NCC ‘C’ Certificate: A Gateway to the Indian Armed Forces

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) stands as India’s largest youth organization, fostering discipline, leadership, and a sense of national service among students. Operating under the...

NCC-C-Cert-Entries

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) stands as India’s largest youth organization, fostering discipline, leadership, and a sense of national service among students. Operating under the Ministry of Defence since 1948, it includes Junior and Senior Divisions for school and college students, respectively, along with a dedicated Girls’ Division. Cadets advance through certificate levels—A, B, and C—with the ‘C’ Certificate representing the pinnacle of achievement. This highest certification, earned through extensive training, camps, and assessments, not only builds essential military skills but also serves as a valuable credential for careers in the Indian Armed Forces.

For those aiming to serve in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, the NCC ‘C’ Certificate offers distinct advantages, such as direct access to selection boards, reserved seats, and additional scoring in competitive processes. These incentives recognize the prior training of NCC cadets and streamline their recruitment. This article outlines the various types of entry schemes available to ‘C’ Certificate holders, providing a timeless reference for aspiring defence personnel.

Overview of NCC Certificates and Their Value

NCC certificates are progressive milestones:

  • NCC ‘A’ Certificate: Entry-level certification for junior cadets, offering minor bonuses like 2% additional marks in select exams and 5 bonus points in Army general duty recruitment.
  • NCC ‘B’ Certificate: Mid-level, requiring further involvement, with benefits including 3% bonus marks and 10 points in Army recruitment.
  • NCC ‘C’ Certificate: The advanced certificate, necessitating at least two years in the Senior Division, camp participation, and a minimum ‘B’ grade. It unlocks the most significant opportunities, including officer-level entries without written exams.

Holders who have marched in the Republic Day Parade often receive enhanced privileges, such as complete exemptions from entrance tests in certain categories.

NCC Cadets Plant

NCC Special Entry Scheme: Direct Route to Commissioned Officer Positions

The NCC Special Entry Scheme is a dedicated pathway for ‘C’ Certificate holders, allowing them to skip written examinations and advance straight to the Services Selection Board (SSB) or equivalent interviews for Short Service Commission (SSC) roles. This scheme values the NCC’s rigorous preparation, making it an ideal entry for motivated graduates.

Indian Army NCC Special Entry

This is one of the most accessible schemes for ‘C’ Certificate holders, with biannual notifications from the Indian Army.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nationality: Indian citizen or eligible as per government norms.
  • Age: Generally 19-25 years.
  • Marital Status: Unmarried (applies to both males and females).
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate from a recognized university.
  • NCC Requirement: ‘C’ Certificate with a minimum ‘B’ grade; service in the Senior Division for at least two years (or three for some categories).
  • Physical Standards: Compliance with Army height, weight, and medical fitness requirements.

Special provisions exist for wards of battle casualties, even without the ‘C’ Certificate in some cases.

Vacancies and Reservations

Typically, around 50-55 vacancies for men and 4-5 for women in the general category, plus additional slots for wards of battle casualties. These are for SSC roles, which can be extended or converted to permanent commission.

Selection Process

  1. Shortlisting: Based on academic records and NCC performance.
  2. SSB Interview: A multi-day assessment including intelligence tests, psychological evaluations, group activities, and personal interviews.
  3. Medical Examination: Comprehensive health checks.
  4. Merit List: Final selection considering SSB results and available positions.

Successful candidates train at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai for about 49 weeks, commissioning as Lieutenants.

Indian Navy NCC Special Entry

The Navy provides opportunities for ‘C’ Certificate holders from the Naval Wing, integrated into executive branch recruitments.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age: Typically 19-24 years.
  • Education: B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics or B.E./B.Tech with at least 60% marks.
  • NCC Requirement: Naval Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate.
  • Other: Unmarried and meeting naval physical standards.

Vacancies

Usually up to 9 positions per course for Sub-Lieutenant commissions.

