The National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp 2026 began at the DG NCC Camp, Delhi Cantt, marking a major milestone in the organisation’s ongoing role in nation building, youth development and national integration. The month-long camp has brought together 2,406 cadets from across the country, including 127 cadets from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and 131 cadets from the North Eastern Region. Adding a strong international dimension, cadets and officers from 25 friendly foreign countries are participating under the Youth Exchange Programme, strengthening people-to-people ties and global goodwill.
Briefing the media, the Director General of NCC said the organisation has now expanded its footprint to more than 90 percent of districts nationwide, reflecting its deep grassroots presence. From an initial strength of about 20,000 cadets in 1948, the NCC today has close to 20 lakh cadets, with women accounting for nearly 40 percent of the total strength. This growth highlights the organisation’s inclusive character and its increasing appeal among young people across regions and social backgrounds.
The Republic Day Camp was described as a flagship national platform that exposes cadets to India’s cultural diversity, shared values and democratic traditions through a series of events held in the capital in the run-up to Republic Day. Over the past year, NCC activities have covered training, national integration, community service and skill development. In 2025 alone, the NCC conducted 1,665 Annual Training Camps, six Special National Integration Camps and 33 Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Camps, aimed at promoting unity, mutual understanding and cultural exchange among cadets from different parts of the country.
Beyond routine training, NCC cadets have played an active role in several national initiatives and specialised programmes. These include a special mountaineering expedition to Mount Everest, extensive participation in Operation Sindoor to support civil administration and medical services, and outreach activities in border areas under the Vibrant Villages Programme. Environmental conservation has remained a priority, with eight lakh saplings planted under the Ek Ped Maa ke Naam campaign. Cadets have also participated in nationwide initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders dialogue quiz, the International Day of Yoga, Swachhotsav and the 150-year celebrations of Vande Mataram.
Skill development and innovation have received focused attention. Drone flying training has been conducted through four Remote Pilot Training Organisations, while 3,000 cadets have been trained under Skill Manthan workshops. A total of 340 cadets contributed to 85 start-up ideas through Idea and Innovation competitions. At present, a special sailing expedition around 21 uninhabited islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is underway, dedicated to Param Vir Chakra awardees. Two national cycling expeditions are also in progress to commemorate social reform milestones and honour the legacy of national icons.
In the area of disaster preparedness, around 94,400 NCC cadets from 315 districts have been nominated for training under the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority. This programme is scheduled to be completed by March 2026 and is aimed at strengthening community-level disaster response capabilities.
The Republic Day Camp 2026 is expected to be visited by several dignitaries, including the Vice President, senior defence leadership and the chiefs of the armed forces. The camp will conclude with the Prime Minister’s Rally on 28 January, reaffirming the NCC’s enduring role in shaping disciplined, socially responsible and nationally committed youth.
