NCC partners with NIELIT to launch nationwide cyber security training for cadets

New Delhi, April 13. In a significant move to strengthen cyber awareness and digital defence skills among youth, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) has joined hands with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) to roll out a comprehensive Cyber Security Capacity Building Programme for cadets across the country.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on April 13, a memorandum of understanding was formalised between the two institutions in the presence of Director General of NCC, Lt Gen Virendra Vats, and Director General of NIELIT, Madan Mohan Tripathi, marking the beginning of a structured initiative to equip cadets with essential knowledge of cyber safety, digital hygiene and practical cyber defence skills.

The programme will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, titled the Cyber Security Awareness Programme, consists of a 15-hour online training module aimed at building foundational understanding of digital literacy, safe internet usage, cyber hygiene and common cyber threats. This course will be made available to all enrolled NCC cadets through the NIELIT Digital University platform.

The second phase, called the Cyber Defender Programme, is a more intensive 60-hour offline training module reserved for selected cadets who clear a merit-based screening. This phase will provide hands-on learning through real-life simulations and exposure to cyber security tools and techniques, enabling cadets to identify and effectively respond to cyber threats.

Through this initiative, the NCC and NIELIT aim to develop a cadre of trained ‘Cyber Cadets’ who can promote cyber awareness and safe digital practices at the grassroots level, while also supporting broader cyber security efforts. The programme is aligned with national priorities under Digital India and the National Skills Qualification Framework.