The National Cadet Corps (NCC), the world’s largest uniformed youth organization, celebrates its Raising Day on the 4th Sunday of November to honor its role in shaping young citizens and their contribution to national service.
- In 2025, NCC Raising Day was observed on 23 November, marking the 77th anniversary of its establishment.
- The 76th NCC Raising Day was celebrated on 24 November 2024, while the 78th edition will be observed on 22 November 2026.
Exam Hints:
- What? NCC Raising Day 2025
- When? November 23(4th Sunday of November)
- 2025 Observance: 77th
- About NCC:
- NCC was officially established on 15 June 1948
- Works under the MoD with the motto “Unity and Discipline.”
- Started with 20,000 cadets in 1948; now 20 lakh cadets across 713 districts.
Background:
Formation: On 29 September 1946, the Cadet Corps Committee was formed with Pt. H. N. Kunzru as its Chairman.
- On 15 June 1948, the NCC was officially set up through an ordinance issued by the Government of India(GoI), serving as an auxiliary educational body for the Indian Army(IA) and the Indian Navy(IN).
Observation: NCC Day is celebrated every year on the 4th Sunday of November to mark the establishment of the first NCC units in Delhi in 1947.
About National Cadet Corps (NCC):
Objective: NCC is a voluntary youth organization in India that focuses on developing leadership, discipline, and patriotism among young people.
Administrative Control: It functions under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), with the motto “Unity and Discipline,” adopted on 23 December 1957.
Flag : The NCC flag carries three colours: Red representing the IA, Deep Blue for the IN, and Light Blue for the Indian Air Force(IAF).
- The flag also features the letters “NCC” and the NCC crest in gold at the center, surrounded by a lotus wreath, giving it a distinguished and vibrant identity.
Syllabus : The NCC syllabus has been updated to align with initiatives such as Skill Manthan, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre(I4C), and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)/State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) disaster training, emphasizing character building and confidence in support of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.
Award: The Raksha Mantri’s Padak is the highest honour in NCC, presented by the Ministry of Defence(MoD) to cadets and personnel for exceptional performance, leadership, and dedication to service.
- 2025 Raksha Mantri Padak Awardees: Under Officer (UO) Theja VP, Kerala & Lakshadweep Directorate; and Senior Under Officer (SUO) Aryamitra Nath, North Eastern Region Directorate.
- 2025 Raksha Mantri Commendation Card Recipients: Cadet Dontara Greeshma, Andhra Pradesh(AP) & Telangana Directorate; Junior Under Officer (JUO) Abida Afreen, Jammu & Kashmir(J&K) & Ladakh Directorate; Sargent Manan Sharma, Maharashtra Directorate; and Sargent Rahul Baghel, Madhya Pradesh(MP) & Chhattisgarh Directorate
2025 Events:
Wreath-Laying Ceremony: On 22 November 2025, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at the National War Memorial, New Delhi(Delhi), where Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of Ministry of Defence(MoD) and Lt Gen Virendra Vats, Director General(DG) of NCC, paid homage to the fallen heroes on behalf of the NCC.
Participation : Three NCC girl cadets from the tri-services laid wreaths alongside senior leaders to honour the nation’s fallen soldiers, followed by a patriotic band performance by NCC cadets from Delhi schools.
Growth of NCC: Since its start in 1948 with 20,000 cadets, the NCC has grown into the world’s largest uniformed youth organization with 20 lakh cadets, including 6 lakh added between 2014 and 2025, and now operates in 713 of India’s 780 districts.