Selection Process

  • Direct shortlisting for SSB.
  • SSB interview tailored to naval skills.
  • Medicals and merit-based finalization.

Training occurs at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala.

Indian Air Force NCC Special Entry

Focused on the Flying Branch, this scheme targets Air Wing cadets.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age: Generally 20-24 years (extendable for commercial pilot license holders).
  • Education: Graduation with 60% marks, including Physics and Mathematics at 10+2, or equivalent engineering degree.
  • NCC Requirement: Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate.
  • Other: Unmarried, with specific vision and fitness standards for pilots.

Vacancies

Approximately 10% of vacancies in pilot training courses.

Selection Process

  • Application through official channels, leading to direct Air Force Selection Board (AFSB).
  • Assessments include pilot aptitude tests, psychological evaluations, and interviews.
  • Medical examination and merit list.

Training at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad results in commissioning as Flying Officers.

NCC Army Chief

Additional Entry Types and Benefits

Beyond the Special Entry, the ‘C’ Certificate enhances prospects in other recruitment avenues:

Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination

  • Reserved seats: Typically 13-15 in Indian Military Academy (IMA), 5-8 in Indian Naval Academy (INA), around 50 in OTA, and 10% in Air Force Academy (AFA) courses.
  • Candidates must pass the UPSC CDS written exam but receive priority or exemptions based on NCC credentials.
  • Eligibility: Graduates aged 19-25.

National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination

  • Bonus marks during SSB interviews.
  • Preferential consideration in selections, though full exam participation is required.

Enlisted Personnel Entries (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen)

  • Exemption from Common Entrance Exams (CEE) for Republic Day Parade participants.
  • Bonus marks: 5-15 in Army technical roles; 5-10% in Navy and Air Force recruitments.
  • Full marks substitution in CEE for trades like clerks or technicians.
ForceOfficer Entry TypesEnlisted Entry Benefits
ArmySpecial Entry (Direct SSB); CDS Reservations (IMA/OTA)CEE Exemption; 5-15 Bonus Marks
NavySpecial Entry (Executive Branch); CDS Reservations (INA)5-10% Bonus Marks
Air ForceSpecial Entry (Flying Branch); CDS Reservations (AFA)5-10% Bonus Marks

Preparation and Application Guidance

To pursue these entries:

  1. Monitor official websites like joinindianarmy.nic.in, joinindiannavy.gov.in, and careerindianairforce.cdac.in for notifications.
  2. Submit applications with NCC certificates, academic proofs, and identification.
  3. Prepare for SSB/AFSB: Emphasize leadership, communication, and fitness through practice sessions.

Avoid common errors like incomplete submissions or overlooking medical criteria.

Conclusion

The NCC ‘C’ Certificate remains a powerful enabler for diverse entry types into the Indian Armed Forces, from direct officer commissions to enhanced competitive advantages. By highlighting discipline and readiness, it paves the way for rewarding service careers. Aspiring cadets should engage in NCC early, excel academically, and stay informed on evolving schemes to maximize these opportunities.

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135 thoughts on “NCC ‘C’ Certificate: A Gateway to the Indian Armed Forces”

  1. Sir i secqure C grade in c certificate and resently passed out my graduation in the year of 2021 am I eligible for defence jobs my height 154 am from bsc bzc is there any medical field in defence sir

    Reply
    • Sir, I have secured A grade in C Certificate and have already done my graduation in 2020.My age is 23 and have did my master’s degree in Arts Political science graduated at 2023 .Will I be eligible for SSB interview

      Reply
    • What will happen if I joined ncc in 11 with air wing and get b grade and failed in 12 from what I start again

      Reply
      • Sir i secqure C grade in c certificate and resently passed out my graduation in the year of 2021 am I eligible for defence jobs my height 154 am from bsc bzc is there any medical field in defence sir

        Reply
  2. Ncc c certificate वालो के लिये ट्रेंड्समन ट्रेंड के लिये age 25 हो गइ है क्या । plzzz रिप्लाय mi

