National Cadet Corps (NCC) commenced its international Youth Exchange programme (YEP) in 1971 to provide opportunities to youth for broadening their horizon and outlook. A well-designed programme, carried out with the the youth organisations like NCC of friendly countries, comprises an exchange of visits by a group of cadets for a period extending from one week to three months on a reciprocal basis.

Initially, YEP was conducted with four countries—Canada, United Kingdom, Singapore and Bangladesh. As programme statrted yielding good results, many more countries like Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad, Tobago and Vietnam came under its hub.

Participation in a YEP is a dream come true for any cadet. About 20 cadets are selected for this programme after a series of written tests, group discussions and interviews. Once selected, the cadet takes wings to a foreign country. During his stay, the cadet studies socio- political and cultural conditions of the host country. He would be desired to take up a community development project to achieve a lasting rapport with the people of the host country. The most exciting and enjoyable part of YEP has been the ‘Home-Stay Programme’ in which the cadet is asked to stay with a local family. This helps him understand the traditions and customs of the local people. He also visits important historical and tourist places . He interacts with the cadets of the host country and meets the heads of the state and key officials of defence forces.