Lt Gen Virendra Vats Assumes Charge as Director General of National Cadet Corps.
New Delhi:
Lt Gen Virendra Vats today assumed charge as the new Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation. He succeeds Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, marking a leadership transition at a crucial time for the NCC, which is undergoing major expansion and transformation.
Taking over the reins on October 1, 2025, Lt Gen Vats steps into the role as the NCC moves forward with its ambitious plan to expand its cadet strength to 20 lakh youth across all 28 States and 8 Union Territories. The NCC, known for its motto “Unity and Discipline,” is also aligning its activities with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, placing renewed emphasis on innovation, digital literacy, and global engagement—while continuing its core focus on patriotism, leadership, and character development.
With 37 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army, Lt Gen Vats brings with him a wealth of operational experience and leadership acumen. Commissioned into the 19 Kumaon Regiment on December 17, 1988, he has served in multiple operational theatres, including Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism deployments in Arunachal Pradesh and the Kashmir Valley. His leadership has also extended to global peacekeeping, having commanded an Infantry Brigade under the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Prior to his current appointment, Lt Gen Vats served as the Commandant of the prestigious Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, Tamil Nadu—a key institution for training military leaders of the future.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, he has further honed his strategic and leadership skills at the College of Defence Management in Secunderabad and the National Defence College, New Delhi.
As Director General of NCC, Lt Gen Virendra Vats is expected to bring new energy and direction to the organisation’s evolving role in nation-building. His vision and leadership are anticipated to empower the NCC to further inspire India’s youth to become disciplined, responsible, and future-ready citizens.
The National Cadet Corps continues to play a vital role in grooming India’s next generation, and under Lt Gen Vats’ stewardship, the organisation looks poised to contribute even more significantly to India’s aspirations for the future.
