Three years of NCC training for students can build a disciplined generation, says instructor

Making National Cadet Corps (NCC) training available to all school students for three years could help nurture a disciplined generation of responsible citizens, said CR Kaarunya, an NCC instructor associated with Erode Vellalar College of Engineering and Geethanjali School.
The 24 year old,
Kaarunya, who holds a B.E. degree and has obtained the NCC C Certificate with an A grade, said NCC training helped students develop discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, a sense of responsibility and the ability to work as a team.
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands come under the NCC directorate covering these regions. In Tamil Nadu, NCC operates through six groups based in Chennai A, Chennai B, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Madurai and Puducherry.
The Coimbatore group covers Erode, Namakkal, Tiruppur, Coimbatore and Salem districts and has 11 battalions. NCC units generally comprise 50 cadets. Educational institutions can operate units under the Fully Self-Financed Scheme (FSFS), while government-supported units function under the regular scheme.
Under the regular scheme, NCC officers provide training in government schools and colleges. Under the FSFS, educational institutions appoint instructors to train their students, she said.
NCC cadets undergo various training programmes and camps, including rock climbing, shooting and trekking. College students receive training for four hours a day for 20 days, while school students undergo two hours of training a day for 40 days, according to Kaarunya.
Students who join NCC in Class VIII can appear for the A Certificate examination in Class IX. In college, cadets undergo training in the first year, appear for the B Certificate examination in the second year and take the C Certificate examination in the third year.
Cadets who perform well can get opportunities to participate in national-level programmes, including the Republic Day Camp and the Prime Minister’s Rally. Students also take part in competitions held during camps, where prizes are awarded. The Youth Exchange Programme provides opportunities for selected cadets to visit other countries, she said.
NCC certification can also offer advantages to candidates seeking careers in the armed forces.
Kaarunya, who studied at Erode Vellalar College of Engineering, has also won gold and silver medals in shooting competitions at the battalion level. She has won bronze at a group-lev competition at the State level and secured fourth place at the directorate level.