In a proud moment for the nation, a ten-member mountaineering team of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) has successfully scaled Mount Everest (8,848.86 metres), the world’s highest peak. According to the Ministry of Defence, the cadets reached the summit on Sunday and safely returned to the Everest Base Camp on Monday. This marks NCC’s third successful expedition to Mount Everest, following previous feats in 2013 and 2016.
This year’s team comprised an equal number of boy and girl cadets, all first-time climbers, selected through a rigorous national-level process. With an average age of just 19 years—and the youngest cadet being only 16—the team has been hailed for its exceptional determination, discipline, and endurance.
The cadets who reached the summit are Cadet Monika from Rajasthan, Cadet Pratima Rai from West Bengal, Cadet Rifiness Warjri from Meghalaya, Cadet Kritika Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, Cadet Abida Afreen from Ladakh, Cadet Mohit Knathia from Jammu & Kashmir, Cadet Padma Namgail from Chandigarh, Cadet Virendra Singh Samant from Uttarakhand, Cadet Sachin Kumar from Uttarakhand, and Cadet Mukul Bangwal from Uttarakhand.
Their successful climb earned high praise from both Sherpa guides and fellow international mountaineers, especially for their physical readiness and high morale despite facing harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain. The cadets proudly hoisted the National Flag and the NCC Flag atop Everest, showcasing the spirit of Indian youth and their dedication to national pride.
The expedition was preceded by an extensive training programme, including a preparatory climb to Mt Abi Gamin and a winter camp at the Army Mountaineering Institute at the Siachen Base Camp. Cadets were selected for the Everest mission based on their performance in these stages.
Flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 3, the mission was conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols and operational standards. The Ministry of Defence lauded the cadets and the NCC training ecosystem, calling the expedition a shining example of resilience, teamwork, and youthful valour.
