NATIONAL CADET CORPS (NCC)

Dr. P Dayananda Pai, Chairman, BMSCE is an ex NCC Cadet. He served as a Senior Under Officer (SUO) in Mysore Contingent and took part in Republic Day Parade (RDC-1965) on Rajpath on 26th January 1965. He received the prize for having represented the Mysore State in RDC-1965 from the Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He was also a University Champion in Weightlifting.

AIM OF NCC:

The ‘Aims’ of the NCC laid out in 1988 have stood the test of time and continue to meet the requirements expected of it in the current socio–economic scenario of the country. The NCC aims at developing character, comradeship, discipline, a secular outlook, the spirit of adventure and ideals of selfless service amongst young citizens. Further, it aims at creating a pool of organized, trained and motivated youth with leadership qualities in all walks of life, who will serve the Nation regardless of which career they choose. Needless to say, the NCC also provides an environment conducive to motivating young Indians to join the armed forces.

  1. To Create a Human Resource of Organized, Trained and Motivated Youth, To Provide Leadership in all Walks of life and be Always Available for the Service of the Nation.
  2. To Develop Character, Comradeship, Discipline, Leadership, Secular Outlook, Spirit of Adventure, and Ideals of Selfless Service amongst the Youth of the Country.
  3. To Provide a Suitable Environment to Motivate the Youth to Take Up a Career in the Armed Forces.

GENESIS

The Cadet Corps Committee which was formed on 29 Sep 1946 with Pt HN Kunzru as chairman held six meetings in South Block, New Delhi. At the same time, Pt HN Kunzru formed sub-committees which were sent on study tours in all the main provinces of pre-independent India including provinces which are now located in Bangladesh and Pakistan. One sub-committee was also sent on tour to Great Britain and France from 15 Feb 1947 to 31 Mar 1947 to study the Youth and Cadet organisations in those countries.

The Cadet Corps Committee carried out exhaustive study of the problem of youth in India. Its sub-committees after their tour at home and abroad submitted their report to the Govt of India in Mar 1947. Soon after the report was submitted, a far reaching political development began to impact the country, due to which the Cadet Corps Scheme had to be kept in abeyance. The religious strife which then was at its zenith, ultimately led to the partition of the country into India and Pakistan.

On the stroke of midnight of 14/15 Aug 1947, India achieved her independence. Immediately after independence, India was confronted with problems of formidable magnitude concerning not only repatriation of millions of displaced persons from Pakistan but also a full scale invasion of Kashmir by the Armed tribesmen supported by Pakistan. The armed forces had to rush to retrieve Kashmir at a time when they were already pre-occupied with the internal problem of maintaining law and order during the country's initial stage of consolidation.

The war in Kashmir and the consequent loss of a portion of Indian territory; the open support of Western Powers to Pakistan in the Security Council of the United Nations, made it more than evident to the Indian leaders that they not only had to strengthen the Armed Forces but also create sufficient strength of reserves, who could take up arms, when required. The gravity of time and event found expression in the Indian Legislature through anxious and pressing demand for military training of young men and women throughout the country.

At this juncture, Prime Minister Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru at the behest of Sardar Baldev Singh, the then Defence Minister and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then Home Minister, took out the Kunzuru Committee Report for a serious studyfrom the shelves of the Defence Department. On 05 Dec 1947, after being approved by the Defence Committee the copy of the Cadet Corps Committee Report was sent to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Commissioners of all Provincial Govts (now called State Govts) for their comments. The consent of Provincial Govts were required because they were responsible for the administration of the educational institutions in their respective provinces and thus the success of the Cadet Corps scheme largely depended on their initiative. Replies received from the provinces in Jan 1948, show that they all agreed in principal with the Cadet Corps Scheme submitted by the Kunzuru Committee.

Dr. Hriday Nath Kunzuru addressing Directors of NCC (now called Deputy Director Generals) Conference

BIRTH OF THE NATIONAL CADET CORPS

The Kashmir War of 1948 taught a very important lesson to India, that freedom needs to be protected by strong Armed Forces. Its immediate manifestation was that the recommendations of Kunzuru committee were placed before the Constituent Assembly (Legislature) on 13 Mar 1948. A draft Bill was sent to the Constituent Assembly (Legislative) on 19 Mar 1948, which evoked great interest and enthusiasm amongst all members. After due deliberations and amendments, the Bill was passed by the Assembly on 08 Apr 1948. The Central Govt accepted the opinion of the Provincial Govts and the Standing Committee's recommendations for the formation of a Cadet Corps which was to be named as "National Cadet Corps", as recommended by the Kunzuru Committee.

