New Delhi: Lt Gen Virendra Vats assumed charge as the Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) today, succeeding Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh. Taking over at a pivotal moment, he will guide the world's largest uniformed youth organization as it expands its cadet strength to 20 lakh across 28 States and 8 Union Territories.

Under the NCC's motto of Unity and Discipline, the organization continues to evolve, integrating innovation, digital skills, and global awareness while nurturing character, patriotism, and leadership aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047.

Commissioned into the 19 KUMAON Regiment on December 17, 1988, Lt Gen Vats brings 37 years of distinguished service, with operational experience in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism in Arunachal Pradesh, the Kashmir Valley, and at Army Headquarters. He commanded an Infantry Brigade under the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and most recently served as Commandant of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, College of Defence Management, and National Defence College, Lt Gen Vats combines extensive operational expertise with strategic leadership. His appointment is expected to bring renewed vision to the NCC, further strengthening its role in shaping disciplined, responsible, and future-ready youth capable of contributing meaningfully to nation-building.

With his guidance, the NCC aims to deepen its impact on youth development, expanding its reach and modernizing its training programs while preserving its core values of discipline, service, and national integration.