National Cadet Corps (NCC)

Associate NCC Officer

Lt (Dr.) Meghlai Lama , Assistant Professor. Dept of History

About NCC

The Indian Parliament passed the National Cadet Corps Act in 1948, thus creating the National Cadet Corps (NCC). The motto of the NCC is Unity and Discipline. This program teaches students to follow a disciplined life. It’s a Tri-Services Organisation and engaged in grooming the youth in India to become patriotic citizens. The Aims of National Cadet Corps are:-

• To develop qualities of character, courage, comradeship, discipline, leadership, secular outlook, spirit of adventure and sportsmanship and the ideals of selfless service among the youth to make them useful citizens.
• To create a human resource of organised, trained and activated youth, to provide leadership in all walks of life including the Armed forces who are always available for the service of the nation.

Brief History of NCC Dte West Bengal & Sikkim

Pre Partition

Kolkata was capital of India under British rule. University of Calcutta was raised in 1917 and its first parade took place at Kolkata on 03 Nov 1917 at Presidency College.

Post Independence upto 1962

In July 1948 the state of West Bengal was allotted 20,000 Junior Div cadets to raise NCC units. Consequently No 1, 2 and 3 Bengal Bns were raised. The first two units were located at Fort William, Kolkata and third at Serampore with enrolled strength of 1725. In 1950 HQ 4 Circle Cadet Corps was formed, comprising of states of West Bengal, Orissa and Assam. Later on each of the States raised their own circle HQs. By 1958 the enrolled strength increased to 21,156 and the No of units increased to 19. Consequent to the decision taken at the Inter University Board in 1962, NCC training was made compulsory for all able bodied male college students for three years, while it remained voluntary for girls. In Nov 1962 the Union Territory of Andamans and Nicobar came in the fold of NCC and 4 Circle Cadet Corps was then redesignated as National Cadet Corps Directorate West Bengal & Andamans having a cadet strength of 1,29,000 under the control of 14 Gp HQs with a NCC HQ at Port Blair.

Post 1963

In 1965, Auxiliary Cadet Corps was merged into NCC as Junior Wing. In 1968 compulsory NCC was abolished and the reduction of tenure from three to two years, extendable by one year resulting in reducing the strength of cadets and the number of Gp HQs reduced to seven. Consequent to merger of Sikkim to India, the Dte was redesignated as Dte of West Bengal, Sikkim & Andamans on 01 Apr 1976. On 31 Mar 1987, the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar were transferred to the jurisdiction of Tamil Nadu Dte and the Dte was redesignated as NCC Directorate West Bengal & Sikkim with Six Gp HQs

Organisation

NCC Dte West Bengal & Sikkim is org with six Gp HQs, having 52 Major/Minor units. There are two Naval Units, two technical Air Squadrons and two flying Air Squardons in the Dte. In addn, there are one Independent Girls Company, one Arty Battery, one Armoured Squardon, one Composite unit and one EME company. There are a total of 224 Companys+1 Platoon, 08 Division & 08 Flights and 628 Troops in the Dte at present.

Benefits of joining NCC

According to the National Cadet Crops’, the main aim of NCC is to create an organized, trained and motivated youth. With this aim, NCC not only creates soldiers for the nation but it also develops the leadership skills in the youth.

Joining NCC develops interpersonal skills of the students. NCC training helps students who want to join Indian Arm Forces but it’s not the compulsion to the trainee to join any part of Indian Army after completion of the training. Benefits of NCC also include self-discipline and problem-solving skills.

During the training of NCC, candidates get the basic military training. This training is conducted to develop the interest of young students in all three forces; the army, the navy and the air force of India. NCC offers the platform to the students so that they could check their abilities to join the Indian Defence Services. That’s why one of the benefits of the NCC certificate is that the candidate gets some relaxation during army selection.

The main benefits of NCC apart from personality developing skills, is the certificate you get.

After attending a minimum of 75% of NCC training, the students get a certificate from NCC according to their level. These certificates help the students to in their career.
Based on the duration of the training, NCC offers three types of certificates. Here is the detail of the NCC certificates.
• ‘A’ Certificate • ‘B’ Certificate • ‘C’ Certificate

Have a look at the benefits of NCC certificate ‘C’.

Indian Army

• In every regular course of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), 32 vacancies are reserved for the ‘C’ certified NCC candidates. But to join IMA it’s a must for all the candidates to be declared successful by the Services Selection Board.

• The cadets with ‘C’ certificate are exempted from CDS examination conducted by UPSC. But for this, the cadet must have ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade in ‘C’ certificate.

• NCC ‘C’ certification offers you 10–15 bonus marks in paramilitary forces recruitment i.e. BSF, CISF, CRPF, SSB etc.

• If you have NCC ‘C’ certificates then your written exam will be waived off for the post of Soldier GD.

