Along with studies, how useful are NCC and its certificates in getting a job?

Joining NCC in student life is very popular among the youth. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) engages school and college students with discipline, leadership and military training. After completion of training, cadets are awarded A, B and C certificates. The benefits of these certifications are not limited to personality development. In many government recruitment, army, paramilitary and some state level jobs, NCC certificate holders can get bonus marks, preference or special opportunities in the recruitment process. However, its benefits are subject to the relevant recruitment rules and instructions.

How many certificates are there in NCC?

NCC mainly has A, B and C certificates. A is the entry level certification, while B and C are the next levels. Among these, C certificate is considered the highest level certificate. To get certified, cadets have to complete training, exams and other required activities.

Benefits of A and B certificates

Candidates with NCC A certificate can get additional marks in some military recruitments. While provision of more benefits than this on B certificate is available in some recruitment rules. For example, in some military recruitments, there is a provision of 5 extra marks for A certificate and 10 extra marks for B certificate. Apart from this, bonus marks can also be obtained in the respective examination.

Why is C certificate special?

Cadets with NCC C certificate can get more opportunities in some recruitments of army and other security services. For some military posts, provision of relaxation or extra marks in written examination is as per recruitment rules. Bonus marks or preference can also be given on the basis of NCC certificate in recruitment like Police, Fire Service and Home Guard of paramilitary forces and some state governments.

Opportunities in CDS and SSB

There are also provisions for special entry into the defense services for C certificate holders. Qualified candidates through NCC Special Entry can get an opportunity to be called for SSB process directly instead of written exam. However, for this, prescribed educational qualification and other eligibility conditions have to be fulfilled.

Advantage in government job

Benefits of NCC certificate are not same in every government job. There is no direct extra marks for NCC in UPSC Civil Services, but training from NCC can help develop skills like leadership, discipline and teamwork. In some states and departments, separate benefits are offered to C certificate holders. So, before applying for the job, you must see the official notification of the respective recruitment.