    Reply
  3. Hello sir I am 17.5 year i am completed c certificate in a great I need to job in indian army
    please help us . Thank you sir

    Reply
  4. sir i am sivakrishna . I have NCC “C” certificate B grade completed my graduation With 70% i intrest to join the indian army but I don’t have english skills can you suggest How to face interview

    Reply
  5. Respected sir,

    I’hv already serve in Indian armed force and i want to joine CDS & i having NCC C Certificate
    And complt Dgree course 60% . Sir plzz help me

    Reply
  6. Sir I’m graduated in 2017
    & I’m getting AIRWING C certificate in 2018
    I continued my ncc from iti
    Now i drop iti because i have some family issue & did a job
    Is their is effect in SSB that why should u drop a year because I’m already working in private sector after done my graduation
    Only took admn in iti to get ncc c cert

    Reply
  7. respected sir.
    my name is pramod. and i have NCC – C CERTIFICATE ,
    i complete my degree BA{ EHP ) with 50% marks.
    dob : 19-06-1991.
    pls tell me which jobs available for me.

    Reply
  8. Respected Sir/Madam, I am an NCC cadet holding ‘C’ certificate with ‘B’ grade am I eligible for direct SSB interview after my graduation or in my last year of semester.

    Reply
  9. I m from haryana
    Lavinder dev
    B.com passed 60%
    KUK.KURUKSHTER
    NCC “A”B ” C” certificate
    Age 23 years
    Phyical strong.
    8950014270 9253071143

    Reply
  10. I’m an naval cadet, but not from BSc stream, I’ll be graduating in BA. Can i apply for Indian Navy as an officer through ncc entry? Please do clarify

    Reply
  11. Sir
    Mere pass ncc ‘c ‘ certificate h
    Usme mera ‘c’ grading h kya m ssb ke liye aply kar sakta hu ….please help me sir

    Reply
  12. Dear
    Sir/ madam
    Please help me in govt job bye NCC ‘c’ certificate but I am 27 yearold please please mujhe betye ki m konsi job k liye apply karu

    Reply
  13. Respected Sir/Ma’am ,
    My name is Ananya Naithani and I completed my NCC this year . I got ‘Aye’ grade in C certificate examination and now I am about to complete my graduation this year . Please help me and tell me how should I apply for this in brief . I will be highly obliged.
    Thank You

    Reply
    • Please meet your Commanding Officer from where you did NCC. Dont worry if you are away from the Unit…Please visit any closest NCC unit and they are duty bound to gguide and help you.

      Reply
  14. Sir..i completed my B certficate at know I am doing C certificate and studying Bsc final year can I apply for indian army and how to apply sir

    Reply
  15. Hello sir I am a ncc cadet with b certificate of be grade and now I am doing for C certificate
    It is my passion to join India Army
    So please tell me how can I apply for it ???

    Reply
  16. jay hind sir
    i am study in diploma computer engg. after 10 th standard.
    and i am ncc cadet.
    i am study in final year diploma and ncc.
    so how can i apply for nda.

    Reply
  17. Hello sir .Jay Hind. I’m in 12th science now…And i need information for ncc of Navy…. Plz sir give me information

    Reply
    • U have to be a cadet of Ncc naval wing from ur first year to third year n pass out ncv with A grade so that u are eligible for SSB of NAVAL academy

      Reply
  18. Sr mere age 2 2 04 1990 h Mere pas ncc te te ab complete ho chuke h usm ‘c’ certificate m b gread h m khi from br skti hu plz btao

    Reply
    • sure why not……….. you have many option to apply various post like direct entry for officers through SSB interview.

      Reply
  19. hello sir….. i have done my gradution’ 52% and i have B in b grade .. and c in A grade ncc certifcate hai sir ab mene ssb interview deni hai <plz do suggest me .. sir

    Reply
  20. heloo sir/madem i have also c certificate in A grade..but sir maine commerce se kiya hai kya mai apply kar skti hu.,,….