The Bill received the assent of the Governor General on 16 Apr 1948, and the National Cadet Corps came into being by an Act of the Parliament Act No. XXXI of 1948 designated 'The National Cadet Corps Act 1948'. This Act with 13 clauses, prescribed the formation of the National Cadet Corps in India.

The first step in the process of raising of the NCC was setting up of the NCC Secretariat now called Headquarters Directorate General NCC. In fact, even before the NCC Bill was passed by the Constituent Assembly (Legislative), the Ministry of Defence had set up the nucleus of the NCC Secretariat, with Col (later retired as Chief of Army Staff) Gopal Gurunath Bewoor as first Director of the NCC. He took over as Director of NCC on 31 Mar 1948.

Then Colonel (later Chief of Army Staff) GG Bewoor. First Director (now called Director General) of NCC

INAUGURATION OF NCC

The schools and colleges opened after summer vacation and the NCC of Independent India was inaugurated on 15 Jul 1948. The journey of this Indian youth organisation, which has now become the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world had begun.

In the year 1948 a total of 96 units of Senior Division were raised, comprising variety of units to include one Armoured Corps, three Artillery, five Engineers, two Signals and two Medical - and 83 companies of Infantry. As there was some delay in the establishment of NCC in UP, Madras and Bihar, whose Govts wanted every student joining NCC to be verified by police prior to enrolment, only 20,000 cadets had joined the NCC in the year 1948. The raising of the Junior Division units did not progress well owing to shortage of trained school teachers. The main difficulty was that adequate number of teachers of the desired quality did not come forward to work as NCC officers. There were various administrative reasons attributed to this. Sometimes, colleges and schools were not in a position to spare the teaching staff except during the summer vacation. Thus the NCC which has now13 lakh cadets on its rolls, had started with 20,000 cadets in 1948.

First Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru reviewing Guard of Honour

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru presenting Republic Day baenner

MOTTO OF NCC

The need for having motto for the Corps was discussed in the 11th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting held on 11 Aug 1978. The mottos suggested were "Duty and Discipline"; "Duty, Unity and Discipline"; "Duty and Unity"; "Unity and Discipline". The final decision for selection of "Unity and Discipline" as motto for the NCC was taken in the 12th CAC meeting held on 12 Oct 1980.

CORE VALUES

The NCC is a responsive, learning and continuously evolving organization. Its activity is guided by certain core values that we endeavour to instill among all ranks of the NCC. These include the following:

  1. A sense of patriotic commitment to encourage cadets to contribute to national development.
  2. Respect for diversities in religion, language, culture, ethnicity, life style and habitat to instill a sense of National unity and social cohesion.
  3. Abiding commitment to learn and adhere to the norms and values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
  4. Understanding the value of a just and impartial exercise of authority.
  5. Ability to participate in community development and other social programme.
  6. A healthy life style free of substance abuse and other unhealthy practices.
  7. Sensitivity to the needs of poor and socially disadvantaged fellow citizens.
  8. Inculcating habits of restraint and self-awareness.
  9. Understanding the values of honesty, truthfulness, self-sacrifice, perseverance and hard work.
  10. Respect for knowledge, wisdom and the power of ideas.

PLEDGE

WE THE CADET OF THE NATIONAL CADET CORPS, DO SOLOEMNLY PLEDGE THAT WE SHALL ALWAYS UPHOLD THE UNITY OF INDIA. WE RESOLVE TO BE DISCIPLINED AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN OF OUR NATION. WE SHALL UNDERTAKE POSITIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE SPIRIT OF SELFLESSNESS AND CONCERN FOR OUR FELLOW BEINGS.

NCC FLAG

The NCC flag for various units of the NCC was first introduced in 1951. The flag was of same pattern, colour and size as was used by various regiments of the Army. The only difference was that it had the NCC badge and unit designation placed in the centre. Later on it was felt that the flag should be in keeping with the inter-service character of the Corps. In 1954 the existing tricolour flag was introduced. The three colours in the flag depict the three services of the Corps, red for the Army, deep blue for the Navy and light blue for the Air Force. The letters NCC and the NCC crest in gold in the middle of the flag encircled by a wreath of lotus, give the flag a colourful look and a distinct identity.

