NCC – National Cadet Corps: Overview, Importance & Benefits of NCC Certificates

NCC, the National Cadet Corps, is like a training program where students from schools and colleges can join voluntarily. It is a Tri-services organization dedicated to preparing the youth in India to become patriotic and responsible citizens. NCC is an organization devoted to teaching young individuals the importance of adventure and discipline, fostering qualities of dignity and bravery.

Being in NCC is like going on an exciting three-year adventure during your college days. In NCC, you learn some basic military stuff like handling small weapons and marching in parades. Participating in NCC training provides numerous advantages for the attendees. Upon completing at least 75% of the training, students receive a certificate from NCC based on their level of achievement. In this article, we will understand what NCC or National Cadet Corps is, its Level of certificates, Its importance and the benefits you get in your professional and personal life.

Importance of NCC – National Cadet Corps

“Unity and Discipline” serves as the guiding motto for the National Cadet Corps. In adhering to this principle, NCC emerges as a significant cohesive force within the nation, uniting youth from diverse regions and moulding them into disciplined and united citizens.

During the Indo-Pak War in 1965 and the Bangladesh-Pakistan War in 1971, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets played a crucial role as the second line of defence. They organized camps, assisted ordnance factories, facilitated the supply of arms and ammunition to the front, and even served as patrol parties to capture enemy paratroopers.

The NCC structure comprises 17 directorates, further divided into 814 units, classified into three service groups: Army, Naval, and Air. Among these, 684 units are Army-based, 69 are Naval, and 61 are Air units.

Being one of the foremost youth organizations in the country, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) has significantly contributed to fostering national unity and integrity. Its role extends beyond mere parades; it is about instilling values of character, discipline, and hard work, shaping dynamic and responsible citizens. NCC serves as a platform to hone officer-like qualities and leadership skills in students, instilling a sense of teamwork and self-discipline from an early age. It also acts as a source of inspiration for schoolboys and girls to consider serving in the Indian armed forces or government.

What is NCC – National Cadet Corps?

NCC, short for the National Cadet Corps, is like a training program linked with the Indian armed forces. It’s something students from schools and colleges can opt for, but it’s not mandatory. The training goes on for about 3 years and covers basic military skills, aiming to spark interest in the army, navy, and air force among young students in India.

Having an NCC certificate even provides some benefits during army selections.

National Cadet Corps stands out as more than just an organization dedicated to training youth for national defence, despite its initial purpose. Over time, its objectives have evolved, and today, NCC aims to foster character development, camaraderie, discipline, a secular perspective, a spirit of adventure, and ideals of selfless service among young citizens. Additionally, its broader goal is to cultivate a pool of organized, trained, and motivated youth equipped with leadership qualities applicable to various careers, all driven by a commitment to serve the nation.

How to Join NCC – National Cadet Corps?

Now, if you’re interested in joining NCC or National Cadet Corps, it’s pretty straightforward. There are two parts: the Junior Wing and the Senior Wing.

• For the Junior Wing, you can join from the age of 13 for a 2-year training period. Just get in touch with your school’s headmaster or principal to find out how. If your school doesn’t have an NCC, you can contact the Commanding Officer of the nearest NCC Unit for guidance.
• For the Senior Wing, you can join up to the age of 26 for a 3-year training period, and the process is pretty much the same as for the Junior Wing. Joining NCC is a smooth process, and they’re always happy to have young people on board. Being part of NCC or National Cadet Corps comes with various benefits that can positively shape your personality and get you ready for defence services.

National Cadet Corps (NCC) Certificates

National Cadet Corps (NCC) comprises three certificates, each varying in value from the lower tier to the higher one.

• A Certificate – This is available for JD/JW (Junior) cadets of the NCC, applicable during class years 8 and 9. However, it becomes unattainable after completing these classes. To be eligible, the candidate must have been present for a minimum of 75% of the total training periods specified in the syllabus for the first and second years of JD/JW NCC (All Wings). Attendance at one Annual Training Camp is also a requirement.
• B Certificate – Available for SD/SW cadets of the NCC, it is accessible after completing class year 10 and for those pursuing a degree. To qualify, the candidate must have participated in at least 75% of the total training periods outlined in the syllabus for the first and second years of SD/SW NCC (All Wings). Attendance at one Annual Training Camp/NIC is mandatory. Additionally, cadets holding Certificate – A will receive a bonus of 10 marks. Airwing cadets must complete a minimum of 10 glider launches.
• C Certificate – This represents the top-tier certificate for NCC cadets and is achievable in the third year of training or during the third year of a degree course. Individuals with a Certificate – “     B” have the opportunity to pursue it in the first year after completing their +2 and during the first year of their degree. To qualify, the cadet must have participated in two Annual Training Camps or one Annual Training Camp and one of the following: RD Camp Delhi, Centrally Organised Camp, Youth Exchange Programme, Para Training Camp, National Integration Camp, Attachment Training with service units, or Foreign Cruise (Navy Wing only).

Grading in Certificate

There are three Grades given to based on their performance. They are: “A”, “B”, and “C”. The most valuable grade is A. To pass the examination and receive an A grade, a cadet needs to score at least 45% in each paper and 50% in the overall aggregate.

The grading is determined by the total marks obtained, and it is awarded as follows:

• Grading ‘A’ – Cadets with 80% marks and above.
• Grading ‘B’ – Cadets with 65% marks and above but below 80%.
• Grading ‘C’ – Cadets with 50% marks and above but below 65%.
• Fail – Cadets with less than 45% in any paper or less than 50% in the aggregate.

So, being part of NCC isn’t just about military drills; it’s an adventure that teaches you valuable skills, and discipline, and maybe even shapes your career path!

