The College, since its inception in I960, has trained 3099 officers (including 100 of the present 51th Course). Starting with 21 students in 1960, it is a steady climb to 100 in the last 51 years. The introduction of a Course Member , from PSUs, started from 1993.

The foreign students started attending the Course at NDC from the 2nd NDC Course onwards and, except for the 7th and 8th Courses, their number has been steadily increasing. However, the representation of Civil Services Officers has, more or less, remained the same. So far, 64 countries have represented on the NDC Courses.

The initial curriculum included national security as the main theme with studies of the economic, scientific, political and industrial aspects. By 1971, fifteen subjects were studied which were mainly connected with India's social, political, economic and industrial development. Also included were super power relations, West Asia, SE Asia and Africa. In the 16th Course commencing in 1976, certain changes were incorporated.

The number of students was raised to 50. A number of talks, covering internal and external political and economic environment, were introduced with a view to orientation of student officers from different backgrounds and disciplines towards the common approach. A new study on Science and Technology was introduced. Emphasis was given to the exposure of officers to the macro aspects of financial control in defence and to the management in defence.

By 1981, clear guidelines were spelt out for Foreign Country Tour (FCT) to study, at first hand, the prevailing socio-economic conditions, development conditions, geopolitical environment and their impact on national security and domestic policies. ln 1983, for the first time, a detailed study of Latin America was introduced. Also, in view of the excellent reputation of the College, in the international arena, there was persistent demand from friendly foreign countries for allocation of more seats.

The College celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1985. This was done with great pomp and show. The College building's exterior was given a face lift for the first time after 1960. Side boundary walls were also raised to the present level. The itinerary included:-

(a) A cultural programme at the FICCI Auditorium on 26 April 1985 which included recitals by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Kumari Leela Samson. Shri R Venkataraman, the then Vice-President, was the Chief Guest.

(b) A symposium on "Problems of International Defence" was organised on 27 April 1985 at Vigyan Bhavan. Shri P V Narasimha Rao, the then Defence Minister, inaugurated the function.

(c) A special first day cover and a stamp were released. The first day cover was given to Gen A S Vaidya, the then Chief of the Army Staff.

(d) Alumni sports were held, followed by Alumni Dinner at Taj Palace Hotel.

Statistical

Break-up