NCC SONG

The desirability of composing a NCC song was considered in the Circle Commanders (now called DDGs) Conference held in January 1956 and all circles were asked to send their proposals. The official song of the NCC - "Kadam Mila Ke Chal" was adopted in 1963, and registered in 1969 with the approval of the Ministry of Defence. In 1974, it was felt that the NCC song had failed to catch the imagination of the youth, and there was a need for a change. A sustained process began; entries were invited from Directorates for suitable lyrics; 107 entries were received; of which eight were selected by a Board of Officers. However, all the eight were considered sub standard by Dr Nagendra of Delhi University, who was the judge. On the suggestion of Dr Nagendra, the task was entrusted to Shri Chiranjit, the Chief Producer, Drama Division, AIR, Delhi.

The song written by Shri Chiranjit was approved, in 1976. The Maharashtra Directorate was asked to get the song composed and recorded with the help of Shri Raj Kapoor, and the Films Division, Bombay. However, nothing much came out of this exercise as Shri Raj Kapoor was then busy in making his film "Satyam Shivam Sundaram" and the studios of the Films Division were under renovation. Later, Shri Mahinder Singh Bedi, a well known poet of Delhi, was requested to write another song. This effort also proved infructuous. AEC Centre Pachmarhi was also approached, but somehow the matter could not be finalized.

Almost during the same period and independent of efforts at Directorate General NCC, the Film Division undertook production of a documentary on NCC 'A Cadet’ s Diary’. The Director of the documentary was looking for a suitable song for the film. He happened to hear the song - 'Ham Sab Hindi Hain' which appears to have been first sung at a Youth Festival at Chandigarh, sometime during 1968-69, and introduced it in the documentary film.

The song was a hit and successive Director Generals (DGs) found it good and played it repeatedly in Republic Day camps. In 1980, the word 'Hindi' was substituted with 'Bhartiya'.

Come ASIAD (1982), and the NCC got the opportunity to display its potential in the opening ceremony. The Special Organising Committee approved trial recording of the song for recital during the Asian Games Festival. The song was finally recorded in its present form, sometime during Oct 1982, at the Western Outdoor Studio, Delhi with the help of AIR artists, and musicians under overall supervision of Pandit Vijai Raghavan Rao.

Post ASIAD era in the NCC saw among other events, a well composed musical hit and an inspiring NCC song being played and sung alongwith recorded music; a 16 mm colour film had also been made with title 'Hum Sab Bhartiya Hain' of 7½ minutes duration. This film had been telecast twice on national hook up. Other films, 'Unity and Discipline'; 'A Cadet’ s Diary, had also used this song prominently. The writer of this song seems to have been lost in oblivion. "No body knows" - said Shri SK Sharma, Joint Director, Armed Forces Film and Photo Division, who was actively involved with the production of documentaries on the NCC. "This song was not written for the NCC, as such, writes Shri Mathur, ex-publicity officer, DGNCC, in his notings on the file. But nobody has claimed it so far. Another noting speaks of Sri Virender Sharma as the lyrics writer, and Sri Vijai Raghavan Rao as the music composer.

This NCC song is liked by millions of cadets, both past and present, and is sung on all important occasions of the NCC.

NCC Song Lyrics

  • Hum Sab Bharatiya Hain, Hum Sab Bharatiya Hain
  • Apni Manzil Ek Hai,
  • Ha, Ha, Ha, Ek Hai,
  • Ho, Ho, Ho, Ek Hai.
  • Hum Sab Bharatiya Hain.
  • Kashmir Ki Dharti Rani Hai,
  • Sartaj Himalaya Hai,
  • Saadiyon Se Humne Isko Apne Khoon Se Pala Hai
  • Desh Ki Raksha Ki Khatir Hum Shamshir Utha Lenge,
  • Hum Shamshir Utha Lenge.
  • Bikhre Bikhre Taare Hain Hum Lekin Jhilmil Ek Hai,
  • Ha, Ha, Ha, Ek Hai
  • Hum Sab Bharatiya Hai.
  • Mandir Gurudwaare Bhi Hain Yahan
  • Aur Masjid Bhi Hai Yahan
  • Girija Ka Hai Ghariyaal Kahin
  • Mullah ki Kahin Hai Ajaan
  • Ek Hee Apna Ram Hain, Ek hi Allah Taala Hai,
  • Ek Hee Allah Taala Hain, Raang Birange Deepak Hain Hum,
  • lekin Jagmag Ek Hai, Ha Ha Ha Ek Hai, Ho Ho Ho Ek Hai.
  • Hum Sab Bharatiya Hain, Hum Sab Bharatiya Hain.

