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NCC: National Cadet Corps

PWOnlyIAS January 25, 2024 04:37 5720 0

NCC Full form is National Cadet Corps and is the designated youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces. It is open to school and college students.

NCC: National Cadet Corps

Context

Recently, the Prime Minister of India interacted with the volunteers of NCC and NSS, who had gathered in New Delhi to participate in Republic Day celebrations.

  • The Prime Minister emphasised that institutions such as NCC, NSS, or cultural camps make the youth aware of society and civic duties. The Prime Minister also announced the creation of another organization called ‘My Yuva Bharat’ and urged the youth to register as ‘My Bharat’ Volunteers.

NCC: Full Form, Origin, and Motto

NCC Full form is National Cadet Corps and is the designated youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces. It is open to school and college students.

  • Comprising of volunteers, the NCC has wings of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force
  • The NCC cadets are given basic military training in small arms and drill. 
  • Origin: Formed in 1948, the origin of NCC can be traced back to the ‘University Corps’, which was formed under the Indian Defence Act 1917, in order to make up for a shortage of personnel in the Army. 
    • After the passage of the Indian Territorial Act, the ‘University Corps’ was replaced by the University Training Corps (UTC). 
    • The UTC was renamed as University Officers Training Corps (UOTC) to become a successor to the original UOTC, which was established by the Government of India in 1942. 
    • National Cadet Corps Act was accepted by the Governor General and on 15 July 1948 the NCC came into existence (H.N. Kunzru report).
  • Evolution: Initially, it was made up of only boys. In 1949, a girls division was raised. 
    • The NCC gained an inter-service image in 1950 when the Air Wing was added, followed by the Naval Wing in 1952.
    • The syllabus of NCC was expanded to include community development/social service activities. 
    • Following the 1962 Indo-China war, NCC was made compulsory till 1968.
  • Motto of NCC: “Unity and Discipline”
    • It brings together youth hailing from different parts of the country and moulds them into united and disciplined citizens of the nation.
  • NCC Day is celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday in the month of November.

Objectives of NCC 

  • To develop the physical, intellectual and moral dimensions of society. 
  • To mold individuals into well-rounded personalities with a strong sense of civic responsibility and commitment to community service. 
  • To promote national integration, unity and social harmony among the youth of the nation.

Activities of NCC Cadets

  • Drills and Parades: NCC cadets organise and conduct drills on weekends to inculcate a sense of discipline.
  • Educational Programs: Cadets of NCC conduct classes on diverse subjects such as first aid, environmental awareness, personal hygiene, and cleanliness.
  • Community Service: NCC cadets actively participate in blood donation drives to contribute to the welfare of society.
  • Recreational Activities: Cadets conduct military parades, picnics and seminars on social issues to enhance camaraderie and awareness.

Leadership and Organisation Structure

  • Leadership: The Director General (DG), who is an officer of three-star rank, heads the NCC. The DG is assisted by two Additional Director Generals of two-star rank (major-general, rear-admiral or air vice-marshal).
  • Organisation:
    • Directorates: There are 17 directorates spread across Indian states and UTs.
    • Units: The 17 directorates of National Cadet Corps are divided in a total of 837 units divided in three service groups Army, Naval and Air. 

NCC

NCC Ranks

  • Cadet Under Senior Officer, Cadet Under Officer, Company Quartermaster Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal, and Lance Corporal are all NCC Senior Division Ranks. Other National Cadet Corps members are commonly referred to as NCC Cadets.
  • In the case of NCC, Cadets in the JD (Junior Division) category for boys and JW (Junior Wing) category for girls in NCC are generally given ranks up to the level of sergeant.
  • Cadets in the SD (Senior Division) category for boys and SW (Senior Wing) category for girls are usually eligible for higher ranks beyond that of a Sergeant.

Officer Ranks in NCC

  • Regular officers

    • NCC Directorates: The National Cadet Corps directorates are headed by service officers of the rank of major general and equivalent.
    • Group Headquarters: Group headquarters are headed by service officers of the rank of brigadiers and equivalent.
    • NCC Units: Units are headed by service officers of the rank of colonel/lieutenant colonel/major or equivalent. 
  • Associate NCC Officer

    • The ANO is the feeder node of NCC since they are the ones who are in direct contact with the cadets throughout the year.
    • The ANO consist of school and college teachers selected to head the company/troop.

NCC Promotion Criteria

  • Lance Corporal: Cadet must have undergone at least 3 months of NCC training, have a minimum 75% attendance in the parade, and pass the drill test, map reading, and field craft.
  • For Corporal: Cadets must have worked for 6 months as Lance Corporals and passed the weapon training test.
  • For Sergeant: Cadets must have worked for 6 months as a Corporal and be in their second year of NCC. 
  • Under Officers: Must have the experience of working for at least 6 months as Sergeants and pass the ‘B’ certificate.
  • Senior Under Officers must have served for at least 6 months as Under Officers.

NCC Uniform

  • The general uniform for Army NCC cadets is khaki, Naval NCC cadets are white and Air Force NCC cadets are grey.
  • The boy cadets have to wear full-sleeve shirts and trousers/shorts depending on whether they are from the senior or junior division. Girl cadets from both divisions wear full sleeve shirts and trousers.

