The New Elective of National Cadet Corps (NCC): A Review of Literature

The New Elective of National Cadet Corps (NCC): A Review of Literature

Dr. Madhuri Hooda¹ , Kusha Sharma^2
1Associate Professor, Department of Education, MDU Rohtak
²Assistant Professor, Govt Degree College Paloura, Mishriwala, Univ. of Jammu, and Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Education, MDU Rohtak

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.70729

Received: 16 June 2023; Revised: 27 June 2023; Accepted: 03 July 2023; Published: 30 July 2023

ABSTRACT

This research article presents a systematic review of literature on the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in India. The study aims to explore the various facets of the NCC’s role in shaping the character and development of the youth. With the NCC transitioning from a co-curricular activity to a credit course, there is a need to investigate the implications and potential benefits of this shift. The research objectives include assessing the quantity of research conducted on the NCC, exploring the presence of similar voluntary youth organizations in different countries, investigating the objectives of the NCC in school and college settings, and examining the positive outcomes associated with NCC participation.

The findings reveal a limited quantity of research on the NCC, despite its significant impact on youth development. Only India and Bangladesh have voluntary youth organizations similar to the NCC, highlighting its uniqueness. There is a lack of research specifically targeting the objectives of the NCC in educational environments, indicating a gap in understanding. However, the available studies report positive outcomes such as unity in diversity, employability, mental health, and patriotism among NCC cadets.

While acknowledging the limitations of the present review, including the need for more comprehensive research and potential bias in the findings, this study calls for further research on the NCC. Future studies should explore the objectives of the NCC in educational settings, understand the mechanisms underlying positive outcomes, and employ longitudinal, quantitative as well as qualitative research approaches. This research contributes to understanding the NCC’s impact on youth development, identifying future research needs which can identify best teaching practices and suggest policy decisions in the field of education.

Keywords: National Cadet Corps, NCC, Youth development, Semi-systematic Literature review, Impact of Co-Curricular activities, Character building.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH TOPIC

The focus of this study is to undertake a systematic review of literature pertaining to National Cadet Corps (NCC) in India. The various facets of such a study have been effectively described by Snyder (2019). The research plan proposed by the researchers for this study are discusses ahead but the topic of study remains NCC which is an Indian youth organization that plays a significant role in fostering discipline, leadership, and patriotism among the younger generation. The transition of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) from being a co-curricular activity to a credit course marks a significant shift in its status and opens up new avenues for research. With the recognition of its educational value, the inclusion of NCC as a credit course reflects the acknowledgment of its impact on the holistic development of students. This transformation brings forth a range of questions and opportunities for investigation. Researchers can delve into various aspects, such as the pedagogical approaches employed in NCC credit courses, the learning outcomes achieved through participation, the integration of NCC with the academic curriculum, and the overall effectiveness of this transition. Exploring these areas not only contributes to the existing literature but also helps in assessing the broader implications and potential benefits of NCC as a credit course, thus making it a fitting topic for research.

Objectives and purpose of the literature review

The process of conducting a comprehensive and well-executed review of literature serves as a pivotal research method that lays a sturdy groundwork for advancing knowledge and promoting the development of theories (Webster & Watson, 2002). In this context, By delving into the existing body of knowledge, this review aims to synthesize and analyse the available information, thereby providing valuable insights into the various aspects of NCC, such as its historical background, organizational structure, training methodologies, and impact on the participants. By comprehensively examining the literature, this study endeavours to contribute to the broader understanding of the NCC and its influence on youth development.

The article follows a semi-systematic review approach to identify themes as well as Models with a view to identifying knowledge gaps within the literature.

METHODOLOGY

A semi-structured approach to literature review is a methodological approach that combines elements of both a systematic and narrative review. In contrast to a purely systematic review, which follows a strict and predefined set of criteria, a semi-structured literature review allows for more flexibility and adaptability in the review process.

