Lt Gen Virendra Vats Assumes Charge as 35th Director General of NCC.

On October 1, 2025, Lieutenant General Virendra Vats assumed charge as the 35th Director General (DG) of the National Cadets Corps (NCC). He succeeds Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, who retired from service on September 30, 2025. Under his leadership, NCC, the world’s largest uniformed youth body, is set to expand its cadet strength to 20 lakh across 28 states and 8 Union Territories (UTs).

      - Lt Gen Virendra Vats assumed the role of 35th DG of NCC, taking over from Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, marking a significant leadership transition in the organisation.

      - During his tenure, NCC plans to expand cadet strength to 20 lakh, covering all 28 states and 8 UTs, enhancing youth engagement and leadership development nationwide.

      - Lt Gen Virendra Vats joined the Indian Army (IA) on December 17, 1988, in the 19 Kumaon Regiment, bringing decades of military experience to his role.

Main Point :-   (i) Lt Gen Virendra Vats has extensive experience in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, with deployments in Arunachal Pradesh (AR), Kashmir, and service at the Army Headquarters.

      (ii) Lt Gen Vats commanded an Infantry Brigade under a United Nations (UN) mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, showcasing his international operational leadership.

(iii) Before becoming DG of NCC, he served as Commandant of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (New Zealand), demonstrating his prior leadership in training and development roles.