The National Cadet Corps (NCC) serves as the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, headquartered in New Delhi, India. It welcomes school and college students on a voluntary basis and operates as a Tri-Services Organisation, involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Cadets receive fundamental military instruction in handling small arms and drill exercises. Upon finishing their course, officers and cadets are not obligated to serve in the active military. The objectives set forth for the NCC in 1988 have proven enduring and remain relevant in today’s socio-economic context of the country. The NCC strives to foster character, camaraderie, discipline, a secular mindset, a sense of adventure, and the values of selfless service among young citizens. Additionally, it endeavors to cultivate a pool of organized, skilled, and motivated youth with leadership abilities across various fields, committed to serving the nation irrespective of their chosen career paths. It goes without saying that the NCC also offers a supportive environment that encourages young Indians to consider joining the armed forces.

Benefits of NCC
Joining NCC helps develop students’ interpersonal skills and provides valuable training for those interested in joining the Indian Armed Forces, although it’s not mandatory for trainees to enlist afterward. Benefits of NCC training also include fostering self-discipline and problem-solving abilities. One of the significant advantages of NCC participation is obtaining certificates upon completion of training, which come in three types: ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C’ certificates.

The ‘A’ certificate, attained after 1-2 years of training in the junior wing and attending one camp, offers a glimpse into the Indian Army and paves the way for obtaining the ‘B’ certificate. While it may not hold as much weight in government job applications, it provides certain advantages in Indian Army tests.

The ‘B’ certificate, achieved after meeting attendance requirements and attending a training camp, is beneficial for those aspiring to join the Indian Army as ‘Jawans.’ It also allows enrolment for the ‘C’ certificate, offering additional benefits in various sectors.

To obtain the ‘C’ certificate, a candidate must hold a ‘B’ certificate, maintain attendance, be in the third year of training, and attend a minimum of two national-level training programs.The ‘C’ certificate holds paramount importance in NCC training, especially concerning the selection process for armed forces. It provides candidates with significant advantages when pursuing careers in the Indian Defence Services and Civil Services, both esteemed options offering high remuneration and opportunities for direct service to the nation. Individuals in these sectors command high respect, which adds to their appeal.

Joining NCC facilitates cadets’ recruitment into the Indian Defence services, offering various benefits in recruitment processes across different branches:

Indian Army:
– 32 vacancies in every regular course of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) are reserved for ‘C’ certified NCC candidates.
– ‘C’ certificate holders are exempted from the CDS examination by UPSC, provided they attain an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade in the certificate.
– NCC ‘C’ certification provides bonus marks in paramilitary forces recruitment and waivers the written exam for the post of Soldier GD.

Indian Navy:
– NCC ‘C’ certified candidates receive extra marks for sailor’s jobs and Artificer Apprentices positions.
– Up to 9 vacancies in the navy are reserved for NCC ‘C’ certified candidates, with eligibility criteria including educational background and age group.

Indian Air Force:
– NCC ‘C’ certified candidates gain a 5-mark advantage in the Air Force recruitment process.
– 10% of vacancies in the Pilot course are reserved for NCC cadets.

Public Sector:
– Various public sector organizations, such as Indian Airlines, Pawan Hans Ltd, and The National Small Industries Corp. Ltd., provide advantages to ‘C’ certified cadets.

Overall, the ‘C’ certificate significantly enhances candidates’ prospects in various sectors, highlighting the value and recognition of NCC training.

Indeed, many companies in the private sector also view NCC certificates as advantageous. Including NCC certification, especially achieving the ‘C’ certificate, on your resume not only demonstrates your military training but also hints at your disciplined personality. Therefore, we recommend students consider joining NCC not only for the prospect of joining the Indian Armed Forces but also to cultivate discipline and character.