ORGANIZATION

HQ DG NCC

The NCC is headed by a Director General with the rank of Lieutenant General.

LT GEN RAJEEV CHOPRA, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL,

DG NCC & COLONEL OF THE MADRAS REGIMENT

  1. Lt Gen Rajeev Chopra, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal was commissioned in 26 MADRAS in Dec 1980. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
  2. The General Officer has Commanded 26 MADRAS in Operation RHINO (ASSAM), where the unit received the coveted COAS citation and in Operation Parakram in Jammu & Kashmir. He has commanded a Bde in Eastern Command and was Inspector General of HQ IGAR (South) in the insurgency torn state of Manipur. The General Officer commanded a Corps in Eastern Theatre and has also been the Commandant of the prestigious Infantry School. The General Officer is also the Colonel of The Madras Regiment since Jun 2016. The General Officer has assumed the appointment of Director General of NCC on 01 Feb 19.
  3. The General officer has a rich and varied experience of serving in different terrains and has held varied Staff appointments at Formation and Service HQ. His instructional appointments include a tenure each at The Infantry School and Army War College.
  4. The General Officer is a graduate of Technical Staff Officers Course, has attended the Higher Command Course at National Defence University, China and National Defence College, New Delhi. He holds a Diploma in Defence & Strategic Studies from NDU, PLA China & MPhil in Defence & Strategic Studies from Madras University. The General Officer has been awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service in Jan 2018.

DG NCC is assisted by two Additional Director Generals (A and B) of two-star rank (major-general, rear-admiral or air vice-marshal). Five Brigadier level officers and other civil officials also assist him. The Headquarters is located in Delhi. The organisational structure continues as follows:

DIRECTORATE

There are 17 Directorate located in the state capitals headed by Deputy Director General (DDG) with the rank of a Brigadier/Maj Gen or equivalent rank from the three Services.

Group - Depending upon the size of the state and growth of NCC in the states, Directorates have up to 14 Group Headquarters under them through which they exercise their command and control of the organisation in the state. Each group is headed by an officer of the rank of colonel or equivalent known as Group Commander.

Battalion - Each NCC Group Headquarters control 5-7 units (Bns) commanded by Colonel/Lt. Col or equivalent.

Company - Each Battalion consists of companies which are commanded by the Associate NCC Officer (ANO) of the rank of lieutenant to major.

In all there are 96 Group Headquarters in the country who exercise control over a network of 684 Army wing units (including technical and girls unit), 69 Naval wing units and 61 Air Squadrons. There are two training establishments namely Officers Training School, Kamptee (Nagpur, Maharashtra) and Women Officers Training School, Gwalior. Besides this Vice Chancellors of various universities across India are conferred with honorary rank of commandant in NCC, to promote and support NCC in their respective University.

DIRECTORATES

  • Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
  • Bihar & Jharkhand
  • Delhi
  • Gujarat Dadra & Nagar Haveli
  • Jammu & Kashmir
  • Karnataka & Goa
  • Kerala & Lakshdweep
  • Maharashtra
  • Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh
  • Odisha
  • North East Region (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & Tripura)
  • Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh
  • Rajasthan
  • Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Uttarakhand
  • West Bengal & Sikkim

UNITS

These 17 directorates are divided in total of 814 units divided in three service groups Army, Naval and Air. Out of those 684 are Army, 69 Naval and 61 Air units

Types of units and their numbers are given below:
Type of Unit Number
ARMD SQN 11
ARTY REGT 03
ARTY BTY 20
ENGR REGT 02
ENGR COY 11
SIG REGT 01
SIG COY 13
MED BN 02
MED COY 11
R&V REGT 03
R&V COY 15
EME BN 02
EME COY 06
CTR 11
CTC 12
INF BN 369
INF INDEP COY 46
GIRLS BN 97
GIRLS INDEP COY 12

ARMS

HQ: HQ NCC, DTE, Group HQ, BN & COYHQ

ARMY: Technical (Engineers, Signals, Medical, EME, CTR), Non-Technical (Infantry, Armoured & ARTY)

AIR: Flying & Technical

NAVY: Unit, Naval Tech., Medical, DAS

TRG: OTA- Gwalior & OTA- Kamptee

STRENGTH

Army: Each battalion or unit of NCC consists of a number of platoons or coy. For senior division boys each platoon consists of 52 cadets and each coy consists 160 cadets. Each BN has 4 to 7 coys so each BN carries around 640 to 1120 cadets. A senior wing girls BN consists of 2 to 7 coy means a total of 320 to 1120 cadets. For junior division boys and junior wing girls each troop has 100 cadets and each BN has at least one troop.

