much earlier — around 2012, during his college years, when he first learned about the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Deeply inspired, he began his preparation from the college library, dedicating hours outside of class to self-study. By his final year, he was already deeply involved in preparation, laying the foundation for what would become a long and disciplined journey. From 2014 to 2018, he remarkably managed to strike a balance — working full-time in the IT industry while rigorously pursuing his civil service goals. Though he cleared the UPSC prelims and mains stages, he narrowly missed the final list. Yet, this experience fuelled a deeper sense of purpose. Recognizing his natural inclination toward mentoring and leadership, Shaheed began guiding students alongside his own preparation. Eventually, he made the bold decision to leave his IT job and fully dedicate himself to the field of education and coaching. With a strong foundation in civil services mentoring and a deep desire to serve the nation, he established NDI in 2019, starting from a humble 300 sq. ft. classroom. Under his leadership, NDI has evolved into a highly regarded institute, known for its academic excellence, individual-focused mentoring, and a proud record of producing successful candidates for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary services. Shaheed’s journey quietly reflects a blend of resilience, clarity of purpose, and a steady commitment to nurturing future leaders for the nation. He was joined by an extraordinary team — individuals who were once students, but became co-builders of the dream. Their loyalty, leadership, and shared passion helped turn NDI into what it is today. Together, they form the core strength of the institute — a family bound not by titles, but by vision, values, and victory.
Meet the team behind the mission...
Ms. Ranjitha N (Co-Founder and Director), embodies dedication, resilience,
and visionary leadership. From her beginnings as a passionate
student devoted to serving the armed forces, she has grown
into an indispensable cornerstone of NDI’s success. Her strategic
insight, unwavering commitment to student
development, and hands-on approach to administration have
been pivotal in transforming NDI into one of India’s most respected
defence coaching institutions. Beyond her professional contributions,
Ranjitha’s steadfast support during Shaheed’s most challenging
personal and professional moments has been a testament to their profound
partnership—rooted in mutual trust, respect, and
a shared mission. Their synergy, forged through
overcoming adversity together, continues to drive the
institute’s growth and inspire countless students.
As a guiding force in strategy, operations, and
student engagement, Ranjitha’s role is not just foundational but
deeply inspiring, reflecting the heart and soul of
NDI’s journey.
Mr. Aravind Muralidharan (Academic Head), has
been an unwavering pillar of strength and support throughout the foundational
journey of NDI. More than a colleague, he has stood beside Shaheed as a true
brother, sharing not only the responsibilities but also the challenges and
triumphs of building the institute from the ground up. With an extraordinary
dedication that transcends the ordinary, Aravind has been instrumental in
designing the institute’s academic framework and nurturing a
culture of excellence through his mentorship. His profound commitment,
relentless work ethic, and unwavering integrity have
profoundly shaped NDI’s vision and success. Aravind’s blend of moral
support, strategic insight, and heartfelt dedication makes him an
indispensable cornerstone of NDI’s continued growth and impact.
Mr. Fathaulla Khan, too, was one of the earliest
supporters, offering vital assistance during the building phase. His
genuine involvement, teaching capabilities, and dedication to
students added great value and helped the institute take its early steps with
confidence.
The team officially launched NDI in June 2019, overcoming early financial, logistical, and operational challenges through collective effort and unity. From taking classes and handling admissions to personally guiding students, all four worked day and night to build a centre based on quality, trust, and excellence.
Today, NDI is one of India’s leading defence
coaching institutes, offering specialized training for:
By 2025, the National Defence Institute (NDI) has proudly
produced hundreds of success stories, with its students now serving in esteemed
positions across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. What began as a shared
dream in a modest 300 sq. ft. classroom has evolved into a powerful educational
movement — one that inspires, prepares, and transforms lives every day.
From a single room to a nationally respected institution,
the journey of NDI is a story of purpose, passion, and partnership — built on
mutual respect, resilience, and an unbreakable commitment to shaping the future
officers of India’s Armed Forces. And the mission continues…
At National
Defence Institute (NDI), we aim to train, mentor, and
transform aspirants into the future officers of
the Indian Armed Forces.
Through expert
coaching for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, SSB Interview,
and military school exams (RIMC, RMS, Sainik), we
combine academic excellence, patriotism, and personal
mentorship.
Our mission is
to go beyond exams — to instill leadership, discipline,
and a spirit of service, shaping confident, capable
individuals ready to serve the nation with pride.
To be India’s
most trusted and inspiring defence coaching institute, committed to
transforming passionate youth into confident,
responsible, and service-minded leaders of the Indian Armed
Forces.
Born from
a 300 sq. ft. classroom and a shared dream in 2019,
NDI envisions a future where every deserving aspirant, regardless
of background, has access to quality training, personal
mentorship, and the values of patriotism, discipline, and integrity.
We strive to
create not just exam success stories, but a generation of committed
individuals who serve the nation with honour, courage,
and conviction.
We believe
in mentorship beyond academics — shaping character,
instilling confidence, and building leadership from
within.
Our vision is
to set a national benchmark in defence exam coaching by
blending personal attention, innovation, and a deep
sense of purpose in everything we do.
At NDI
(National Defence Institute), we don’t just prepare students for
defence exams — we prepare them for life in uniform.
We provide expert training for NDA, SSB, CDS, AFCAT, and Sainik School entrance exams, empowering aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces with confidence and discipline.