The National Cadet Corps (NCC) would be offered as an elective subject in schools and colleges carrying credit points, HRD Minister M M Pallam Raju said on Tuesday.

“Some of the autonomous colleges have already decided to start the programme right away and I wish all institutes under UGC and AICTE and CBSE-affiliated schools will start it too,” Raju said.

About 30 autonomous colleges will start the programme from this academic session. “While the National Defence Academy sets aside some seats for NCC students with C certificate, I am sure there are some professional colleges which would also make concessions for candidates who have the certificate,” he said.

A workshop to introduce NCC as an elective subject with credit points, was addressed by the Minister on the occasion, where the course developed was discussed.

Raju said the aim of offering NCC as an elective subject is not only to instil a spirit of patriotism among the students but also build up character and moral values which are relevant in the society today.

“It should not perceived as a military subject...I think, all these helps grooming the youths in a positive manner,” he said.