The National Cadet Corps (NCC) was established as the University Corps under the Indian Defense Act, 1917 to train students for the Army. It evolved through various phases—the University Training Corps (UTC) in 1920, the University Officers Training Corps (UOTC) in 1942—and was formally constituted on 15 July 1948 under the NCC Act (No. XXXI of 1948) following recommendations by a government committee led by Kunzru.
The NCC expanded its reach by introducing the Girls Division in 1949, followed by Air Force and Naval units in 1950 and 1952. What began as a 20,000-cadet initiative has grown into one of the largest uniformed youth organizations, with 13 lakh cadets nationwide. Headquartered in New Delhi, the NCC operates through 17 State Directorates, 96 Group Headquarters, and 800 units covering 633 districts. It has two training academies: Officers Training Academy, Kamptee (Nagpur) for men and Officers Training Academy, Gwalior for women.
As a tri-service organization encompassing the Army, Navy, and Air Force, NCC instills discipline, leadership, and national pride in students. It plays a vital role in grooming future leaders and fostering national integration. With a rich curriculum encompassing military training, adventure, cultural, and social activities, it equips youth to face modern challenges. NCC cadets also have the opportunity to join the Defense Services.
Khalsa College, Garhdiwala, established NCC in 1966, the year of its founding, and currently has one unit with 55 cadets.
The NCC is headed by a Director General with the rank of Lieutenant General. He is assisted by two Additional Director Generals (A and B) of two-star rank (Major General, Rear Admiral, or Air Vice-Marshal). Five Brigadier-level officers and other civil officials also assist him. The headquarters is located in Delhi. The organizational structure is as follows:
In total, there are 95 Group Headquarters across the country, overseeing a network of 667 Army Wing Units (including technical and girls' units), 60 Naval Wing Units, and 61 Air Squadrons. Additionally, the NCC has two training establishments: the Officers Training School in Kamptee (Nagpur, Maharashtra) and the Women Officers Training School in Gwalior.
