NCC Republic Day Camp commences on vibrant note
The NCC Republic Day Camp-2026 (RDC)commenced on a vibrant and ceremonial note at the DGNCC Camp, Delhi Cant. Lt Gen Virendra Vats, YSM, SM, VSM, Director General, National Cadet Corps, briefed the media on the objectives and conduct of the Republic Day Camp and outlined the major milestones, initiatives and accomplishments of the NCC during 2025.
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 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 and 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 the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP), will also participate in RDC-2026. Cadets attending the camp will participate in a number of activities like the 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 January, 2026.
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 with constitutes 40 per cent girls cadets. Apart from the regular 1,665 annual training camp, 6 special national integration camps and 33 Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat camps were conducted, which promote integration and strengthen bonds amongst cadets of varied regions and cultures.
A special sailing expedition is in progress around 21 uninhabited Islands of Andaman and Nicobar, dedicated to PVC awardees. Similarly, a cycling/running-cum-sailing expedition was carried out across the 8 Islands of Lakshadweep. In coordination with NDMA under the YuvaAapdaMitra 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.