NCC

Training for NCC Cadets

  • Senior Division: The total training period for SD and SW is 3 years with an extension of 1 year permissible.
  • Junior Division: The training period for JD & JW is 2 years.
  • Training Period: Every cadet of the Senior or Junior Division has to undergo service training for at least 4 hours per week during the training year.
    • Every cadet of the Senior and Junior Division needs to undergo service training for a minimum period of 75% of total hours during the annual college and school session.
  • Training Camps: Every JD, who has completed one full year of training and is in his second year, has to attend an annual training camp of 9–10 days, also known as National Combined Annual Training Camp. For SD/SW the duration of camp is usually for up to 30 days. 

Certificate Examination

  • Certificate A: JD/JW cadets of the NCC can take this examination during class year 8 and 9 and 10. After passing these classes it can’t be obtained. 
    • Eligibility: The candidate must have attended a minimum 75% of total training periods laid down in the syllabus for the first and second years of JD/JW NCC. The candidate must also have attended one Annual Training Camp.
  • Certificate B: The cadets of SD/SW cadets can take this examination after class year 10 and those studying for a degree. 
    • Eligibility: The candidate must have attended a minimum 75% of total training periods laid down in the syllabus for the first and second years of SD/SW NCC
    • The cadet must have attended one Annual Training Camp/NIC. Cadets who possess Certificate A will receive 10 bonus marks. 
    • An air wing cadet must have done a minimum of 10 Glider launches.
  • Certificate C: Being the highest certificate, it can be taken in the third year of training, in the third year of degree course.
    • Cadets possessing a Certificate B can take the exam in the first year after their +2, and in the first year of their degree. 
    • Eligibility: The cadet must have attended two Annual Training Camps or one Annual Training Camp and any one of the following: RD Camp Delhi, Centrally Organised Camp, Para Training Camp, Attachment Training with service units, National Integration Camp, Youth Exchange Programme, or Foreign Cruise (Navy Wing only).

Famous Activities of NCC

  • Republic Day Camp

    • The National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp is held every year during Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
    • The aim of the camp is to instill a sense of patriotism, discipline, and leadership qualities among the cadets. 
    • During the camp, various competitions are conducted amongst the 17 NCC Directorates to decide the Champion Directorate for the award of the Prime Minister’s Banner.
    • The NCC bands also participate in the Republic Day Parade on 26 January and the Prime Minister’s Rally on 28 January.
  • Combined Annual Training Camps (CATC)

    • The boys (senior and junior divisions) and girl cadets (senior and junior wings) of a particular NCC unit participate in the 10-day camp of CATC.
    • Apart from the main syllabus of NCC, the camp acts as a refresher training for the cadets and they are also trained in basic skills of survival and emergencies.
  • National Integration Camps (NIC)

    • These camps are held to propagate national integration among cadets and society. This camp is considered for SSLC and higher secondary course (+2) grace marks 
    • Held on an All India basis, the NIC helps in bridging the cultural gap among various States of India.
  • Advance Leadership Camp

    • This camp is conducted 6 times in various places throughout India and for a cadet to qualify. He or she must have completed Basic Leadership Camp.
  • Youth Exchange Programme

    • It is a country-to-country exchange of cadets belonging to NCC or other equivalent government or youth organizations of friendly countries.
    • Selected cadets participate in various activities and appreciate each other’s socio-economic and cultural realities.

Significance of NCC

  • Ambassadors of Goodwill: National Cadet Corps cadets serve as India’s ambassadors of peace and unity, while participating in Youth Exchange Programmes.
  • Instil Unity and Discipline: NCC instils a sense of unity and discipline among youths of the country.
  • National Integration: With its motto of unity and integration, NCC seeks to bridge cultural and regional divides in the country.
  • Personality Development: NCC helps develop character, discipline, and hard work and shape individuals into dynamic and responsible citizens of the country.
  • Leadership Skills: NCC helps in developing officer-like qualities and leadership skills in students, helping them become leaders in their respective fields.
  • Motivation to Join Armed Forces: NCC acts as a precursor organisation for motivating youths to join the armed forces of the country.

Conclusion

The goal of NCC is not just to provide military training to youths of the country but to develop the character of youth through all-round development. NCC creates a steady bunch of individuals who are ready to serve the society.

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National Cadet Corps FAQs

National Cadet Corps is the designated youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a voluntary organisation that is open to school and college students.

"Unity and Discipline" is the motto for the National Cadets Corps.

To develop the physical, intellectual, and moral dimensions of society.

Cadet Under Senior Officer, Cadet Under Officer, Company Quartermaster Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal, and Lance Corporal are all NCC Senior Division Ranks.

Senior Division: The total training period for SD and SW is 3 years with an extension of 1 year permissible. Junior Division: The training period for JD & JW is 2 years.

Certificate A: JD/JW cadets of the National Cadet Corps can take this examination during class years 8, 9, and 10. After passing these classes it can't be obtained. Certificate B: The cadets of SD/SW cadets can take this examination after class year 10 and those studying for a degree. Certificate C: Being the highest certificate, it can be taken in the third year of training, in the third year of a degree course.
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