From Operation Sindoor to Skies: 75,000 NCC Cadets Who Took Part Now Begin Training In Drone Flying

Approximately 75,000 NCC Cadets participated in Operation Sindoor, wherein they were deployed to assist civil administration, providing medical support, spearheading support systems, assisting with drills

like blackout protocols, evacuation, and communication, blood donation camp.This was revealed by Lt Gen Virendra Vats, Director General of National Cadet Corps, during a press conference called to brief the media about NCC’s Republic Day Camp 2026. He listed the key achievements of the NCC in 2025 and reviewed the organisational milestones accomplished over the past one year.As a follow up of work during Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen Vats said, “As part of new initiatives, NCC cadets are being trained on drone flying with the larger objective of assisting authorities during emergencies and times of need. For conducting Drone training, 04 Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOS) have been established.” “Under the Ministry of Home Affairs' Vibrant Villages Programme, NCC Cadets organised activities in far-flung and border areas, aimed at outreaching and connecting youth with the real India. 37 Sector Skill Council programmes were conducted for over 3,000 cadets under the Skill Manthan workshops, enhancing their employability and vocational skills. To encourage innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking," he said.Also Read: From Trump to Xi? Pakistan Now Backs China's Mediation Claim On Op Sindoor

2,406 Cadets This Year In R-Day Camp

This year, two contingents of NCC, a boys and girls troop each, will be marching along the Kartavya Path on Republic Day. For the first time contingent commanders will be displaying sword drills, said the NCC chief. He said this year, a total of 2,406 cadets, including 898 girls, from all the States and Union Territories of India are participating in this one-month-long camp. This, he said, also marks an increase in the number of girl cadets across all States in comparison to previous years. This year 127 Cadets from Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh and 131 Cadets from the North East Region (NER) are also participating in RDC-2026. In addition, Cadets and Officers from 25 Friendly Foreign Countries, under Youth Exchange Programme (YEP), will also participate in RDC-2026. Cadets attending the camp will participate in a number of activities like Best Cadet Competition, Firing, Cultural Programme and Marching Contingent during the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path. This varied and demanding array of activities will culminate with PM's Rally on 28 Jan 2026.“The camp will be visited by a large number of dignitaries, which includes Hon'ble Vice President of India, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Hon'ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Defence Secretary, Chief of Defence Staff and the Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force,” he said.While addressing the media, the DGNCC highlighted the major achievements of NCC. He applauded each member of the NCC fraternity for successfully completing 77 years of service to the nation. He highlighted that the strength of NCC Cadets has been increased from 17 lakh to 20 lakh, which constitutes 40% girls Cadets. Apart from the regular 1,665 Annual Training Camp, 06 Special National Integration Camps and 33 Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Camps were conducted, which promote integration and strengthen the bond amongst cadets of varied regions and cultures. Besides, routine adventure activities, Special Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Everest was successfully conducted on 18 May 2025, with a team of 10 cadets (5 Boys & 5 Girls) summitting to the highest peak at 8448 mtrs above sea level. A Special Sailing Expedition is in progress around 21 uninhabited Islands of Andaman & Nicobar, dedicated to PVC awardees. Similarly, Cycling/ Running-cum-Sailing Expedition was carried out across 08 Islands of Lakshadweep. In coordination with NDMA under the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme, approximately 94,400 NCC cadets from 315 districts across 28 states, nominated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be trained by March 2026. Two Cycling Expeditions are being conducted to commemorate milestones, social reform activities and the legacy of Veer Birsa Munda and Peshwa Bajirao 1. NCC cadets also voluntarily donated 35,000 units of blood on NCC Raising Day with an aim of saving lives.