Students aspiring for the defence services would soon get a taste of the gruelling training in store, as National Cadet Corps would be introduced in the CBSE syllabus.
Camping, handling firearms and other life skills would soon be a part of the course.
The board would introduce National Cadet Corps (NCC) in its curriculum for classes IX and XI as an elective (chosen by student from a number of options in a curriculum) subject from this academic session. “CBSE has decided to introduce NCC course in schools to help the youth in serving the nation,” a CBSE official at the Delhi office said.
Radiant International School would apply for the course soon. The vice-principal of the school, Radhika K., said: “We are interested in letting our students understand the aim of NCC and serve the nation.”
The NCC helps inculcate qualities like diligence, perseverance, resilience and humility in students.
DAV, BSEB, principal Ramanuj Prasad said: “Though we have not applied for it, we are planning to do so as we are already associated with the NCC.” The school’s associate NCC officer trains pupils.
Major Vikas Raja, training officer, Patna zone, told The Telegraph: “Students can opt for the subject as an elective one. Class XI students would be given marks for that in Class XII.”
Raja added that there would be several types of training and adventure camps, youth exchange programmes and social service activities. “The information is already on the board website,” another CBSE official at the Delhi office said.
The official added that the syllabus would include common subjects for all three wings of the armed forces — army, air force and the navy. There would also be specialised subjects for each wing. The common subjects would comprise 70 per cent of the syllabus. A source said 70 per cent of the syllabus would include military training, firing, parades and others. The remaining portion would include viva voce. In addition, cadets would attend an annual training camp in the second year of junior and senior division to be eligible in Part A and B certificate examinations.
Cadets interested in receiving Part C certificates would have to attend a third-year senior division in college.