Indian Navy

• In Indian Navy, the NCC ‘C’ certified candidates get 6 extra marks for sailor’s job and 15 extra marks for Artificer Apprentices. • Up to 9 vacancies in navy are reserved for NCC ‘C’ certified candidates. To get the recruitment done on these vacancies the candidate must have done his/her B.Sc in physics or maths. B.E. candidates are also eligible for these vacancies. The age group of the candidate must be 19 to 24 years. He/she must have passed by SSB exempted from CDS examination of UPSC. Indian Air Force • In Air Force, the NCC ‘C’ certified candidates get the advantage of 5 marks. • In Pilot course total 10% vacancies are reserved for NCC cadets. Public Sector • Many organizations from the public sector give advantages to the cadets with ‘C’ certification like Indian Airlines, Pawan Hans Ltd, The National Small Industries Corp. Ltd. And many more.
Apart of this, many companies from private sector consider the NCC certificates as an advantage. When you mention the NCC certified or achieved NCC ‘C’ certificate in your resume, it gives a hint about your personality. So we would suggest the students should join NCC not only to join Indian Armed Forces but to be a disciplined person.

Various Activities Conducted in NCC (Army Wing)

1. Institutional Training
a. Institutional training conducted at Colleges and Schools is the mainstay of NCC training and is conducted by Associate NCC Officers and Armed Forces personnel. The syllabus comprises Common Subjects and Service Subjects in the ratio 70:30. The Senior Wing/Division training is for three years and has 300 periods The training year is from 01 July to 31 Jan. Training schedules planned for cadets ensure that the optimum benefits of the organisation reach maximum number of cadets. Emphasis is on practical training. Case study method of instruction, wherever possible, is made to facilitate active participation and better assimilation.
b. Institutional training includes basic military training to the cadets as part of the curriculum and prepares them to join the Armed Forces. It is conducted with the following specific purpose:-
i. Firstly, to expose young cadets to a `regimental way of life’ which is essential to inculcate in them the values of discipline, duty, punctuality, orderliness, smartness, respect for the authorities, correct work ethos, and self- confidence.
ii. Secondly, to generate interest in cadets by including and laying emphasis on those aspects of Institutional Training which attract young cadets into the NCC and provides them an element of thrill and excitement.
iii. Thirdly, to inculcate Defence Services work ethos that is characterised by hard work, sincerity of purpose, honesty, ideal of selfless service, dignity of labour, secular outlook, comradeship, spirit of adventure and sportsmanship.

2. Camp Training.
Camp training is the practical manifestation of institutional training. The basic aim of Camps is to introduce cadets to a regimented way of life and helps in developing camaraderie, team work, leadership qualities, self-confidence, self-reliance and dignity of labour in the cadets. The cadets are exposed to the excitement of camp life where they apply the theoretical knowledge that they had gained in Institutional Training. It is mandatory for Senior Division/ Senior Wing cadets to attend a minimum of two camps during the period of their enrolment. Republic Day camp is the acme of NCC training and is conducted in January every year. The various types of camps conducted by the NCC are as follows:-
a. Annual Training Camps/ Combined Annual Training Camps (ATC/CATC). These are held within the State under the aegis of respective NCC Directorates.
b. Centrally Organised Camps (COC). These camps are of all India nature and are planned by Headquarter DGNCC in consultation with State NCC Directorates which conduct them. Selected cadets, as per the vacancies allotted to each Directorate, participate in these camps. The following types of centrally organised camps are conducted: –
i. National Integration Camps (NIC)/ Special National Integration Camps (SNIC). National Integration Camps and Special National Integration Camps are conducted to make cadets understand and value the rich heritage of cultures that forge unity despite the diverse languages, traditions and religions of our country. These camps are conducted on an all India basis and help bridge the cultural gap among various states of India. In addition, six Special NICs are conducted in the extremities of our country at Leh / Srinagar (J&K), Dimapur (North Eastern Region), Peddapuram (Kakinada), Badabagh (Jaisalmer), Lakshadweep and Port Blair.
ii. Leadership Camps. Six Advance Leadership Camps (ALC), are conducted every year to focus on personality development, leadership skills and orientation for induction into the Armed Forces.
iii. Thal Sainik Camp (TSC). Two TSCs are conducted at HQ DGCC Camp, Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt every year in Sep/Oct, one for SD/JD boys and other for SW/JW girls. 680 Boy and 680 Girl cadets take part in each camp.
iv. Rock Climbing Training Camps (RCTC). Eight rock climbing camps are held each year to expose NCC cadets to the basics of rock climbing and to inculcate spirit of adventure. A total of 1080 cadets attend the camps.

3. Annual Republic Day Camp
The Annual Republic Day Camp (RDC) is held at Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt every year from 01 Jan to 29 Jan. This camp represents all parts of India and is a ‘Mini India’ in itself. The camp is normally inaugurated by the Vice President of India in the first week of Jan and culminates with the Prime Minister’s Rally on 28 January. It is a matter of great pride for a cadet to be selected to represent his/ her state in the Republic Day Camp.

