The origin of NCC can be traced back to the 'University Corps', which was created under the Indian Defence Act 1917, with the object to make up the shortages of the Army. National Cadet Corps is a Tri-Services Organisation , comprising Army, Navy and Air Force, engaged in grooming the youth of the country into disciplined and patriotic citizens. In 1920, when the Indian Territorial Act was passed, the 'University Corps' was replaced by the University Training Corps (UTC). The aim was to raise the status of the UTC and make it more attractive to the youth. It was a significant step towards the Indianisation of the Armed Forces. In 1942, the UTC was re-christened as the 'University Officers Training Corps.

During the Independence movement, leaders of our nation had realised the need to create a national level youth organisation, to train and groom young boys as responsible citizens and future leaders of our great country in all walks of life, including the defence forces. Consequently, a committee under Shri H. N. Kunzru was set up in 1946 under the directives of the first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to consider the establishment of a nationwide cadet corps, which was born through the Act of Parliament on 15th July 1948. The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, presided over the function of raising the first NCC Unit at Delhi on the last Sunday of Nov 1948. This day is traditionally celebrated as the 'NCC Day' . The NCC is open to all regular students of schools and colleges on a voluntary basis. The officers and cadets have no liability for active military service. NCC troops in Schools and Colleges have four divisions: Senior Division for College boys, Junior Division for School boys, Senior Wing for College girls and Junior Wing for School girls. The College cadets and the School cadets are trained differently. These divisions work under battalions. A batallion of the NCC can have troops of the Senior Division / Wing and Junior Division / Wing.

Cadets who join the NCC are also given ranks according to their merit and seniority - Major, Captain, Lieutenant, and 2nd Lieutenant.. The ranks are similar in all the Divisions. The cadet rankings only extend up to the level of NCOs and they need not salute each other (except coming to attention when standing before a Senior). The ranked cadets are known as Cadet NCOs. The Junior Division and Junior Wing do not have ranks above Sergeant Major. The Sergeant Major of a troop is known as a Troop Sergeant. During camps, ranks of Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) and Regimental Quarter-Master Sergeant (RQMS) are used.

Ranks in the NCC (Senior Division & Senior Wing) are Senior Under Officer, Under Officer, Company Sergeant Major, Company Quarter Master Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal, Lance Corporal, and Cadet. The NCC Directorate conducts three certificate examinations for the cadets. These certificates are issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The cadets who hold these certificates are also entitled for job reservations, additional marks and promotions. However rules vary from state to state. A Certificate: This certificate is for the Junior Division and Wing. Cadets have to pass theory and the practical tests to earn the A-Certificate. The theory consists of first-aid, military history & questions about drill movements. The practical part covers checking of the drill and turn out. Cadets who pass the exams receive bonus marks which is added to their 10th standard examination (in certain states).

B Certificate: This certificate is for the Senior Division and Wing. Tests are conducted in NCC battalions every academic year. The theory part consists of special to Corps (Infantry) subjects, civil defence and first-aid. The practical test includes rifle drill, map reading, cleaning & maintaining of rifles and machine guns. Senior Wing cadets have questions regarding first-aid and signalling as part of their practical exams. Cadets who pass the B-Certificate exams are entitled for free marks in a number of Government Job exams and weight-age marks are added to their university exams marks. A cadet should have this certificate for holding the rank of a Sergeant or above. C Certificate: This certificate is similar to the B-Certificate as far as the syllabus is concerned, but the questions are more tougher. The cadets who pass the exams have the same privileges as that of a the B-Certificate except that the weight-age marks will increase. Cadets who pass C-Certificate exams with a B grade or above are exempted from the written test required for the Officers selection tests for OTA Chennai. A cadet with C-Certificate and 50% marks can straight away apply to attend the interview conducted by the Service Selection Commission. Poornaprajna College has two units of NCC. Prof. Prakash Rao (Lecturer in Economics) is in charge of the Army Wing and Prof. Shivakumar (Lecturer in Commerce and Business Management) is in charge of the Naval Wing.