Navy: For senior division boys each BN or unit consists of 4 to 8 divisions and each division consists of 50 cadets. For senior wing girls similar arrangement exists as of senior division boys. For junior division boys and junior wing girls each BN has a troop of 100 cadets.

Air: For senior division boys and senior wing girls each unit consists of at least 2 fleets each consists of 100 cadets. So each unit known as Squadron carries around 200 cadets. For junior wing girls and junior division boys each squadron has a troop consisted of 100 cadets.

However, each unit can have up to 24 troops of senior division boys expanding their strength to 2400 cadets but this is maximum limit.

PERSONNEL

Cadet Ranks

UNIFORM

NCC Dress Out

Army cadets wear khaki uniform. Naval cadets wear white uniform of Navy. Air Force cadets wear light blue grey (LBG) uniform. The uniform is compulsory on all the occasions.

Cadets from SD boys Army wing wear khaki full sleeve shirt and trousers & cadets from JD wear khaki shirt & khaki shorts. Girl cadets from SW & JW both wear khaki full sleeve shirt and trousers. Cadets from SD boys Naval wing wear white half sleeve shirt and white trousers & JD boys wear half sleeve white shirt and white shorts. Girls from Naval wing SW & JW wear white half sleeve shirt and trousers. Cadets from SD boys Air wing wear light blue half sleeve shirts and trousers & JD cadets wear light blue half sleeve shirts and trousers. Girls from SW and JW wear light blue half sleeve shirts and trouser.

In addition to these SW & JW cadets wear white salwar and kamiz during activities other than parade. Rifle green beret is compulsory for all the cadets except Sikh cadets who wear rifle green turban. For physical training cadets wear brown canvas shoes and for drills black leather shoes called D.M.S (Drill March Shoes). Woolen vests are compulsory in cold areas whose colour varies khaki for army, dark blue for navy, and black for air. (Even NCC cadets wear INDIAN ARMY uniforms sometimes.)

Certificates & Examination

There are Three Certificates in NCC. Below describes about it from lower value to higher value:-

Certificate - A: It can be written by JD/ JW cadets of NCC, cadets of class 8 & 9. After passing those classes it can't be obtained. The candidate must have attended a minimum 75% of total training periods laid down in the syllabus for the first & second years of JD/JW NCC (All Wings). The candidate must have attended one Annual Training Camp.

Certificate - B: It can be written by SD / SW cadets of NCC, cadets after class 10 & those studying for +1, +2, +3 (degree). In the second year of training they can appear for the same. The candidate must have attended a minimum 75% of total training periods laid down in the syllabus for the first & second years of SD/SW NCC (All Wings). He/she must have attended one Annual Training Camp/NIC. Cadets possessing 'A' certificate will be awarded 10 bonuses marks. An air wing cadet must do a minimum 10 Glide launches.

Certificate - C: It is the most important certificate for NCC cadet. Now it can be written in the 3rd year of training, in the 3rd year of degree course / those having B certificate can write it in the first year after his +2 and in the 1st year of degree by SD / SW cadets only. The candidate must be possessing a 'B' certificate. Must have attended two ATCs or one ATC and in addition to it RD Camp Delhi, Centrally Organised Camp, Para Training Camp, Attachment Training with service units, National Integration Camp, Youth Exchange Programme, Foreign Cruise(Navy).

Grading in Certificate

Three certificates are awarded (1) A grade, (2) B grade, (3) C grade.

(i) A cadet has to obtain 45% marks in each paper & 50% marks in the aggregate to pass the examination. Grading is based on total marks obtain will be awarded as follows.

  1. Grading 'A' - Cadets obtaining 80% marks and above.
  2. Grading 'B' - Cadets obtaining 65% marks and above but below 80%.
  3. Grading 'C' - Cadets obtaining 50% marks and above but below 65%.
  4. Fail - Cadets obtaining less than 45% in any paper or less than 50% in aggregate.

