NCC Cadets Selection Camp Begins in Manali for Himalayan Expeditions

May 24, 2026

Manali: For the first time in the country, a selection trial camp for two arduous Himalayan expeditions organized by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Directorate has commenced at Solang Nala in Manali. More than 200 NCC cadets from across the nation are participating in this camp.

This selection camp is being hosted at the Solang Nala center of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. The event involves approximately 200 participants, including 175 cadets drawn from the Army, Navy and Air Force wings.

Selection for Himalayan Expeditions Underway

The selection process is being conducted under the supervision of various associate NCC officers, Women Cadet Instructors and Permanent Instructors. All participants have arrived here after successfully clearing preliminary screening camps organized by their respective NCC directorates.

During the inaugural session on Saturday, the Expedition Leader, Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, addressed the cadets. He explained that this selection process is being undertaken to identify eligible participants from across the country for two Himalayan expeditions scheduled for later this year: the Mount Deo Tibba Expedition and the Parang La Trek (exclusively for female NCC cadets).

Dicky Dolma Encourages Cadets at Camp

Wing Commander Sharma further noted that this initiative is being conducted under the NCC Directorate General’s ‘Pre-Monsoon Mountaineering Expedition-2026’ program, under the guidance of Lieutenant General Virendra Vats, YSM, SM, VSM. On the occasion of the selection camp’s inauguration, Dicky Dolma—Deputy Director of the Mountaineering Institute, Manali—graced the event as the Chief Guest and offered words of encouragement to the participants.