NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JULY 13
For journalists aspiring to specialise in defence and strategic affairs, the Ministry of Defence has thrown open the doors to one of India’s most prestigious professional training programmes, inviting applications for the Defence Correspondents’ Course (DCC)–2026, a rigorous three-week immersion designed to sharpen reporting skills on national security, military affairs and defence policy.
- Three-week immersive programme from September 21 to October 11 to equip journalists with deeper insights into India’s defence establishment, military strategy and national security
- Applications invited from defence correspondents below 35 years with recognised journalism qualifications and a minimum of three years’ reporting experience
- Preference for journalists actively covering the defence beat and those with published or broadcast work on defence and strategic affairs
- Merit-based selection; applications must reach the Ministry of Defence by July 21, 2026
Scheduled to be conducted from September 21 to October 11, 2026, the Defence Correspondents’ Course (DCC)–2026 aims to familiarise journalists with the functioning of the Armed Forces, defence institutions, military operations and contemporary security challenges, enabling them to report on defence issues with greater depth, accuracy and professional understanding.
The Ministry has invited applications from eligible media professionals, with the last date for submission fixed as July 21, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Age: Not more than 35 years as on July 1, 2026.
- Educational Qualification: A Diploma or Degree in Mass Communication, Journalism or Public Relations from a recognised university or institution.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of three years’ regular editorial or reporting experience with a reputed newspaper, news agency, television channel or digital news platform.
- For print media, the publication must be registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI).
- An Experience Certificate issued by the employer must accompany the application.
Candidates are also required to submit:
- A recommendation and relieving letter from the Editor-in-Chief of their respective media organisation for the duration of the course.
- Five published or broadcast reports on defence-related subjects, which will carry additional weight during the selection process.
The Ministry has specified that applicants should be regularly covering the defence beat, either as their primary or secondary reporting assignment.
Selection will be made strictly through a merit-based assessment and marking system, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are admitted to the programme.
The Ministry has also cautioned that candidates who withdraw within seven days of the commencement of the course without valid justification will be debarred from attending future editions of the Defence Correspondents’ Course.
Widely regarded as a coveted platform for defence journalists, the DCC provides participants with an opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to India’s military ecosystem, interact with senior defence officials and enhance their understanding of strategic and security issues of national importance.
Eligible journalists have been advised to complete the prescribed application form and submit it to the Ministry of Defence well before the July 21, 2026 deadline.