    Reply
  21. Sir… i having B certificate with C grade &C certificate of NNC with B certificate C grade and also graduation passed B.Sc in PCM with 52 percent marks . So at this present time can i apply for SSB job ???

    Reply
  22. Subhash Chandra – sir I having also c certificate in b grade and bsc pass by pcm with 68% if you have any information about this test please contact me on a side ….. my contact no. 9627889623

    Reply
  23. Subhash Chandra – sir I having also c certificate in b grade and bsc pass by pcm with 68% if you have any information about this test please contact me on a side …..

    Reply
  24. Sir my c certificates is complete and my certficAte grade A and my qualification is 12 th science/ bsc 3rd year complete please . ….9168524377

    Reply
  25. Hello sir…..I am a Ncc cadet from air wing having A grades ….
    My aggregate was 55%……
    How can I join Indian air Force…..
    PLZZ suggest me sir…….

    Reply
  26. Sir ,I am Navdeep singh from punjab. I have ncc “c” ccertificate with “A” grade and I have completed graduation with 55%mark,s and DOB –26/08/1997 . can I join army
    plz guide me sir
    its my e- mail navdeep38286@gmail. com
    nd Mob. 9501038286

    Reply
  27. Sir ,I am Navdeep singh from punjab. I have ncc “c” ccertificate with “C” grade and I have completed graduation with 55%mark,s and DOB –26/08/1997 . can I join army
    plz guide me sir
    its my e- mail navdeep38286@gmail. com
    nd Mob. 9501038286

    Reply
  28. Hai sir,
    I am s.yamuna .i am ncc ‘c’ certificate holder with A grade. Now , i am after 1 month i finsihed my degree. My aim is become a army officer. So, kindly please joint me in army. My address is 2/534 ,kumbakonam,thanjavur,tamil nadu. My mob number 9566847437.and my mail id :[email protected].
    So ,pls requested sir ;
    Any jobs are suit me pls inform me .

    Reply
  29. Hi Sir,
    I am Completed my C certificate with A grade and i am post graduate and i also have more 1.5 years of work experience in TCS. Plz help me how to apply for the job in Indian Air Force.

    Reply
  30. Sir ,I am amit haldar from west Bengal. I have ncc “c” ccertificate with “B” grade and I have completed graduation with 42%mark,s and my hight 170cm DOB – 02/01/1993 . can I join any job .plz plz. Coll me 9735185288 .

    Reply
  31. Hello
    I m persuing my b.sc physics honors final semester with ncc as ‘c’ certificate
    So can I fill or mark as ‘c’ certificate holder in Indian army ncc special entry 2017

    Reply
  32. JAI HIND!am cadet Aravind.M , I would like to to join Indian Airforce in Flying branch become a pilot , But i am an Ncc cadet of army wing,so can i try Ncc special entry to join air force being an army wing cadet?

    Reply
  33. jay hind sir my name is virat kumar iam completed degree with ncc ”c”certificate.sir please give some more information&how to process apply.please contact with me sir jai hind

    Reply
  34. Respected sir,
    Iam a C certificate holder with “A” grade
    Iam pirsuing bachelor degree in Hotel management integrated with MBA and duration of both course is 5 years. 4 year is for hotel management and 1 for MBA .
    Now iam in 4th year ” final year of bachelor degree”. This is my condition.
    So my question is ..
    1) Can i apply for ssb after completion of 4th year.?
    2). If i got selected what about my Master degree will they allow me to complete my master degree . or i should apply completion of course ?

    Reply
  35. Hello Sir,

    Am an BE graduate with NCC C certificate. Have an year experience IN MANUFACTURING Sector.
    I want to get into Flying Branch..
    I don’t find any posts for girls who can get into flying branch. Please suggest, Awaiting your response.