National Cadet Corps (NCC) Training

The complete training duration for SD and SW is 3 years, with a permissible extension of 1 year, while the training period for JD and JW is 2 years. Each cadet in the Senior or Junior Division must undergo service training for at least 4 hours per week throughout the training year. However, training is not conducted when the college or school where a cadet is enrolled is closed for vacation.

Furthermore, every cadet in the Senior and Junior Division needs to undergo service training for a minimum of 75% of the total hours during the annual college and school session. Cadets, specifically JD participants in their second year, attend an annual training camp lasting 9–10 days, referred to as the National Combined Annual Training Camp. For SD/SW, the camp usually spans up to 30 days. At the conclusion of the training camp, cadets receive a certificate indicating successful completion.

NCC A Certificate Benefits

NCC ‘A’ certificate holders are entitled to receive a bonus of 2% of the maximum examination marks. In roles such as General Duty (GD), Soldier (CLK/SCT/Tech/NA), and Tradesman (TDN), individuals possessing the NCC ‘A’ certificate receive an additional 5 marks.

Army Trades	“A” Certificate
General Duty (GD)	05 Marks
Tradesman (Tdn)	05 Marks
Soldier (Clk/Skt/Tech/NA)	05 Marks

NCC B Certificate Benefits

Similarly, NCC ‘B’ certificate holders receive a bonus of 3% of the maximum marks, and in General Duty (GD), Soldier (CLK/SCT/Tech/NA), and Tradesman (TDN) roles, they obtain an extra 10 marks.

Army Trades	“B” Certificate
General Duty (GD)	10 Marks
Tradesman (Tdn)	10 Marks
Soldier (Clk/Skt/Tech/NA)	10 Marks

NCC C Certificate Benefits

The NCC ‘C’ certificate holds significant value, acting as a distinguishing factor in various career fields. The subsequent subheadings provide a comprehensive overview of the certificate’s benefits, highlighting the advantages of being an NCC ‘C’ certificate holder. Candidates possessing an NCC ‘C’ certificate and aiming to apply for General Duty (GD) and Tradesman (TDN) roles are exempted from the examination, while those applying for Soldier (CLK/SKT/Tech/NA) positions receive an additional 15 marks.

Army Trades	“C” Certificate
General Duty (GD)	Exempted from Written Exam (CEE)
Tradesman (Tdn)	Exempted from Written Exam (CEE)
Soldier (Clk/Skt/Tech/NA)	15 Marks

Benefits of National Cadet Corps (NCC) “C” Certificate in Government Jobs

• 5 to 10 per cent bonus marks are granted for recruitment as ORs, Sailors, and Airmen.
• 2 to 10 bonus marks are awarded for recruitment in Para Military Forces.
• The Department of Telecommunication provides bonus marks in recruitment.
• In CRPF, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets holding a 3rd division degree are eligible for recruitment to gazetted posts.
• State Governments give preference for State Services in certain states.
• Some industries prefer NCC “C” certificate holders for various security-related jobs.

National Cadet Corps (NCC) “C” Certificate Benefits in CDS (Combined Defence Services):

After clearing CDSE and subsequent SSB, cadets receive the following reservations in various academies. There is a different merit list of those candidates who have an NCC “C” Certificate.

• IMA (Indian Military Academy): 13-15 vacancies reserved for ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders.
• INA (Indian Naval Academy): 05-08 vacancies reserved for ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders.

For Special Entry (Men and Women):

• OTA (Officers Training Academy) Chennai: there are a total of 50 openings reserved for ‘C’ certificate holders for National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry (non-tech).
• AFA (Air Force Academy) Hyderabad: 10% vacancies reserved for ‘C’ certificate Air Wing holders in all courses.

National Cadet Corps (NCC) “C” Certificate Benefits in the Army:

• Candidates holding the ‘C’ certificate and participating in the Republic Day parade are exempted from CEE for rect sol clk /skt, sol tech, and sol NA cat, and are awarded 100% marks instead of CEE.
• National Cadet Corps (NCC) “C” certificate holders receive 5% of the maximum marks of the examination as bonus marks in central paramilitary forces.

Non-Tangible Benefits while serving in National Cadet Corps (NCC)

• Annual Training Camps: Opportunities to make friends from various schools and colleges in the city.
• Republic Day Camp at Delhi (RDC): A chance to march at Rajpath while still studying.
• Para Training Camp (PTC): Selected cadets undergo Parajumping at PTS, Agra, along with Indian commandos, and receive the coveted “Para Wings.”
• National Integration Camp (NIC): Opportunities to make friends from various schools and colleges from all over India.
• All India Trekking Expedition: Hiking and Trekking in numerous hill stations and other places of interest with NCC Cadets.
• All India Mountaineering Expedition: Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses for selected cadets.
• Attachments Camps – The cadets get attached to the different Airforce Stations, Army Units, Naval Base/Establishment/Ship/Sea Training, and Service Hospital.
• Adventure Courses: Mountaineering Basic Course, Mountaineering Advance Course, Water Skiing/Snow Skiing Courses, Snow & Ice (Condensed) Course, Sailing expedition, NRAI Matches, Scuba Diving Course.
• International Outreach: There are Youth Exchange Programme for selected cadets where you visit other countries in a cadet exchange program. While there are foreign cruises for Navy Cadets.
• If you are an Air Wing Cadet, you will get a chance to fly Microlight aircraft as part of your training.

Getting an National Cadet Corps (NCC) certificate is a big deal! It’s like a trophy that shows how dedicated and hardworking you are, and it reflects the important lessons you’ve learned. Plus, having an NCC certificate can open up exciting opportunities for your future career. If you’re a teenager and have a chance to join NCC, it’s a fantastic idea. And if you already have a certificate, that’s awesome!

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