For many engineering graduates, success follows a familiar path—getting a degree from a prestigious school, landing a well-paying corporate job, climbing the career ladder and living a good life.Capt. Amar Simha Yadav chose a different path.After graduating with B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Mandi in 2017, he joined Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as a Senior Engineer, working on major projects in the UAE. It was the kind of work that many young professionals wanted to make.• He studied Civil Engineering at IIT Delhi but created a startup worth Rs 565 crore for dairy farmers. This is how two people in the room changed the cattle market in IndiaHowever, despite the stability, international exposure and bright future, Amar felt that something was missing.Instead of continuing in the industry, he quit his job, planned a completely different career, and joined the Indian Army. For the next six years, he served as a Captain and Combat Engineer Officer, leading troops in some of the most difficult areas of the country. Today, he has started another chapter by joining the one-year Executive MBA program at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta.
Choosing purpose over comfort
The decision was not easy.Amar shared that his parents wanted him to pursue a steady career in technology. However, he found himself questioning whether the corporate life was what he really wanted.• Three Indian engineers spent six months in a library studying quantum computing, now building what Google has been chasing.Reflecting on the episode, he said that he spent most of his day sitting at a desk, and gradually he lost weight and lost his eyesight. What drew him to the Army was not just the uniform but the opportunity to stay healthy, take on good positions and serve the country.“The military is the only group where you are paid to be fit, to be respected and to serve the best military forces in the world,” he said explaining why he decided to leave a good job.That changed his life.
From engineers to Army officers
After joining the Indian Army in 2019, Amar underwent the country’s most rigorous military training before being commissioned as a Combat Engineer Officer.His responsibilities extended beyond technical engineering.During his service, he commanded an Engineer Task Force that consisted of over 120 soldiers and over 200 civilian personnel. The team carried out operations including road construction, settlement maintenance, snow removal, water supply and infrastructure support in the border areas and counter-insurgency areas.As a Company Manager, he trained and mentored over 100 soldiers while overseeing operations, logistics, technical maintenance and military maintenance.He also served as the Adjutant of his division, overseeing the administration and discipline of more than 700 personnel.
Leading beyond the battlefield
Amar’s role was not limited to military duties.He trained the personnel of the Assam Police Commando Battalion in the handling of live mines, anti-IED operations, mine disposal techniques and bridge construction.He also led rescue columns during flood relief operations, demonstrating the role of the military in disaster response along with national security.Later, he headed the division responsible for planning and managing defense projects worth over Rs 500 crore across the Kerala coast. His work also included liaison with government agencies at several Coast Guard locations.These jobs require leadership under pressure, good planning and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure.
New job at IIM Calcutta
After completing more than six years, Amar has now joined the Executive MBA program at IIM Calcutta.For him, management education is not about leadership but development.His professional journey includes engineering, military leadership, logistics and strategic planning. The management program marks the beginning of another phase where he hopes to apply his experience in new organizational and leadership roles.
Lesson for students
The journey of Capt. Amar Simha Yadav offers an important lesson to students and young professionals: career success is not just about choosing a high-paying job or following an obvious path.After getting a degree from IIT, he got a vacant technical position. He then gave it up to pursue his dream of serving in the Indian Army. Years later, instead of staying in his comfort zone, he is back in the classroom preparing for the next chapter of his career.His story reminds students that education is not a one-time event. Be it engineering, military or management, learning can open new doors in every walk of life.Sometimes, the biggest career decisions aren’t driven by salary or job titles, but by purpose, passion and the courage to start over.Disclaimer: This story is based on what he shared publicly with Capt. Amar Simha Yadav through his professional background and public voice. This article aims to highlight his educational and work journey for information and inspiration. It should not be construed as an endorsement by the organizations or institutions mentioned.