    Reply
    • Give AFCAT FLYING (SSC)!
      For permanent commission to IAF (Flying branch) only men possessing ‘C’ certificate can apply!
      But as lady cdt you are certain to get benefit in SSC flying!
      all the Best

      Reply
  36. If a lerson scored 50percent in aggregate and less than 50 in 1st or 2nd year is he still eligible?

    And is this entry only for OTA and not for IMA?

    Reply
  37. jai hind Sir. .. My self Mandeep kaur from H.P
    I have recently completed my graduation in b.com owners in H.R ..and ncc c’ certificate and national level certificate holder. . how can apply to Indian air force …… and I have a working experience.. as a accountant .. please tell me .. how can I joined us

    Reply
  38. Hi Sir ,

    I’m Cadet Under Officer Srikanth of NCC Air Wing.
    I’m a ‘C’certificate holder with an ‘A’ grade.
    I’m in my pre-final year of B.Arch Architecture in NIT Trichy.
    I have a great passion in joining Defense forces.
    I have these following doubts to clarify . Please look into this :

    1. I have sight of -4 . Am i eligible even if I do laser treatment ?
    2. Is there any branch where i can continue my architecture career in defense. If not what work will be given to me when i crack SSB n training after that.
    3. Can you provide some details about some ways of entering Defence forces?

    I’m in a desperate need or burnung desire to get into defense forces. Please help me out.

    Thanking you in advance,
    CUO Srikanth.

    Reply
  39. Hello sir i completed my degree with an agreegate of 60% and got’ A’ GRADE in ncc c certificate but my height is 162 cms can i apply for ota and i should write cds exam or not?

    Reply
  40. arun kumar ,
    hye sir .. mai bsc kr rha hu ..2nd year mai hu….mujhe indian army join krni h ..sir please segest me………………

    Reply
  41. satpal 19 oct ,2016
    sir my name is satpal i belog to kharkhara bass distt mahender garh sir m army me jana chahta tha mane 2 bar open army ki res kiliyar kar de thi likin dono bar m reten me rah gaya sir mane ncc c certificate 8hr bn se 3year me hasel ki sir fir mane bharti se 3 mahene pahli res ki tayari saru kar de thi or 2mahene bad mera res ka time 4.45 ka ane lag gaya tha muje pura yakin tha ki m res kiliyar kar duga likin sir bharti ke 1mahene pahli mere par me fakchar ho gaya or m bharti nahe dekha saka sir or muje kitna dukha hua ye muje he pata h ab mere liye kaya rasta h sir

    Reply
  42. Sir, I am Gaurav kumar

    I stady B.Tech Final year, Branch ( Aeronautical)

    1st Semester to 6th Semester no have Back paper
    Also have minimum (65%)
    I have the Army NCC Certificte ( “A”, “B”and “C”) But NCC “C” certificate I goted ‘c’ gread so I confuse.
    I am eligible for aney Defance Sarvesh Exam lik that Army, Navy, Airforce And NCC Spacel Entry
    plese give me replay Sir. I wating for your .

    Reply
    • yaa…. Gaurav your eligible but you can not attend the NCC special entry like navy army.but one think you have ncc certificate on army right, no issues you can apply for all the defense exams.your eligible Gaurav kumar. all the best dear.

      Reply
  43. Hi .sir my name shabuddin and I have completed my btech in EEE.. Iam having Ncc B&C certificates ..I got ” c ” grade in ncc c certificate … Sir, am I exampected from written exam due to ncc certificates.in cdse exam….plz inform me sir. I am having this confusion. Due to “c” grade in “c”certificates..

