New Delhi | The National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Sainik Schools, long regarded as the primary feeder institutions for grooming officers for the Indian Armed Forces, are failing to deliver the expected results despite massive public spending, a recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed.
Presented in Parliament, the CAG report highlights that although enrolment levels in NCC units and Sainik Schools remain high, the actual number of candidates who eventually join the Indian Army as officers is far lower than anticipated. The findings raise serious concerns over the efficiency, infrastructure and training outcomes of these institutions up to March 2023.
According to the audit, the situation is particularly worrying in eastern and northeastern India. The report notes that officer intake from these regions is significantly below expectations, prompting the CAG to recommend urgent improvements in infrastructure, training facilities and administrative support to address regional disparities.
One of the most striking revelations of the report is the scale of expenditure. Over the last five years, a total of ₹10,043.66 crore has been spent on NCC and Sainik Schools. However, the audit questions the return on this investment, pointing to deficiencies in training quality, infrastructure development and selection outcomes despite the substantial funding.
The CAG has also criticised state governments for their lack of financial commitment. Several states failed to release funds as per approved budgets, leading to widespread disruptions. In West Bengal and Sikkim, more than 43 per cent of NCC camps had to be cancelled due to fund shortages. Additionally, delays in the payment of allowances and honorariums to NCC officers and cadets were reported in states such as West Bengal, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.
The condition of Sainik Schools has also come under scrutiny. Irregular funding by state governments has affected infrastructure maintenance, staff pensions and retirement benefits. The report further notes wide variations in scholarship amounts across states, with some governments refusing to provide scholarships to students studying in Sainik Schools outside their home states.
Infrastructure gaps remain a major concern. The CAG found that 21 states and Union Territories lack permanent training areas for NCC units, directly impacting weapons and firing training. In Sainik Schools, hostels at 11 locations were found to be inadequate or in dilapidated condition. Staff housing shortages were reported in 14 schools, while accommodation in seven schools was deemed unfit for habitation.
The report comes at a time when the Indian Army continues to face an increasing demand for young, well-trained officers. While NCC and Sainik Schools remain key pathways through schemes such as the NCC Special Entry and the National Defence Academy, systemic issues related to funding, infrastructure and training are undermining aspirants’ chances of joining the armed forces.
The CAG has called for immediate corrective measures to ensure that these institutions fulfil their intended role as reliable pipelines for producing future military leaders.
