Lovely Professional University (LPU) successfully hosted the Combined Annual Training Camps CATC-35, attended by 485 NCC cadets, and CATC-38, attended by 607 NCC cadets, of the 8 Punjab Battalion NCC, Phagwara, bringing together a total of 1,092 NCC cadets for an intensive programme of military training, leadership development, technological exposure, and national level selection trials. Conducted over separate 10 day schedules on the university campus, the camps offered a comprehensive training ecosystem for cadets across the Senior Division (SD), Senior Wing (SW), Junior Division (JD), and Junior Wing (JW), combining foundational military instruction with specialised training and selection processes.
CATC-35 provided a structured military training programme covering drill, physical training, weapon handling, Shooting, map reading, field craft, battle craft, health and hygiene, sports activities, and NCC instructional classes. As a mandatory camp for B and C Certificate cadets, it offered practical exposure to military procedures while preparing cadets for certificate examinations.
Cultural programmes organised during the camp gave participants an opportunity to display their creativity, confidence, and teamwork, encouraging interaction and camaraderie among cadets from different institutions. CATC-38 hosted another batch of NCC cadets under an equally rigorous training schedule while also serving as the venue for specialised training and national level selection processes.
Alongside drill, physical training, weapon handling, live firing, map reading, field craft, battle craft, and other military subjects, the camp conducted selection trials for the prestigious Thal Sainik Camp (TSC), where cadets were assessed through obstacle courses, field signalling, and other operational exercises. Drill assessments and cultural talent screenings were also organised to identify cadets for the Republic Day Camp (RDC), one of the NCC's most prestigious national platforms held annually in New Delhi.
Adding a contemporary dimension to the training curriculum, CATC-38 also hosted a specialised Drone Training Camp that introduced cadets to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drone piloting, aerial mapping, surveillance applications, and operational planning. The practical sessions familiarised participants with emerging technologies that are increasingly becoming part of modern defence operations and broadened their understanding of evolving military capabilities.
Beyond the training grounds, the camps also encouraged cadets to participate in community oriented initiatives. A voluntary blood donation camp and a tree plantation drive reflected the NCC's emphasis on service, social responsibility, and environmental awareness, complementing the military training with activities aimed at responsible citizenship.
Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro Chancellor of LPU, stated, “Education is most meaningful when it develops character alongside competence. The NCC embodies this philosophy by instilling discipline, responsibility, courage, and leadership while promoting a deep sense of national service.
At LPU, we believe education must extend beyond academic excellence to cultivate these enduring values, enabling our students to emerge as capable professionals, responsible citizens, and proud ambassadors of the nation. For students who wish to explore the defence ecosystem or strengthen their leadership potential, the NCC serves as one of the many avenues through which they can pursue their interests while completing their academic education.”
Over the years, LPU cadets have consistently earned selections for prestigious NCC platforms, including the Republic Day Camp (RDC), Thal Sainik Camp (TSC), and the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP), representing India at national and international forums. These achievements mirror an ecosystem that encourages discipline, leadership, service, and excellence while enabling students to contribute meaningfully to the nation.