National Defence College (NDC) was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in 1960 and has completed 60 years of its formation. As on date, the College has 3899 alumni, of which 835 are from 69 Friendly Foreign Countries. Right from inception, NDC has enjoyed the reputation of a pioneering institute of its kind in the whole of Asia and sixth in the world in its class. Over the years, the NDC has grown vastly in stature and renown. It is the highest seat of learning in the Indian Armed Forces and has produced numerous Chiefs of all three forces. Besides, the NDC alumni include Lieutenant Generals, Vice Admirals and Air Marshals of the three star ranks as also civil service alumni who have gone onto head their respective service.
Not only has the NDC produced great soldiers, it has also produced great statesmen and brilliant public servants. 98 distinguished foreign alumni have reached the level of Chiefs of their services / higher appointments in their countries. What is especially impressive is the fact that FOUR of its alumni rose to be the Heads of State in their respective nations, namely General FWK Akuffo, ex-President of Ghana, Lt General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, ex-President of Bangladesh, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, the King of Bhutan and General Sir Peter Cosgrove, ex-Governor General of Australia.
