Enrolment into the National Cadet Corps is made on an unpaid basis. Students, both boys and girls, can join at the age of 13 years in Junior Division (JD)/Junior Wing (JW) in Class VIII to X. Enrolment in Senior Division (SD)/Senior Wing (SW) is made since Class XI to XII in schools and from first year of degree course in colleges.
A Cadet is enrolled in JD/JW for two years and in the SD/SW for three years, extending to four years. Enrolment commences at the commencement of the academic session immediately after the completion of admissions in the educational institutions.
Applications from the students are invited from the volunteer students, and employment is made on merit based on available seats in NCC. Institutional training of NCC is provided in schools/colleges in NCC pageants held before/after teaching hours. So in this post, we will NCC!
NCC or the National Cadet Corps is a distinct youth representation of the country that aims to foster a sense of adventure, discipline, leadership, and character in them. Many prestigious colleges and universities of India indulge their students in NCC and train them in military practices such as drill, march past, camping, and other dauntless activities.
The NCC was formed under the Ministry of Defense in the year 1948 with the goal of inculcating voluntary involvement of young people to serve their country, and at the same time acquire vital life skills. NCC units around the country consist of Army, Navy, and Air Wings. Seeking candidates can select their choice of the Wing before enlisting themselves in NCC.
The Government of India set up this sector in an attempt to foster national integration, thus encouraging social responsibility, and training cadets for future professions in the defense industry and beyond. Having said that, NCC has a significant student membership base that includes individuals from high schools, colleges, and universities across India.
NCC Admission Eligibility and Criteria
A candidate might come across NCC selection processes in their school or college. To become a member of the NCC unit, the candidate needs to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. Here is a detailed list of steps that you need to follow:
Complete the application process by filling out a form, and sending required documents of educational qualifications and proof of age.
Next, a candidate needs to go through an interview, a physical fitness test, and a written examination monitored by NCC officers.
If the candidate successfully passes these steps, their admission is confirmed. They undergo basic military training before joining their NCC unit.
NCC Admission Eligibility
A seeking candidate must meet the eligibility requirements to be a part of NCC:
- Age: Cadets in the junior level should be in the age range of 13 to 18. Cadets in the senior category should be aged between 18 to 26.
- Education: The candidate should be enrolled in a school, college, or university where an NCC unit functions.
- Medical: A candidate must be physically fit as per the norms set by NCC and they also need to undergo a fitness test.
The detailed admission requirements can vary according to the NCC unit (Army, Navy, and Air). However, all the selected cadets engage in NCC-led coursework covering weapons training, map reading, first aid, and other military skills.
NCC Exams and Certifications
The NCC exams take place in two phases- one for the Junior Division and the other for the Senior Division. The level of exam therefore depends on the division a Cadet is enrolled in. Further, a cadet needs to take exams during their stay in the NCC to obtain "B" and "C" certificates.
These results and certificates prove to be helpful for the cadet for future admission into the Indian Armed Forces and other Public Sector positions.
Importance and Benefits of NCC Admission
There are a number of advantages for a cadet in securing admission into NCC, which have a huge impact on their professional prospects, community involvement, and personal development. This further explains why membership in the NCC is important:
- Leadership Skills: Drill exercises, command duties, and group discussions are a few ways that NCC offers to its cadets for leadership training. This also helps them gain confidence and assertiveness.
- Personality and Character Building: NCC instills strong moral and ethical values in cadets through its disciplined environment and focused activities on core characteristics like integrity, courage, and selfless service.
- Community Engagement and Outreach: NCC encourages cadets to take part in volunteer work and charitable events like blood drives, clean-up campaigns, and relief efforts for natural disasters, which increases their involvement in the social community.
- National Integration: NCC has cadets from all parts of the country. This gives the cadets a great opportunity to foster inclusiveness and understanding amongst themselves, thus promoting a sense of national integration.
- Career Opportunities in Defense Forces: The time as an NCC cadet serves as a great prospect for recruitment in Indian Armed Forces and other defense positions for the cadets. This is because they undergo training that comply with the military requirements.
- Recruitment Priority: NCC certificate holders, especially the “C” certificate holders are eligible for immediate admission into the armed forces, through a special recruitment policy. They are given preference due to their military experience and disciplined training.
- Careers outside the Defense Sector: A trained and experienced candidate in the military is highly sought after in the corporate world, government agencies, and civil services. Employers highly value their discipline and leadership abilities.
Duties and Responsibilities of NCC Cadets
NCC cadets are entrusted with certain duties and responsibilities that they must fulfill to support national service and personal growth. This includes:
- Drills and Parades: Cadets indulge in routine drills and parades where they are taught ceremonial etiquette, marching techniques, and military customs as part of discipline.
- Social Activities and Events: NCC officers frequently organize or take part in social events, such as, health awareness campaigns and cleaning drives.
- Promote National Integration: NCC fosters unity and equity by admitting cadets from all parts of the country. Cultural exchange teaches them to value diversity.
- Discipline: Cadets develop a strong sense of discipline through their rigorous training and devotion to NCC regulations.
NCC provides enormous opportunities for the youth of India. They not only train them in military activities, but also successfully inculcate a sense of leadership, community service, and discipline among their cadets. NCC also teaches its cadets about national integration and making meaningful contributions to society. Admission into the NCC opens doors for potential leaders in the future.