Tension flared at Government College Karauli in Rajasthan on Saturday morning when National Cadet Corps (NCC) applicants launched an aggressive agitation. The unrest was sparked by a sudden administrative move that expelled 40 cadets from the program after they had already been declared selected nearly a month ago. These individuals had cleared rigorous physical criteria, finished their formal documentation, and undergone 10 days of intense drill sessions. The aggrieved students had even participated proudly in the ceremonial August 15 parade marking Independence Day, only to be told days later that their names were eliminated from the ranks.
College Gates Locked as Students Protest for Two Hours
Outraged by the arbitrary rollback, the affected cadets assembled early on Saturday, raised slogans against the college administration, and fastened a heavy padlock on the facility's main entry gate. The blockade brought daily administrative routines to a standstill, leaving faculty members, staff, and other students stranded outside the premises for nearly two hours. The protesters argued that the recruitment process originally invited candidates for 80 sanctioned slots. Securing those spots demanded months of gruelling preparation, as applicants had to battle through physical endurance trials, written testing, comprehensive medical check-ups, and panel interviews before the merit list of 80 finalists was published.
Cadets Speak Out on Jeopardised Career Aspirations
Expressing deep frustration over the development, excluded cadet Mahendra Singh Sengar remarked, "Reducing seats from eighty to forty after final selection is complete injustice." He stated that months of hard work culminated in their participation in the Independence Day parade, and being cast aside at this stage deals a severe blow to their ambitions of serving the nation. Another affected applicant, Mohit Singh, shared that his primary motivation for enrolling in the Karauli institution was its NCC wing. With his enlistment revoked without prior warning, he said his academic and defence career plans have been cast into limbo.
Leaving Local Options Behind for NCC Enrolment
The practical toll on students is reflected in the case of Saransh Tiwari, a native of Hindaun City. Saransh opted out of joining the local government college in his hometown and migrated to Karauli solely to join the NCC unit. Saransh pointed out that despite clearing every step and finding his name in the official selection roll, he has now been dropped from the contingent. Students said they knocked on the doors of multiple administrators seeking relief, but widespread inaction eventually left them with no alternative other than organizing a public demonstration.
Quota Reduced Following Directive from Kota Battalion
Addressing the brewing unrest, acting principal Rafiq Ahmed clarified the administrative trail behind the decision. He revealed that the on-campus NCC selection drive was conducted on July 20, 2026, culminating in the declaration of 80 selected candidates. However, on August 23, the institution received an official communication from the 14th State Battalion based in Kota, directing that the batch strength be trimmed down from 80 to 40 cadets. According to the principal, the institution had no choice but to drop 40 cadets on the basis of relative merit rankings in order to comply with the higher authorities' instructions.
Efforts Underway to Reinstate Original Strength
Principal Rafiq Ahmed acknowledged that sidelining students after their formal enrolment and ceremonial drill participation is a distressing issue for the administration as well. To safeguard the morale and enthusiasm of the youths, college authorities are pursuing the matter vigorously. Associate NCC Officer (ANO) Mahendra Meena confirmed that official communications have been initiated with the Commanding Officer of the 14th State Battalion. Detailed reports have also been submitted to the Group Commander and the Commissionerate of College Education, seeking an urgent rollback of the reduction order so that all 80 original slots remain intact.
