In this guide
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) trains students in drill, discipline, weapon familiarisation, camp life and leadership. These are close to the skills a constable needs, and SSC GD has recognised them by giving bonus marks to candidates who hold an NCC certificate.
The bonus looks small. But SSC GD merit is decided state by state, and in a crowded state, hundreds of candidates can sit within a few marks of each other. A few bonus marks can lift you over many of them.
The bonus, as reported
| Certificate | Bonus (share of maximum CBE marks) | Marks on 160 |
|---|---|---|
| NCC 'C' certificate | 5% | 5% of 160 = 8 |
| NCC 'B' certificate | 3% | 3% of 160 = 4.8 |
| NCC 'A' certificate | 2% | 2% of 160 = 3.2 |
The bonus is worked out on the maximum marks (160), not on the marks you scored. So a candidate who scores 90 and one who scores 130 get the same 8 marks for a 'C' certificate.
How it is added
As described in recent notifications:
- You declare your NCC certificate in the online application.
- You must still reach the minimum qualifying marks in the CBE on your own. The bonus does not help you qualify.
- The bonus is added to your normalised CBE score for the merit list.
- You show the original certificate at document verification. If you cannot, the bonus is removed.
Worked examples
Example 1: working out the final score. An aspirant with an NCC 'B' certificate has a normalised CBE score of 112.5.
- Bonus = 3% of 160 = 0.03 × 160 = 4.8.
- Final merit score = 112.5 + 4.8 = 117.3.
Example 2: how the bonus changes a rank. Three candidates are in the same state, category and gender.
| Candidate | Normalised CBE score | NCC certificate | Bonus | Merit score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 121.0 | None | 0 | 121.0 |
| Q | 118.5 | 'B' | 4.8 | 123.3 |
| R | 114.0 | 'C' | 8 | 122.0 |
Before the bonus, the order was P, Q, R. After it, the order is Q (123.3), R (122.0), P (121.0). Candidate R started 7 marks behind P and finished ahead.
Example 3: what the bonus is worth in answers. A 'C' certificate adds 8 marks. One right answer is worth 2 marks, so the bonus equals 4 extra right answers. A 'B' certificate (4.8 marks) is worth 2.4 right answers.
The three certificates
| Certificate | Where it is usually earned | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| 'A' | School (Junior Division or Junior Wing) | Regular parades, a camp and an exam |
| 'B' | College (Senior Division or Senior Wing) | Longer training, camps and an exam |
| 'C' | College, after the 'B' certificate | Further training and camps, and a final exam |
The exact training periods, attendance and camps are set by the NCC. Your unit officer can tell you what applies to you.
Conditions to watch
- Hold it by the cut-off date. The notification usually says the certificate must have been obtained on or before a certain date. A certificate you expect to get later does not count.
- Name and date of birth must match. Your NCC certificate should match your Class 10 certificate. A spelling difference can cause trouble at document verification.
- Declare it correctly. Choose the right certificate in the application. You usually cannot add or change the claim later.
- Keep the original safe. Photocopies alone are not enough at document verification.
Planning NCC while you study
If you are still in school or college and aim for SSC GD, the NCC is worth serious thought.
- It adds bonus marks.
- Parades and camps build the fitness and discipline the PET and training demand.
- It gives you early experience of drill and uniform life.
Ask your school or college whether it has an NCC unit and how to enrol. If you are in college, try to complete at least the 'B' certificate before the SSC GD application window. Attend parades regularly, because certificates need minimum attendance.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Forgetting to declare NCC in the application | Tick the correct certificate when applying |
| Claiming a certificate not yet received | Claim only what you hold by the cut-off date |
| Name spelt differently on the NCC certificate | Get it corrected through your unit well in advance |
| Carrying only a photocopy to verification | Carry the original plus two copies |
| Treating the bonus as a way to qualify | Reach the qualifying marks on your own |
For how merit is prepared, read our guide to state-wise merit and cut-offs. For the full list of papers to carry, see the document verification guide.
Practice
- How many bonus marks does an NCC 'A' certificate give on 160?
- A candidate has both 'A' and 'C' certificates. What bonus do they get?
- A candidate with a 'C' certificate has a normalised score of 109.25. What is the merit score?
- How many right answers is a 'B' certificate bonus worth?
- Does the NCC bonus help you reach the minimum qualifying marks?
- What must you carry to document verification to keep the bonus?
Answers:
- 2% of 160 = 3.2 marks.
- 8 marks (only the highest, 'C', counts).
- 109.25 + 8 = 117.25.
- 4.8 ÷ 2 = 2.4 right answers.
- No, as described in recent notifications. You must qualify on your CBE marks alone.
- The original NCC certificate.
Your checklist
- Find your highest NCC certificate and check its date of issue.
- Compare the name and date of birth with your Class 10 certificate.
- Read the NCC clause in the latest notification.
- Declare the certificate in the application and keep the original with your documents.
A note on dates and numbers. Exam patterns, vacancies and schedules change from year to year. Always confirm the current details in the latest notification on the Staff Selection Commission website .
Get the next SSC GD guide by email
New guides every week. No spam, unsubscribe any time.