The Research Wing at NDC was established in 1999 for carrying out policy oriented research. This wing plays a key role in providing research facilities and coordinating with respective Services HQ for smooth conduct of research by Research Fellows. Only nominated serving officers of the three Services are permitted to undertake research at NDC.
The aim of Research Wing is to facilitate conduct of independent specialised research on questions of strategic importance having long term implications for India & security.
Volunteer officers of the rank of Brigadier/equivalent from the three Services are nominated by the Services HQ to undertake research. However, qualified officers of the rank of Colonel/Equivalent who have the aptitude for research may also apply through proper channel. Three research chairs, one each from the Army, Navy and the Air Force have been established for this purpose. Research Wing is headed by a Research Coordinator of the rank of Group Captain with supporting staff from the Air Force. The Research Coordinator reports to the Secretary, NDC. The criteria for selection of Research Fellows will be decided by respective Services HQ.
The topics for research/study may be given by the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the three Services Headquarters or by the NDC faculty. However, the following guidelines would be applicable:-
(a) Preference to be given to NDC alumni.
(b) Non-alumni should have academic qualifications/aptitude for research work.
(c) Residual Service of three to five years.
(d) Research Fellows to be detailed in consultation with Commandant NDC.
The research fellowship is granted for a period of one year. NDC will nominate a Senior Directing Staff (SDS) as Guide for the duration of research. The Research Fellows will be working under the direct supervision of the SDS Guide. They are required to give periodical presentations on the progress of research to the faculty. Final research papers will be submitted to the SDS Guide, which will be approved by the Commandant and forwarded to respective Services HQ.
NDC provides excellent environment for research in the form of access to wide digital resources and opportunity to attend talks and interact with eminent speakers who come to address the course participants. The course content covers wide range of topics; although National Security and Strategy are the key themes of study at NDC by the course participants. In a nutshell, a total of six studies, with durations varying from 5 to 10 weeks each are conducted as under:-
Poignant and contextually relevant themes are selected in each Study. About 200 talks by eminent speakers are planned for the course participants. Research fellows are permitted to attend relevant talks pertaining to their area of study to enrich their research outcome. Ministers, academia, diplomats and domain experts are invited to share their views on selected topics related to each Study. Each talk is followed by an intensive Q & A session. Opportunity talks by visiting distinguished personalities, from within the country or from abroad are often organised at the college to expose the course members to their views. Visiting Head of States, ministers from foreign countries, ambassadors and senior military leaders come in this category of talks.
It would be our endeavor to extend all research facilities available to the research fellows and make their research an enriching and fruitful experience.
Research Coordinator
National Defence College
6, Tees January Marg
New Delhi – 110 011
India
Tele: (+91) 011 23013430, 23014912
Email: rescoord[dot]ndc[dash]mod[at]nic[dot]in
