Answer by Cdr Rathore: It is true.
Let us understand why candidates who live like an under-trainee officer (cadet) are likely to get recommended by the SSB.
The day of a cadet in NDA/IMA/OTA/IAF(Dindigul)/INA:
4 AM: wake up, morning routine (including shave)
6 to 8:15 AM: Each Cadet covers approximately 8–12 Kms on foot everyday & sometimes as much as 22–30 Kms. Specially during the X-Country preparation, & during the Camps. Sometimes it could be with 10–12 Kgs on his Shoulder back-pack. Morning Physical Training could have Horse Riding, Swimming, Running, Obstacle Training and/or Drill in the Parade Ground with a 6.5 Kg assault rifle (SLR).
9 AM to 2 PM: Get ready & reach classes after Breakfast.
2 to 3 PM: Lunch & rest.
3 to 5 PM: Hobby club (aeromodelling, dramatics, photography etc.)/preparation for upcoming competition (football, cross country, dramatics etc.).
5 to 6 PM: Play sport of your choice.
6 to 8 PM: Self- study.
8 to 10 PM: Post dinner you are back in your rooms by 09:30 pm, then you prepare for the next day & Lights out is at 10 pm.
If you make a mistake during the day, like you might get late (as distances in the Academy are too much) or you are not wearing dress which is well ironed/ dirty, you are liable for punishments. You get a bicycle but many a times the bicycle is riding on you.
The self-study time is less, so you study by cutting your sleeping time with an emergency light.
You do not get phone or TV (so no time wasting).
If anyone of you can push yourself to study for NDA/CDS/AFCAT/INET exam and SSB Interview following the above-mentioned daily routine for six months to one year. You will surely get recommended.
Most candidates aspiring to be officer in Armed Forces do not prepare with a routine. They think when we reach the academy, we will push ourselves to follow the rigorous routine. The training academy is not a jail. You will earn a recommendation to be a cadet in the academy if you are determined to be there.