    Reply
  44. Commenth
    hi sir
    gud evng
    mera naam salman hai aur mai Ncc “C” ka student ho aur mai army join kar na charo par open selection pe gaya par kya karo sab paiso ka zor hai isliye nahe bhar paya isliye seleted b nai huwa ab ap he batavo indian army join karne pe.paise.lagte hai nahe na so plz.mai join karna charo army so plz jab selection ho tu inform karo bena reshwath hai to mai awo ha
    jai hind

    Reply
  45. hello sir,
    i am akalya
    am doing engineering, B.TECH information technology 2016-2019 currently doing 2nd year .
    I am interested to join in INDIAN ARMY but am not having NCC certificate
    so , whether i am eligible to apply for INDIAN ARMY

    Reply
    • hi.you can apply for indian army and need not ncc certificate you can apply direct entry if your having ncc certificates they are giving preference to you.ok

      Reply
  46. sir…iam continuing in NCC ”C”certificate exam and iam studying b-tech final year of geo-informatics in andhra university.how can i join in indian army….please give me the information regarding this…….

    Reply
  47. Hello I am Suraj RAMAGYA mishra.
    sir i have a confusion…
    from where i can get a proper guidance..??

    pls help

    bcoz i have NCC C cert. With A grade

    and 60% marks aggrt

    so pls help

    Reply
  48. sir this is brindha studying final year my dream to get a job in defence field i had 70-% mark till last sem i didn’t have ncc c certificate till now now i can apply for that or what else i can do sir….

    Reply
    • hi brindha this is Ganesh.Good enthusiasm towards joining in armed forces.I suggest u to join a good institute in highly developed areas like Delhi.I mean that to have coaching there.

      Reply
  49. i have complete bsc physics in first class and NCC ‘C’ certificate pass in ‘B’ gred can i apply for this job

    Reply
  50. sir iam a ncc c certificate holder with A grade un fortunatly i got de barred from univercity for 6 months.after it i took my graduation in mechanical engineering with cgpa 7.5 ,am i eligible for applaying???

    Reply
  51. I am a graduate Student with Industrial Engineering as my study. I have this passion to join Flying Branch. Also am an B & C Certi Holder (NCC-1 KAR SIG REGIMENT).

    Do I have opportunities?

    Reply
  52. I m khushboo I want to join Indian army this is my dad’s dream and I want know about can I apply in the graduation’s last year. There is no problem if I will apply? I have a c certificate with B grade and I got 51 percent in graduation’s Ist yr and in IInd yr I got 61 percent. Please help me I m very confuse.

    Reply
  53. I m khushboo I want to join Indian army this is my dad’s dream and I want know about can I apply in the graduation’s last year. There is no problem if I will apply?

    Reply
  54. muje army me lgna hai.
    lakin koi rashta he dikhaye nhi deta.
    mane ncc a b c certificate passed kiya hai.
    me suru se he social worker raha hu. me physical strong hu.

    Reply
  55. I have NCC A and b certificate, but i failed in C certificate while i am doing my higher secondary education, now i have completed my graducation, can i write C certificate at this time?

    Reply
  56. plz tell if girl cadets having NCC Air Wing C certificate are eligible for NCC Special Entry Scheme or not….

    Reply
  57. plz tell if girls cadets having NCC Air Wing C certificate are eligible for NCC Special Entry Scheme or not….

    Reply
  58. Am having ‘A’ CERTIFICATE IN ARMY WING AND NOW I AM GOING TO GET THE ‘B’CERTIFICATE IN AIR WING THEN NEXT YEAR I WILL GET ‘C’ CERTIFICATE IN THE SAME AIR WING . is it POSSIBLE TO ENTRY AS A PILOT IN AIR FORCE THROUGH NCC SPECIAL ENTRY PLEASE MAIL ME THE DETAILS

    Reply
  59. Hey I’m sneha..19 years old..having NCC ‘C’ certificate…and right now I’m doing B.COM 2nd year…so at this present time can I apply for OTA??? Plz do suggest me.

    Reply
    • Sneha, ur graduation completion is must…or at time of reporting to ota must hv graduation certificate within span of 6 weeks at the commencement of course at ota.

      Reply
    • sir…. i having also c certificate in b grade ….. but i don’t know what they process for apply this test and also i will serve in the indian paramilitary force itbp so i have no time to get preparation for this test… sneha if you have any information about this test please contact me on a side…… your friend prashant

      Reply

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