4. Prime Minister’s Rally
The Prime Minister’s Rally, the most prestigious event of the NCC Republic Day Camp is held on 28 January every year. The PM’s Rally commences with the Guard of Honour presented to Hon’ble Prime Minister by NCC Cadets. Contingents from all State NCC Directorate participate in the March Past. Social activities being undertaken by NCC are displayed in the form of tableaux. Approximately 3,000 cadets participate in this rally wherein they display their skills in equestrian, parasailing, band display, slithering and simulated Army action. Microlight Display by the NCC cadets is also conducted during the PM’s Rally. The PM’s Rally culminates with award of Prime Minister’s Banner to the winning Directorate by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The events are witnessed by a number of dignitaries that include Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Raksha Rajya Mantri, three Service Chiefs and the Defence Secretary.

5. Attachment Training.
Cadets derive immense value through attachment to the Armed Forces Units where they experience the functioning of military units and life in armed forces units. Cadets of all wings go through a period of attachment with respective services of the Armed Forces as follows: –
a. Army Units. 440 officers and 20,000 cadets attend attachment training with regular army units annually.
b. Indian Military Academy/Officers Training Academy. 120 SD cadets undergo attachment training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and 48 SW cadets at Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
c. Military Hospital Attachment. 1000 SW cadets are attached with various Military Hospitals for 12 days.

6. Social Service and Community Development.
Social Service activities are structured to inspire and encourage the cadets to participate voluntarily towards improvement of their physical and social environment and channelize their energies in the task of nation building. The social service and community development activities include Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Tree Plantation, Anti-Drug Rally, Cancer Awareness, Disaster Relief, Blood Donation, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, AIDS Awareness, Care for the Blind, Traffic Control and other similar relevant contemporary social issues. The objectives of Social Service are as follows:-
a. To teach the cadets the dignity of labour and to create in them an interest in constructive work, which will be of use to the community.
b. To set an example of selfless service and team work.
c. To give a lead in organized work, with a view to utilizing to the maximum possible extent the available unused time, energy and other resources of our people and direct them in various fields of social and economic activity.

7. Youth Exchange Programme (YEP).
Selected NCC cadets participate in Youth Exchange Programme which is a country to country exchange of cadets belonging to NCC/ equivalent Govt/ youth organizations of friendly countries. They participate in NCC activities of the host country to create an increased awareness and appreciation of each other’s socio-economic and cultural realities. NCC has a vibrant YEP with ten countries. The benefits of this programme have been widely acknowledged. Our cadets share strong bond with our YEP partners. As of now more than 100 cadets proceed abroad on YEP annually.

8. Adventure Based Learning.
Adventure is the life blood of youth. Adventure training in the NCC provides knowledge to cadets of the topography as well as experience of different weather conditions and adventurous living under camp conditions. The whole aim is to inculcate a spirit of adventure, explorative inquisitiveness, develop stamina, endurance, discipline, courage, determination, comradeship, leadership leading to development of self-confidence, team spirit and spirit-de- corps amongst NCC cadets. NCC cadets are given the opportunity to participate in a host of adventure activities including Mountain Treks and Expeditions, Trekking, Parasailing, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Camel safari etc. Adventure based activities enable cadets to hone leadership skills and enhance their character qualities. Cadets with potential are given opportunities to participate in expeditions requiring higher degree of expertise and proficiency.
a. Mountaineering Expeditions.
i. NCC has been conducting two mountaineering expeditions every year, one each for the girl and boy cadets.
b. All India Trekking Expedition. 29 Trekking Expedition are conducted annually with participation of 14500 Cadets from all State NCC Directorates.
c. Camel Safari. Camel Safari is conducted by Rajasthan directorate in the deserts of Jaisalmer every year.
d. Parasailing. Parasailing is conducted by the NCC Directorates giving cadets the thrill and experience of this adventure activity.
e. Para Basic Course. Every year 40 boy & 40 girl cadets attend Para Basic Course at Para Training School, Agra for a duration of 24 days.
f. Cycle and Motor Cycle Rallies. A number of cycle and motorcycle rallies are conducted by different State NCC Directorate to spread the message of peace, harmony and national integration and educate the populace on health, community development and eradication of social evils.
g. Sailing Expedition. NCC conducts Sailing Expeditions in State NCC Directorates every year. 35 to 60 cadets participate in each expedition. h. Sea Sorties. Cadets are put on board Naval Ships for sea experience. In 2015, 245 Cdts have been on four sea sorties.

9. Sports.
NCC facilitates access to high potential sports like Football, Hockey and Shooting to talented cadets so as to hone their team and sports skills. NCC Cadets from all NCC Directorates actively participate in various sports activities at the National level as follows:-
a. NCC National Games. NCC National Games were started in 2013, giving opportunity to the youth from NCC for exposure to competition and selection at the national level.
b. All India GV Mavlankar Shooting Competition. Firing being one of the important training activities of NCC, shooting discipline enjoys special place in NCC sporting activities. NCC conducts Inter State Directorate Shooting competition to select the NCC team to participate in the National Rifle Association of Indian (NRAI) events like All India GV Mavlankar Shooting Championship Competition and National Shooting Championship Competition every year. NCC shooting teams have been performing well in the event for the last many years.
c. Equestrian Events. NCC cadets of Remount & Veterinary units participate in various National level equestrian competitions every year and have won many medals.
d. Sailing Regatta. Sailing Regatta is conducted every year at INS Chilka in Odisha.