In a semi-structured literature review, researchers typically start with a broad research question or objective and conduct a comprehensive search of the relevant literature. While the search is systematic in terms of covering multiple databases and sources, the inclusion criteria may be more flexible, allowing for a wider range of studies, including both qualitative and quantitative research, theoretical works, and practical reports.

Once the initial set of studies is identified, the researcher engages in a systematic process of screening and selecting relevant literature. The inclusion and exclusion criteria may evolve throughout the review process, allowing for adjustments based on emerging themes and insights. Data extraction and analysis involve organizing and synthesizing key findings, identifying patterns and themes, and drawing connections between the selected studies.

A semi-structured literature review often involves a narrative synthesis of the literature, where the researcher presents a coherent and comprehensive summary of the selected studies, while also providing critical analysis and interpretation. This approach allows for the integration of diverse sources of information and the exploration of multiple perspectives within the literature.

In our literature review, we adopted specific criteria to narrow down our search and gather relevant research papers. We focused on articles published within the last 10 years that mentioned the term “NCC” or “NCC Cadet” in the topic. By setting this time frame, we aimed to capture the most recent developments and insights related to NCC in the academic literature.

To conduct our search, we utilized Google Scholar as our primary search portal. Google Scholar provides access to a wide range of scholarly articles, conference papers, theses, and other relevant sources, making it a valuable resource for our research.

By including the specific keywords in the topic search, we aimed to retrieve papers specifically focused on or related to the National Cadet Corps. This criterion helped us identify literature that directly addresses the NCC and its cadets, ensuring the relevance and applicability of the studies to our research objectives.

While we acknowledge the potential limitations of using Google Scholar as the sole search portal and the inherent biases in keyword-based searches, we understand that this approach serves as a starting point for our literature review. We will critically evaluate the selected papers to ensure their quality, relevance, and alignment with our research goals.

Overall, the criteria we used in our literature review, focusing on recent research papers and utilizing keyword-based search strategies, are intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape surrounding NCC and guide us in exploring the existing knowledge base in our field of interest.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria for studies

In our research article, we further refined our inclusion criteria by excluding articles whose full text was not available and focusing solely on articles or books that explicitly mentioned the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in their titles, abstracts, or keywords. This decision was made to ensure that we could thoroughly analyse and extract relevant information directly related to the NCC and its cadets. By limiting our selection to publications with explicit references to the NCC, we aimed to maintain a targeted focus on the specific context of NCC-related research. This approach allowed us to delve deeper into the literature that directly addresses the NCC and its various aspects, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Research Objectives

Our research regarding the role and effectiveness of NCC, based on literature review is aimed at the following:

1. Assess the quantity and scope of research conducted on the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the past decade, considering its long-standing role in shaping the character of the youth in the nation.
2. Explore the presence and extent of voluntary youth organizations similar to the NCC in different countries.
3. Investigate the research, specifically targeting the objectives of the NCC concerning the youth in school and college settings, highlighting the gap in understanding and knowledge in this area.
4. Examine the reported positive outcomes associated with NCC participation by the youth on values like respect for Diversity, Employability, Mental health, willingness to contribute to society during challenging times (e.g., COVID-19), Self-confidence, Soft-skills, Attitude towards substance abuse, Teamwork, Patriotism, Discipline, Self-control, and Achievement motivation among NCC Cadets.

By addressing these research objectives, the study aims to enhance the understanding of the NCC’s impact on youth development and its goal achievement regarding positive behavioural outcomes in various domains.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This review undertakes an analysis of full texts of the downloaded articles on the topic. Each paper finding is coded in the form of (1) the Author(s) and title, (2) the overall research theme of the article and (3) the Findings of the study. By including the authors’ names and publication years, we have attempted to provide proper credit and context to the studies referenced. The research theme succinctly describes the studies, based on their main focus areas, while the findings highlight the key results and outcomes reported by each study. Towards the end, we would attempt to collate the diverse work done in the domain of NCC, over the last 10 years.

1. Jain R. & Kumar S. (2021). National Cadet Corps (NCC): Its Role in Integrating North Eastern Region (NE.R) with Mainstream India.

