The Indian Air Force (IAF), under the leadership of Air Force Chief Air Marshal A.P. Singh, has proudly celebrated the third successful Mount Everest expedition organized by the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which reached its triumphant conclusion on May 18, 2025. This remarkable achievement marked the ascent of ten young cadets—five boys and five girls—who reached the summit of the iconic 8,848-meter peak, boasting an impressive 100 percent success rate that has garnered admiration from seasoned Sherpas and international mountaineers.
The expedition, which was officially flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 3, 2025, stands as a significant milestone in youth-led high-altitude exploration. The cadets, aged between 16 and 19, underwent extensive preparation at the Army Mountaineering Institute, which included advanced acclimatization techniques and resilience-building initiatives grounded in the latest research on high-altitude physiology.
In a ceremony to honor the successful team, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who recently took command of the IAF on September 30, 2024, personally presented honors to the cadets and their supporting team. He praised their extraordinary courage and commitment, describing them as a source of inspiration for the nation and a testament to India’s adventurous spirit.
This expedition marks the NCC’s third successful ascent of Mount Everest, following prior expeditions in 2013 and 2016. The current team was well-supported, consisting of four officers, two junior commissioned officers, one female cadet instructor, and ten non-commissioned officers who worked in unison to ensure safety and success in one of the world’s most formidable environments.
In his remarks, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the mission as a reflection of national resolve and youth empowerment. He noted that such accomplishments boost India’s global reputation in the domain of adventure sports and serve as a motivational force for young individuals to cultivate qualities such as discipline, endurance, and leadership.
The successful completion of this expedition has ignited a sense of pride across the nation, with plans already underway to broaden similar initiatives as part of national youth development and adventure training programs. This endeavor not only aims to enhance adventure skills among the youth but also contributes to fostering a culture of exploration and resilience.
