On October 01, 2025, Lt Gen Virendra Vats assumed the position of Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), succeeding Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh. NCC, recognized as the world's largest uniformed youth organisation, is expanding to a cadet strength of 20 lakhs across 28 States and 8 Union Territories. With its motto of Unity and Discipline, NCC is evolving in step with Viksit Bharat@2047. Lt Gen Vats was commissioned into the 19 KUMAON Regiment of the Indian Army on December 17, 1988, and brings 37 years of experience to the role, having served in Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism environments and having held key appointments in Arunachal Pradesh, the Kashmir Valley, and Army Headquarters. He also commanded an Infantry Brigade under the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Before this appointment, he was the Commandant at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
Lt Gen Vats is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, and the National Defence College, New Delhi. The information was posted by PIB Delhi on 01 OCT 2025 at 9:59 AM. The Release ID is 2173448.
Key Entities Referenced
National Cadet Corps (NCC): The world's largest uniformed youth organisation, expanding its cadet strength to 20 lakhs across 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
Ministry of Defence: The ministry responsible for the press release about the leadership change in the National Cadet Corps.
Lt Gen Virendra Vats: The newly appointed Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
Viksit Bharat@2047: The initiative with which NCC is evolving, integrating innovation, digital skills and global awareness.
Ministry of Defence
Lt Gen Virendra Vats Takes Over as Director
General of National Cadet Corps
Posted On: 01 OCT 2025 9:59AM by PIB Delhi
Lt Gen Virendra Vats assumed charge as the Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), succeeding
Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, on October 01, 2025. He takes over at a significant juncture when NCC, the world’s
largest uniformed youth organisation, is expanding its cadet strength to 20 lakhs across 28 States and 8 Union
Territories. With its motto of Unity and Discipline, NCC is evolving in step with Viksit Bharat@2047,
integrating innovation, digital skills and global awareness with its traditional focus on character building and
patriotism.
Commissioned into the 19 KUMAON Regiment of the Indian Army on December 17, 1988, Lt Gen Virendra
Vats brings with him 37 years of distinguished service. He has served in challenging Counter Insurgency and
Counter Terrorism environments, and held key appointments in Arunachal Pradesh, the Kashmir Valley, and
Army Headquarters. He also commanded an Infantry Brigade under the United Nations mission in the
Democratic Republic of Congo. Prior to this appointment, he was the Commandant at the Defence Services
Staff College, Wellington.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun,
College of Defence Management, Secunderabad and the National Defence College, New Delhi, Lt
Gen Virendra Vats brings a wealth of operational and leadership experience. His expertise and
vision are expected to steer the NCC with renewed vigour, further enhancing its role in shaping
disciplined, responsible and future-ready youth for the nation.
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SR/KB(Release ID: 2173448)