Research Theme: The research article explores the potential of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in promoting integration and unity within the diverse North Eastern Region (NER) of India. It examines how NCC can accommodate regional identities and cultural affinities of NER while assimilating it with the rest of India. The article analyses the methodology used, which is based on secondary resources, and adopts an analytical and descriptive approach.

Findings of the Study: The article highlights that NCC is the largest uniformed youth organization in the world, aiming to empower young volunteers for nation-building. It discusses the historical background and evolution of NCC, emphasizing its shift from military operations to civilian duties and social service. The article emphasizes the role of NCC in developing leadership skills, promoting social cohesion, and fostering unity and discipline among cadets. It also mentions NCC’s contribution during the COVID-19 outbreak and its focus on value-based contributions to society. The research emphasizes the unique potential of NCC in unifying the diverse population of India by training disciplined and responsible youth. It discusses NCC camps as tools for training cadets, promoting cultural exchange, and forging enduring bonds of brotherhood. The article also addresses the issue of integrating the Northeast region with the rest of India, highlighting the role of NCC in creating awareness about the cultural heritage of the region and fostering inclusivity. It emphasizes the linguistic diversity of the Northeast and how NCC cadets are well-versed in multiple languages and yet follow same language while with NCC. Additionally, the research highlights NCC’s social outreach activities, its role in promoting employability among educated youth in the Northeast, and its contribution to the socio-economic development of the region.

2. Dhokrat G. K. (2020). Mental Health of Students Participating in Sports, National Cadet Corps, and National Service Scheme of University of Mumbai, India.

Research Theme: The research aimed to investigate the overall mental-health status of students involved in Sports, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Service Scheme (NSS) at the University of Mumbai.

Findings of the Study: The study employed a descriptive research design, conducting a survey on mental health among 1,500 students, including sports participants, NCC participants, and NSS participants. Stratified random sampling was used to select the sample. The Mental Health Inventory developed by Agase and Helode (1988) was utilized to assess the positive mental health of the participants. According to researchers, NCC participants showed a significantly higher level of mental health compared to sports participants. However, no significant difference in mental health was observed between NCC participants and NSS participants.

3. Garg, V., & Sam, A. (2020). Engagement of national cadet corps (NCC) cadets in disaster risk mitigation under pandemic COVID-19: A case study of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Research Theme: Engagement of NCC Cadets for Disaster Risk Mitigation during COVID-19. This article focuses on the engagement of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets for disaster risk mitigation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings of the Study: This article focuses on the engagement of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets for disaster risk mitigation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the absence of detailed guidelines for involving NCC cadets in such situations within the national disaster management policy. The government of India recognized the strength of the NCC organization and formally engaged them for the first time during the pandemic of COVID 19. The effectiveness and impact of deploying trained NCC cadets for risk mitigation tasks during COVID-19 were assessed through a case study, analysis, and hypothesis testing. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of the newly formulated guidelines and the positive role of NCC cadets in disaster management.

4. Pentapati, K. C., Acharya, S., Bhat, M., Rao, S. V. K., & Singh, S. (2013). Oral health-related quality of life and associated factors in national cadet corps of Udupi district, India.

Research Theme: Oral Health Impact on Quality of Life among NCC Cadets. This study aimed to assess the oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) and examine the relationship between OIDP, dental attendance, socioeconomic status, and caries experience among NCC cadets.

Findings of the Study: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 359 male cadets aged 13 to 15 years. The Child-OIDP questionnaire measured the impact on their quality of life, while dental examinations assessed caries using the DMFT index. The findings revealed that 55% of participants experienced at least one impact in the last three months, with difficulties in eating being the most prevalent. Dental attendance and caries experience positively correlated with OIDP. The study highlights the significant impact of oral health on the quality of life of Indian children.

