NCC certificate holders get edge in jobs and college admissions
An NCC certificate can bring admission preference, scholarships and exam concessions in defence, paramilitary and police recruitment.
Marching in disciplined formation, dressed in khaki or olive green uniforms, instils a distinct sense of pride and enthusiasm in school and college students. The National Cadet Corps, or NCC, plays a major role in building a sense of patriotism, unity and leadership among young people. Joining the NCC alongside regular studies is a journey that offers real-life lessons beyond textbook knowledge.
Students often wonder whether the NCC is merely a school or college activity, or whether it genuinely benefits their career going forward.
The NCC is not a regular course taught in schools, but a voluntary military training programme run by the Ministry of Defence. Students who join are given a few hours of training each week, alongside their regular classes, in parade, drill, handling weapons, map reading, disaster management and social service. They also get the opportunity to take part in adventure camps, trekking and firing camps.
After completing NCC training, cadets receive one of mainly three types of certificates, depending on their eligibility and the length of their training. The A Certificate is given to Junior Wing students at the school level between classes 8 and 10. The B Certificate is awarded at the college or senior secondary level after the first two years of training. The C Certificate is considered the NCC's highest and most important certificate, awarded in the final year of college after clearing difficult examinations and camps.
The biggest benefit of completing NCC training and earning a certificate is that many major universities and colleges give special preference or weightage marks during admissions under the NCC quota. Cadets who perform well in their studies and take part in the Republic Day camp are also given scholarships by the government.
The NCC certificate carries official recognition from the Ministry of Defence and several other government departments. Those holding an NCC B or C certificate get bonus marks or direct exemptions in the written examinations for recruitment to the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and paramilitary forces such as the CRPF and BSF. NCC cadets are also given preference in the police department and government security agencies.