ACTIVITIES OF NATIONAL CADET CORPS

Institutional Training:

  1. Institutional training conducted at Colleges and Schools is the mainstay of NCC training and is conducted by Associate NCC Officers and Armed Forces personnel. The syllabus comprises Common Subjects and Service Subjects in the ratio 70:30. While the Senior Wing/Division training is for three years and has 300 periods the Junior Wing/Division training is for two years and encompasses 240 periods of training. The training year is from 01 Apr to 31 March. Training schedules planned for cadets ensure that the optimum benefits of the organisation reach maximum number of cadets. Emphasis is on practical training. Case study method of instruction, wherever possible, is made to facilitate active participation and better assimilation.
  2. Institutional training includes basic military training to the cadets as part of the curriculum and prepares them to join the Armed Forces. It is conducted with the following specific purpose:-
    1. Firstly, to expose young cadets to a `regimental way of life’ which is essential to inculcate in them the values of discipline, duty, punctuality, orderliness, smartness, respect for the authorities, correct work ethos, and self- confidence.
    2. Secondly, to generate interest in cadets by including and laying emphasis on those aspects of Institutional Training which attract young cadets into the NCC and provides them an element of thrill and excitement.
    3. Thirdly, to inculcate Defence Services work ethos that is characterised by hard work, sincerity of purpose, honesty, ideal of selfless service, dignity of labour, secular outlook, comradeship, spirit of adventure and sportsmanship.

Camp Training:

Camp training is the practical manifestation of institutional training. The basic aim of Camps is to introduce cadets to a regimented way of life and helps in developing camaraderie, team work, leadership qualities, self-confidence, self-reliance and dignity of labour in the cadets. The cadets are exposed to the excitement of camp life where they apply the theoretical knowledge that they had gained in Institutional Training. It is mandatory for Junior Division/ Junior Wing cadets to attend at least one camp and Senior Division/ Senior Wing cadets to attend a minimum of two camps during the period of their enrolment. NCC conducts over 1450 camps annually at an average frequency of more than 100 camps in a month. Each NCC Camp is structured for approximately 400 - 600 cadets with Instructional staff comprising three to four officers and 15-20 Associate NCC Officers (ANOs)/ Permanent Instructors (PI) Staff/ Whole Time Lady Officers (WTLOs)/ Girl Cadet Instructors (GCIs). More than 8 lakh cadets attend these camps each year. Republic Day camp is the acme of NCC training and is conducted in January every year. The various types of camps conducted by the NCC are as follows:-

  1. Annual Training Camps/ Combined Annual Training Camps (ATC/CATC). These are held within the State under the aegis of respective NCC Directorates.
  2. Centrally Organised Camps (COC). These camps are of all India nature and are planned by Headquarter DGNCC in consultation with State NCC Directorates which conduct them. Selected cadets, as per the vacancies allotted to each Directorate, participate in these camps. The following types of centrally organised camps are conducted: -
    1. National Integration Camps (NIC)/ Special National Integration Camps (SNIC). National Integration Camps and Special National Integration Camps are conducted to make cadets understand and value the rich heritage of cultures that forge unity despite the diverse languages, traditions and religions of our country. These camps are conducted on an all India basis and help bridge the cultural gap among various states of India. 37 National Integration Camps are conducted every year. In addition, six Special NICs are conducted in the extremities of our country at Leh / Srinagar (J&K), Dimapur (North Eastern Region), Peddapuram (Kakinada), Badabagh (Jaisalmer), Lakshadweep and Port Blair.
    2. Leadership Camps. Six Advance Leadership Camps (ALC), are conducted every year, which a total of 1350 cadets attend to focus on personality development, leadership skills and orientation for induction into the Armed Forces.
    3. Thal Sainik Camp (TSC). Two TSCs are conducted at HQ DGCC Camp, Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt every year in Sep/Oct, one for SD/JD boys and other for SW/JW girls. 680 Boy and 680 Girl cadets take part in each camp.
    4. Nau Sainik Camp. This camp is conducted annually for Naval Wing Cadets. Boat pulling regatta and sailing competitions are the main activities of this camp. 560 cadets attend the camp.
    5. Vayu Sainik Camp. This camp organised for Air Wing cadets, is attended by 600 cadets from all Directorates. VSC is generally conducted in the month of Oct and Inter Directorate competitions pertaining to air wing training are held during this camp.
    6. Rock Climbing Training Camps (RCTC). Eight rock climbing camps are held each year to expose NCC cadets to the basics of rock climbing and to inculcate spirit of adventure. A total of 1080 cadets attend the camps.