5. Kamarasan, V. (2017). Personality Development among senior wing NCC Cadets in Madurai City.

Research Theme: This study aimed to analyse the personality and personality development of NCC Senior Wing girl cadets in colleges in Madurai city. Personality development was defined as the organized pattern of behaviours and attitudes that make a person distinctive, influenced by ongoing interactions of temperament and genetic traits. The NCC organization aims to develop qualities of character, courage, leadership, and selfless service among youth. The study found that personality development varied based on factors such as area (urban, rural, semi-urban), course of study, physique (weight, height), income, and family size.

Findings of the Study: The study concluded that NCC plays a vital role in moulding the youth by providing training that develops their personality and instils self-confidence, teamwork, patriotism, and discipline. The findings emphasized the significance of NCC in personality development and suggested practical steps to enhance the impact of NCC training. Implementing the suggested recommendations, such as motivating arts students, promoting physical fitness, guiding career aspirations, and providing guidance for competitive examinations, can further contribute to the overall effectiveness of NCC in fostering personality development among cadets.

6. Sharma T., & Puri P., (2022) Personality Traits and Stress Level of NCC Cadets: A Correlational Study Dhokrat G. K. (2020). Mental Health of Students Participating in Sports, National Cadet Corps, and National Service Scheme of University of Mumbai, India.

Research Theme: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between personality traits and stress levels among NCC cadets. The hypothesis suggested a significant positive relationship between personality traits and stress levels in this group.

Findings of the Study: The sample comprised 100 NCC cadets, with equal representation of boys and girls aged 18 to 21 years. Personality traits were assessed using the “Neuroticism and Introversion-Extroversion Inventory,” while stress levels were measured using the “Stress Scale for Students.” Correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between variables. The study revealed that there is a positive relationship between stress levels and personality traits among NCC cadets. This implies that as personality traits, such as neuroticism and introversion, increase, so does the level of stress experienced by the cadets. The research findings support the hypothesis and highlight the importance of considering personality factors when assessing and managing stress levels among NCC cadets. Understanding this relationship can aid in the development of targeted interventions and strategies to mitigate stress and enhance the well-being of NCC cadets.

7. Saxena, N., & Puri, P. (2013). Relationship between risk taking behaviour, personality and sensation seeking tendencies among NCC cadets

Research Theme: This study aimed to investigate the interrelationship between risk taking behaviour, personality traits, and sensation seeking tendencies among N.C.C cadets studying in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The study aimed to explore the level of risk that these cadets can handle and its potential association with their sensation seeking tendencies or specific personality traits. The findings of this research can help identify the factors influencing cadets’ decision to join the defense services and inform timely interventions or precautions, if necessary.

Risk taking behavior was defined as voluntary participation in activities involving a significant degree of risk. The study identified three types of risk-taking orientations: risk avoiders, risk reducers, and risk optimizers.

Sensation seeking, defined as a trait involving the pursuit of novel, intense sensations and experiences, was found to be associated with engaging in risky activities.

Personality was identified as a distinguishing characteristic that differentiates individuals and develops through the interaction of genetic makeup and environmental factors.

Findings of the Study: Adolescents were found to purposefully seek out risks, which allowed them to assert control over their lives, express opposition to authority, deal with emotions and failures, gain acceptance in peer groups, establish personal identity, and mark a transition into adulthood. The period of adolescence, characterized by multiple transitions and an increase in risk-taking behaviour, was associated with activities such as careless driving, substance use, unprotected sexual behaviour, eating disorders, delinquency, and dangerous sports.

High sensation seekers were more likely to engage in potentially risky behaviours, including experimental activities, sports, criminal activities, substance use, reckless driving, and gambling. They tended to perceive risks as lower and anticipated experiencing less anxiety in risky situations compared to low sensation seekers. The study highlighted the influence of environmental factors such as culture, socioeconomic status, education, and social interactions on personality development during adolescence.

Overall, this study provided insights into the interplay between risk taking behaviour, personality traits, and sensation seeking tendencies among N.C.C cadets.

Researchers conclude that adolescents who are part of National Cadet Corps do not get involved in risky activities to seek the sensation. Authors conclude that the cadets are taught not only to be patient but also aggressive at the suitable demand of the situation not just to sense the risk but in order to fulfil some motto. Authors also record that the adolescents in defence field take the risk not because of their attitude but some other factors influencing it as they are able to control their behaviour and emotions, due to their training.

