OCT 01: Lt Gen Virendra Vats assumed charge as the Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) today, succeeding Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh. The appointment comes at a significant time as NCC, the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation, expands its cadet strength to 20 lakh across 28 States and 8 Union Territories. With its motto of Unity and Discipline, NCC continues to integrate traditional values of character building and patriotism with modern innovations, digital skills, and global awareness in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Commissioned into the 19 KUMAON Regiment on December 17, 1988, Lt Gen Vats brings 37 years of distinguished service to his new role. He has extensive operational experience, having served in challenging counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism environments in Arunachal Pradesh, the Kashmir Valley, and at Army Headquarters. He also commanded an Infantry Brigade under the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prior to this appointment, he served as Commandant at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, College of Defence Management, and the National Defence College, Lt Gen Vats combines deep operational expertise with strong leadership experience. His vision is expected to guide NCC in nurturing disciplined, responsible, and future-ready youth, further strengthening its role in nation-building.
Under his leadership, NCC aims to continue shaping young Indians into leaders with strong values, a global outlook, and the skills necessary to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
 today, succeeding Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh){kind=link}