Annual Republic Day Camp:

The Annual Republic Day Camp (RDC) is held at Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt every year from 01 Jan to 29 Jan. 2070 selected NCC cadets from all States and Union Territories attend the camp. This camp represents all parts of India and is a 'Mini India' in itself. The camp is normally inaugurated by the Vice President of India in the first week of Jan and culminates with the Prime Minister’s Rally on 28 January. It is a matter of great pride for a cadet to be selected to represent his/ her state in the Republic Day Camp.

Prime Minister’s Rally:

The Prime Minister’s Rally, the most prestigious event of the NCC Republic Day Camp is held on 28 January every year. The PM’s Rally commences with the Guard of Honour presented to Hon’ble Prime Minister by NCC Cadets. Contingents from all State NCC Directorate participate in the March Past. Social activities being undertaken by NCC are displayed in the form of tableaux. Approximately 3,000 cadets participate in this rally wherein they display their skills in equestrian, parasailing, band display, slithering and simulated Army action. Microlight Display by the NCC cadets is also conducted during the PM’s Rally. The PM’s Rally culminates with award of Prime Minister’s Banner to the winning Directorate by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The events are witnessed by a number of dignitaries that include Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Raksha Rajya Mantri, three Service Chiefs and the Defence Secretary.

Attachment Training:

Cadets derive immense value through attachment to the Armed Forces Units where they experience the functioning of military units and life in armed forces units. Cadets of all wings go through a period of attachment with respective services of the Armed Forces as follows:-

  1. Army Units. 440 officers and 20,000 cadets attend attachment training with regular army units annually.
  2. Indian Military Academy/Officers Training Academy. 120 SD cadets undergo attachment training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and 48 SW cadets at Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
  3. Military Hospital Attachment. 1000 SW cadets are attached with various Military Hospitals for 12 days.
  4. Air Force Academy. 100 Air Wing NCC Cadets (76 SD and 24 SW) undergo attachment training with Air Force Academy, Dundigal which is conducted twice in a year for 13 days each in Jun and Oct. During this, cadets learn about the flying and ground training being imparted to the Flight cadets who join the IAF as officers. Special lectures are delivered on Air Power, Aviation Medicine and Technical subjects and cadets are exposed to Ground and Passive Air Defence training also.
  5. Various Air Force Stations. Every year 20 ANOs and 200 Cadets of the Air Wing are attached to various Air Force Stations for a period of 14 days. The main aim of this attachment is to give exposure to life in the IAF and motivate these selected cadets to take up a career in the IAF.
  6. Indian Naval Academy. 170 SW cadets of Naval Wing undergo attachment training with the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala for 12 days in December every year.
  7. Naval Ship Attachment. 300 Cadets of Naval Wing embark on naval ships at Mumbai, Kochi and Visakhapatnam twice a year for sea training and attachment for a period of 12 days. Cadets are imparted intensive training in various naval subjects and get an opportunity to see naval exercises at sea.

Social Service and Community Development:

Social Service activities are structured to inspire and encourage the cadets to participate voluntarily towards improvement of their physical and social environment and channelize their energies in the task of nation building. The social service and community development activities include Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Tree Plantation, Anti-Drug Rally, Cancer Awareness, Disaster Relief, Blood Donation, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, AIDS Awareness, Care for the Blind, Traffic Control and other similar relevant contemporary social issues. The objectives of Social Service are as follows:

  1. To teach the cadets the dignity of labour and to create in them an interest in constructive work which will be of use to the community.
  2. To set an example of selfless service and team work.
  3. To give a lead in organized work, with a view to utilizing to the maximum possible extent the available unused time, energy and other resources of our people and direct them in various fields of social and economic activity.

Youth Exchange Programme (YEP):

Selected NCC cadets participate in Youth Exchange Programme which is a country to country exchange of cadets belonging to NCC/ equivalent Govt/ youth organizations of friendly countries. They participate in NCC activities of the host country to create an increased awareness and appreciation of each other’s socio-economic and cultural realities. NCC has a vibrant YEP with ten countries. The benefits of this programme have been widely acknowledged. Our cadets share strong bond with our YEP partners. As of now more than 100 cadets proceed abroad on YEP annually.

