I am a SSB reject... multiple attempts.
Back in those days... what sickened me was in those "know your army" fairs... there is that one tent where officers/JCO's interact with aspiring young lads and hand out pamphlets having info on various entry schemes... but such info was on one page only... the rest 4-5 pages described perks, benefits & officers lifestyle with pictures.
You are a f**king fighting force... ye kya appease kar rahe ho jhunjhuna dikha ke... recruit those who will join you even if such perks/benefits are not available
Looking at present realities which i was unaware in the innocence of youth... Agar mera recruitment ho gaya hota... I would have resigned or gone into silence.
I live in a garrison city... and scores of veterans are my contacts... meet in service personnel during train journeys... they are so much focused on the canteen.