8. Singh, B., & Shejwal, B. R. (2017). Role of mental image, and personality in emotions and affect among NCC cadets.

Research Theme: The research article focuses on exploring the relationship between mental images, personality traits, and emotions among National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets. The study aims to understand how factors like mental images and personality influence cadets’ preferences and attitudes towards NCC training. The research investigates gender differences in mental images, personality traits, and emotions among NCC cadets and examines the role of mental images and personality in shaping emotions and affect in this context.

Findings of the Study: The study reveals several interesting findings. Firstly, male NCC cadets scored higher on neuroticism and negative emotions, while female cadets scored higher on tactile images, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Secondly, neuroticism was found to be more related to negative emotions and affect, while extraversion was associated with positive emotions. Lastly, the study identified conscientiousness and mental image dimensions as significant predictors of positive emotions and affect among NCC cadets. These findings have implications for understanding and enhancing the training experience and motivation of NCC cadets, as well as informing selection processes for suitable candidates in the military services.

9. Sarkar, U., & Margaj, M. S. M. (2015). Role of national cadet corps in developing soft skills among youth in India.

Research Theme: The research theme of the article is the importance of incorporating soft skills training programs in higher education in India, specifically among graduates. The article highlights how the focus on subject-related areas neglects the development of students’ basic skills, which are essential for their overall growth as responsible individuals in society. The findings reveal that soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and customer focus, are highly valued by employers, and lacking these skills can hinder graduates’ job prospects, despite their technical knowledge.

Findings of the Study: The findings of the article emphasize the significance of soft skills in personal and professional life. Soft skills are essential for building healthy relationships and effectively dealing with people of different attitudes and behaviours. The article highlights the challenges faced by employers due to the lack of soft skills among graduates. The article also discusses the role of NCC in developing soft skills, as it provides basic military training and instils values like discipline, leadership, and teamwork among students. The NCC curriculum covers various subjects, including national integration, drill, personality development, disaster management, social awareness, health, and adventure, aiming to enhance students’ overall skills and knowledge.

10. Devi, N. A., & Suresh, S. (2017). Self–Esteem and Achievement Motivation among Female NCC Cadets and Non-NCC Cadets.

Research Theme: The research article explores the relationship between achievement motivation and self-esteem among female NCC (National Cadet Corps) cadets and non-NCC cadets. The study aims to assess the levels of self-esteem and achievement motivation in these two groups. Achievement motivation is defined as the need for success and the desire to excel, while self-esteem refers to an individual’s overall sense of self-worth. The researchers investigate whether there is a significant correlation between self-esteem and achievement motivation within each group and whether there are any significant differences in self-esteem and achievement motivation between the two groups.

Findings of the Study: The findings indicate that, as a group, NCC cadets exhibit slightly higher levels of achievement motivation compared to non-NCC cadets. This could be attributed to the NCC cadets being provided with more opportunities to achieve in various activities and receiving individualized attention, feedback, and rewards. However, there were no significant differences in self-esteem between the two groups. Furthermore, the study found no significant correlations between self-esteem and achievement motivation within either group.

11. Kumar B. M. (2015) Citizenship education and National Cadet Corps (NCC): a comparative study among the NCC and non-NCC higher education students of Chennai and Puducherry

Research Theme: The research study examined the relationship between Citizenship Education and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) program among higher education students in Chennai and Puducherry. The study aimed to compare the NCC and non-NCC students in terms of their personal values, national values, leadership skills, and goal achievement behaviour. The researchers also considered various demographic variables such as gender, subject stream, type of institution, parental education qualification, parental annual income, and locality. By analysing the statistical data, the study identified significant differences and correlations between these variables, shedding light on the influence of the NCC program on students’ values, skills, and behaviours.

