Thiruvananthapuram:The National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS), traditionally part of college extracurricular activities, are being restructured into four-year degree courses under new UGC guidelines.

The move transforms NCC and NSS into value-added courses of three credits each. The Higher Education Council has prepared guidelines for the NCC course, while the NSS framework will be developed by the respective department and shared with universities.

The course can be completed within two to three years of a four-year degree, typically in the fourth or sixth semester, with credits awarded in the sixth semester.

NCC students will acquire skills in discipline, sportsmanship, service readiness, personality development, leadership, and emergency management. Parades and training will continue, with each NCC activity phase integrated into the course structure.

Evaluation is based on 100 marks: theory and practical carry 30 marks each, 20 marks for camp participation, 15 marks for environmental and social activities, and five marks for attendance and discipline. Social service includes blood donation and the Swachh Bharat Yajna, while practical sessions cover yoga, tree plantation and traffic awareness.

Theory subjects include disaster relief, first aid, government social development schemes, personality development, national commitment, climate change, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.

Practical lessons include drills, training, camp participation, Swachh Bharat Yajna, yoga, fitness and blood donation.