Adventure Based Learning:

Adventure is the life blood of youth. Adventure training in the NCC provides knowledge to cadets of the topography as well as experience of different weather conditions and adventurous living under camp conditions. The whole aim is to inculcate a spirit of adventure, explorative inquisitiveness, develop stamina, endurance, discipline, courage, determination, comradeship, leadership leading to development of self-confidence, team spirit and spirit-de- corps amongst NCC cadets. NCC cadets are given the opportunity to participate in a host of adventure activities including Mountain Treks and Expeditions, Trekking, Parasailing, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Camel safari etc. Adventure based activities enable cadets to hone leadership skills and enhance their character qualities. Cadets with potential are given opportunities to participate in expeditions requiring higher degree of expertise and proficiency.

  1. Mountaineering Expeditions.
    1. NCC has been conducting two mountaineering expeditions every year, one each for the girl and boy cadets. Since 1970, the NCC has conducted 75 Mountaineering expeditions, of which 40 were for boys and 35 for girls.Mt Rudugaira (5819m), Mt Deo Tibba (6001m), Mt Gangotri I (6672m) and Mt Kamet (7746m) are some of the mountains that have been scaled by NCC cadets. History was created when the first ever Mt Everest Expedition of NCC Cadets (Boys) scaled the world’s highest peak in two batches on 19 and 20 May 2013.
    2. NCC is training a NCC Girls Expedition to climb Mt Everest (8848m) in 2016.
  2. All India Trekking Expedition: 29 Trekking Expedition are conducted annually with participation of 14500 Cadets from all State NCC Directorates.
  3. Camel Safari: Camel Safari is conducted by Rajasthan directorate in the deserts of Jaisalmer every year. 02 officers and 10 cadets from Singapore and 02 officers and 12 cadets from Kazakhstan along with 20 Indian cadets participate in Camel Safari.
  4. Parasailing: Parasailing is conducted by the NCC Directorates giving cadets the thrill and experience of this adventure activity.
  5. Para Basic Course: Every year 40 boy & 40 girl cadets attend Para Basic Course at Para Training School, Agra for a duration of 24 days.
  6. Cycle and Motor Cycle Rallies: A number of cycle and motorcycle rallies are conducted by different State NCC Directorate to spread the message of peace, harmony and national integration and educate the populace on health, community development and eradication of social evils.
  7. Sailing Expedition: NCC conducts Sailing Expeditions in State NCC Directorates every year. 35 to 60 cadets participate in each expedition.
  8. Sea Sorties: Cadets are put on board Naval Ships for sea experience. In 2015, 245 Cdts have been on four sea sorties.

Sports:

NCC facilitates access to high potential sports like Football, Hockey and Shooting to talented cadets so as to hone their team and sports skills. NCC teams regularly participate and excel in National level events like Subroto Cup Football, Nehru Cup Hockey and National Shooting. NCC Cadets from all NCC Directorates actively participate in various sports activities at the National level as follows:-

  1. NCC National Games: NCC National Games were started in 2013, giving opportunity to the youth from NCC for exposure to competition and selection at the national level. This year 2100 Cadets from all over the country participated in eight disciplines from 06 to 18 Oct 2015.
  2. All India GV Mavlankar Shooting Competition: Firing being one of the important training activities of NCC, shooting discipline enjoys special place in NCC sporting activities. NCC conducts Inter State Directorate Shooting competition to select the NCC team to participate in the National Rifle Association of Indian (NRAI) events like All India GV Mavlankar Shooting Championship Competition and National Shooting Championship Competition every year. NCC shooting teams have been performing well in the event for the last many years.
  3. Equestrian Events: NCC cadets of Remount & Veterinary units participate in various National level equestrian competitions every year and have won many medals.
  4. Jawaharlal Nehru Cup Hockey Tournament: Four NCC teams in junior boys, sub junior boys and junior girls categories participate in the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament every year.
  5. Subroto Cup Football Tournament: Three NCC teams in junior boys, sub Junior boys and junior girls categories participate in prestigious Subroto Cup Football Tournament.
  6. Sailing Regatta: Sailing Regatta is conducted every year at INS Chilka in Odisha. A total of 102 (51 SD and 51 SW ) cadets participate in this competition over a period of 08 days. A team from Bangladesh NCC comprising 01 Officer and 06 Cadets also participates.