Findings of the Study: In terms of personal values, higher education students in Chennai and Puducherry differed significantly in dimensions such as religious, aesthetic, economic, knowledge, hedonistic, and power values. However, there were no significant differences in social, democratic, family prestige, and health values. The comparison between NCC and non-NCC students showed significant differences in various personal values, including religious, aesthetic, economic, knowledge, hedonistic, social, democratic, family prestige, and power values. Health values did not differ significantly.

Regarding national values, there were significant differences between higher education students in Chennai and Puducherry in dimensions such as love for country, brotherhood, unity, justice, equality, sociality, and cultural heritage. Similarly, significant differences were observed between NCC and non-NCC students in these national values dimensions.

In terms of leadership skills, significant differences were found among higher education students in Chennai and Puducherry, as well as between NCC and non-NCC students, in various dimensions including administration, interpersonal, conceptual, managerial, and decision-making skills.

The study also analysed demographic variables and found that factors such as year of study, subject stream, parental education qualification, parental annual income, and locality had significant associations with personal values, national values, leadership skills, and goal achievement behaviour.

Overall, the findings suggest that the NCC program may influence the personal values, national values, leadership skills, and goal achievement behaviour of higher education students, with certain demographic variables also playing a role in these outcomes.

12. Awasthi S., Bano M., Rawat C.M.S., Bartwal J. (2013) Pattern of tobacco use and knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among the National Cadet Corps (NCC) youths of the Kumaun region in the state of Uttarakhand.

Research Theme: The research article focuses on the prevalence of tobacco use and knowledge related to HIV/AIDS among NCC (National Cadet Corps) youths. The study recognizes that youth constitute a significant portion of the community population but often lack proper knowledge about the harmful effects of tobacco and the hazards of HIV/AIDS due to poor decision-making capacity and engagement in risky behaviours. The research aims to assess the patterns of tobacco use and the level of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among NCC youth.

Findings of the Study: The study involved 292 NCC youth from various districts of Uttarakhand. The results indicated that only 7.91% of the students were using tobacco, with cigarettes being the most common form. Additionally, a majority of the students (89.38%) identified unsafe sexual relations as the common mode of HIV/AIDS transmission. While most students had heard about HIV/AIDS and knew the correct modes of transmission and prevention, some students also held misconceptions about transmission, such as through touching/kissing or sharing living spaces. There was a need to empower students to create a tobacco-free environment, raise awareness about HIV/AIDS

13. Mehta, S. (2020). NCC cadets as corona warriors.

Research Theme: The research theme of the article focused on the role of NCC cadets as corona warriors during the global pandemic of COVID-19. It highlighted the vital task performed by NCC cadets in spreading awareness about the virus and serving alongside local administrations in various states of India. The objective of the study was to examine the contribution of NCC cadets in instilling a spirit of discipline and duty among students, encouraging more youth to join the NCC.

Findings of the Study: The study utilized Online Research Methods (ORM) for data collection, which proved to be a valuable method during the crisis. The findings of the article indicated that NCC cadets had emerged as corona warriors in 550 districts across India. Over 47,000 NCC cadets were enrolled as warriors, actively participating in efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Their role in spreading awareness and assisting local administrations had proven significant in tackling the crisis. The research emphasized the NCC’s impact as a silent revolution, empowering youth and contributing to nation-building and security in substantial ways. Additionally, the utilization of Online Research Methods (ORM) during the pandemic had facilitated data collection, providing valuable insights into the NCC’s efforts and contributions. The findings highlighted the importance of NCC cadets in crisis management and their dedication to serving the nation and its people.

The research also emphasized the secular and disciplined nature of NCC cadets, highlighting their objective of assisting the public and administration during the pandemic.

14. Huda, K. N. (2021). The Role of Voluntary Military Training in Facilitating Officer-Like Qualities among the Youth: A Case Study on Bangladesh National Cadet Corps

Research Theme: The research study focuses on evaluating the role of Voluntary Military Training (VMT) in fostering Officer-Like Qualities (OLQ) among youths participating in the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC). The study utilizes qualitative research methods, including in-depth face-to-face interviews with former BNCC cadets who later became officers in the armed forces or civil services. The research aims to identify the limitations of the program and investigate how VMT facilitates OLQ factors within BNCC.

