Centre approves additional 3 lakh cadet vacancies for NCC

With NCC being offered as an elective subject as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the expansion will be a step towards meeting the aspirations of the youth towards playing a pivotal role as future leaders of the nation, the government said in a release.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a proposal for the expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) with the addition of three lakh cadet vacancies. The expansion is expected to cater to the increasing demand for the NCC from educational institutions throughout the country.

From just 20,000 cadets in 1948, the NCC will now have a sanctioned strength of 20 lakh cadets, making it the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world.

The expansion plan includes the setting up of four new group headquarters and two new NCC units.

With NCC being offered as an elective subject as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the expansion will be a step towards meeting the aspirations of the youth towards playing a pivotal role as future leaders of the nation, the government said in a release.

An important facet of the expansion plan involves the proposal for employment of ex-servicemen as NCC instructors, thus leveraging their skills and vast experience.