Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, relinquished the charge of Director General, National Cadet Corps (NCC) on 30 September 2025, marking the culmination of an illustrious 38-year military career. Commissioned into the 3 Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army on 13 June 1987, Lt Gen Singh’s distinguished service has been defined by exceptional leadership, operational brilliance, and a steadfast commitment to the nation. The NCC extended its deepest gratitude to the outgoing DG for his inspiring leadership and wished him success in his future endeavours.
A Glorious Journey of Service and Leadership
Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh took over as the 34th Director General of NCC on 27 September 2021. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, and a proud product of the NCC, he also attended prestigious military institutions including the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; the Higher Command Course, Mhow; and the National Defence College, New Delhi.
Throughout his career, Lt Gen Singh held several key appointments and made significant contributions to national security and international peacekeeping. He served as a Company Commander in counter-insurgency operations in Nagaland and on the challenging terrains of the Siachen Glacier. He commanded a Special Forces Battalion in the high-stakes counter-terrorism environment of the Kashmir Valley and later served with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. His leadership extended to commanding a Mountain Brigade and an Infantry Division along the Line of Control, demonstrating his strategic acumen and operational excellence.
Distinguished Service Record
Lt Gen Singh’s career is decorated with diverse and impactful assignments. He served as General Staff Officer (Operations) in Sector Headquarters Rashtriya Rifles and held two tenures each in the Military Operations Directorate and Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. His contributions to training and mentoring future leaders were equally significant, having served as an instructor at the Commando School and the Indian Military Training Team.
His career highlights include:
- Leading Special Forces in critical counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir Valley
- Commanding troops in counter-insurgency operations in Nagaland and Siachen
- Serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations in Lebanon
- Overseeing formations along the Line of Control
- Playing a pivotal role in military operations planning and joint coordination
New Leadership at NCC
Following Lt Gen Singh’s superannuation, Lieutenant General Virendra Vats, YSM, SM, VSM, has assumed the appointment as the new Director General of NCC. With extensive operational experience and a distinguished service record, Lt Gen Vats is expected to build upon his predecessor’s legacy and steer the NCC towards greater achievements in youth development, discipline, and nation-building.
As the baton of leadership passes to Lt Gen Virendra Vats, the NCC continues its mission of shaping future leaders imbued with patriotism, discipline, and a spirit of service to the nation.