Findings of the Study: The findings of the study indicate that BNCC’s VMT program plays a significant role in developing OLQ among the cadets. The program covers several factors of OLQ, such as self-development, social awareness, military curriculum, planning and organizing, social adjustment, social effectiveness, and dynamic factors. Cadets gain valuable experiences during camping programs, which promote effective intelligence, reasoning ability, organizing ability, power of expression, and social adaptability. The VMT program also cultivates a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, decision-making skills, teamwork, and liveliness among the cadets. However, certain areas for improvement are identified, including the need for qualified instructors, standard training materials, and advanced training equipment. The study proposes a framework for an OLQ-aligned VMT system for BNCC, emphasizing the importance of sourcing talented youths, competent officers and instructors, and the need for a specialized training program aligned with OLQ factors.

FINDINGS & OBSERVATIONS

As with all research, the value of an academic review depends on what was done, what was found, and the clarity of reporting (Moher et al., 2009). Here is a pointwise analysis of the literature review based on the research objectives defined earlier

Objective 1: Assess the quantity and scope of research conducted on the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the past decade, considering its long-standing role in shaping the character of the youth in the nation.

Research Finding: The critical analysis revealed a low quantity of research on NCC despite its significant role in youth development since independence. A Google Scholar search yielded only 26 results in the past ten years, highlighting the limited body of work in this area.

Objective 2: Explore the presence and extent of voluntary youth organizations similar to the NCC in different countries.

Research Finding: The literature review indicated that only two countries, India and Bangladesh, have voluntary youth organizations comparable to the National Cadet Corps. This finding emphasizes the uniqueness of NCC-like organizations and their potential for cross-country comparative studies.

Objective 3: Investigate the research specifically targeting the objectives of the NCC concerning the youth in school and college settings, highlighting the gap in understanding and knowledge in this area.

Research Finding: The critical analysis identified a research gap regarding the objectives of NCC in training youth in school and college settings. Limited studies have explored the extent to which NCC achieves its objectives, indicating the need for further research in this specific area.

Objective 4: Examine the reported positive outcomes associated with NCC participation by the youth on various values and skills.

Research Findings: Top of Form

1. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) has played a significant role in integrating the diverse North Eastern Region (NER) of India with the rest of the country by accommodating regional identities and cultural affinities.
2. NCC participation is associated with higher levels of mental health compared to sports participation among university students.
3. NCC cadets have been effectively engaged in disaster risk mitigation during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the positive impact of their deployment.
4. NCC training contributes to personality development by instilling self-confidence, teamwork, patriotism, and discipline among cadets.
5. There is a positive correlation between stress levels and certain personality traits (e.g., neuroticism and introversion) among NCC cadets.
6. Risk-taking behaviour, personality traits, and sensation-seeking tendencies are interrelated among NCC cadets, influenced by factors such as adolescence and environmental factors.
7. Mental images and personality traits influence emotions and affect among NCC cadets, with gender differences observed.
8. Soft skills training provided by the NCC enhances graduates’ employability and overall growth, addressing the need for basic skills alongside technical knowledge.
9. Achievement motivation is slightly higher among female NCC cadets compared to non-NCC cadets, highlighting the impact of NCC opportunities on motivation levels.

In conclusion, the literature review revealed a limited body of research on NCC, particularly in relation to its objectives in school and college settings. However, existing studies highlighted positive outcomes associated with NCC participation, including personality development, mental health benefits, disaster response capabilities, and enhanced employability. Future research should focus on addressing the research gap, exploring cross-country comparisons, and further investigating the impact and effectiveness of NCC’s objectives in shaping the character and development of youth.

Critical Observations

1. The body of work on NCC is too low in quantity despite the fact that the organisation has been working to shape the character of the youth of the nation since independence. The Google scholar search of past ten years’ research works, with NCC or NCC Cadets in Topic yielded only 26 results, out of which this study analysed only those where text was available.
2. The body of work has indicated only two countries viz. India & Bangladesh being the ones to have a voluntary youth organisation of the like of National Cadet Corps which allows a student to undertake regimental experience while studying at School/college.
3. The objectives (and their achievement) of NCC regarding training of the youth of school/colleges have not been subjected to research.

DISCUSSION OF IMPLICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

The findings from the literature review shed light on several important aspects regarding the role and effectiveness of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in shaping the character and development of youth. However, the limited quantity of research available on the NCC is a notable observation. Despite its significant impact on the youth since independence, the number of research studies conducted in the past decade remains low. This indicates a gap in understanding and knowledge regarding the NCC’s influence on youth development.

Furthermore, the review highlights that only India and Bangladesh have voluntary youth organizations similar to the NCC, which provide opportunities for students to experience regimental training while studying in school or college. This points to the uniqueness of the NCC in offering such structured programs for youth development.

Another notable finding is the lack of research specifically targeting the objectives of the NCC in school and college settings. This highlights the need for further investigation to better understand how the NCC’s objectives align with and impact the youth in educational environments.

The review also emphasizes the positive outcomes associated with NCC participation among the youth. The studies reported higher levels of unity in diversity, employability, mental health, willingness to contribute to society during challenging times (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), self-confidence, soft skills, teamwork, patriotism, discipline, self-control, and achievement motivation among NCC cadets. These findings demonstrate the potential of the NCC in fostering various positive behavioural outcomes and deliver a rich source of teaching techniques to relook at our teaching methodologies.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the present review. The low quantity of available research suggests a need for more comprehensive and in-depth studies on the NCC’s impact. Additionally, the reliance on available text for analysis may have introduced a potential bias in the findings.

Considering the implications of these findings, there is a clear call for further research on the NCC. Future studies should aim to explore the field and impact of NCC and their alignment with youth development in educational settings.

This could involve longitudinal studies, qualitative research, and comparative analyses across different contexts. A few probable areas of research are listed below.

1. Investigate the factors contributing to the scarcity of research on NCC despite its long-standing presence and influence on youth development.
2. Analyse potential barriers or challenges faced by researchers in studying NCC, such as limited access to cadets, bureaucratic procedures, or lack of funding.
3. Conduct a comparative study between NCC and similar youth organizations in other countries to examine their objectives, structure, training methodologies, and outcomes.
4. Conduct empirical research to evaluate the extent to which NCC achieves its stated objectives of character development, leadership training, and overall youth empowerment.
5. Examine the long-term impact of NCC participation on the personal and professional lives of cadets, including their career choices, civic engagement, and leadership roles.
6. Investigate the role of NCC in promoting national integration, social cohesion, and harmony among diverse youth from different regions, religions, and socio-cultural backgrounds.
7. Examine the influence of NCC’s activities, such as camps, cultural exchanges, and community service, in fostering unity and understanding among cadets.
8. Explore innovative approaches and technologies that can enhance NCC’s training methodologies, including the use of virtual simulations, augmented reality, or gamification techniques.
9. Examine the effectiveness of incorporating modern educational practices, such as experiential learning, project-based learning, or mentoring programs, into NCC training modules.
10. Conduct research on NCC alumni to examine the long-term impact of NCC participation on their personal, professional, and leadership development.
11. Investigate the alumni’s perceptions of the skills, values, and experiences gained through NCC and their utilization in various domains.
12. Encourage research collaborations between disciplines such as psychology, sociology, education, leadership studies, and military science to gain a comprehensive understanding of NCC’s impact on youth development.
13. Explore interdisciplinary research opportunities to study specific aspects of NCC, such as the psychological well-being of cadets, the role of gender in NCC, or the influence of NCC on academic performance.

In conclusion, while the existing literature on the NCC is limited in quantity, it highlights the organization’s potential in shaping the character and development of youth. By addressing the research objectives outlined in this study, future research can contribute to a deeper understanding of the NCC’s impact, identify best practices, and inform policy decisions related to youth development and education.

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