NCC, NIELIT Sign MoU to Train Cadets in Cybersecurity

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) on Monday signed an MoU with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) to provide hands-on training in cybersecurity to cadets, aiming to equip them with skills to identify and respond to cyber threats.

The agreement was formalised in the presence of DG NCC Lt Gen Virendra Vats and DG NIELIT Madan Mohan Tripathi, the Defence Ministry said. The initiative seeks to build a pool of trained ‘cyber cadets’ who can promote cyber awareness and safe digital practices at the grassroots level.

Under the MoU, a two-stage Cyber Security Capacity Building Programme will be implemented. The first stage, a 15-hour online ‘Cyber Security Awareness Programme’, will be open to all NCC cadets nationwide and will cover digital literacy, safe internet practices and cyber hygiene through the NIELIT Digital University platform.

The second stage, a 60-hour offline ‘Cyber Defender Programme’, will be offered to selected cadets through a merit-based screening process. It will focus on real-life simulations and practical exposure to cybersecurity tools, enabling cadets to respond effectively to evolving threats.

The programme aligns with national initiatives such as Digital India and the National Skills Qualification Framework, strengthening India’s digital defence preparedness .

The National Cadet Corps, the youth wing of the Armed Forces, is among the world’s largest uniformed organisations and focuses on developing discipline, leadership and a spirit of service among students. The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, plays a key role in capacity building in electronics, IT and cybersecurity through training and certification programmes.

Earlier, Lt Gen Vats had said the NCC plans to raise around 10,000 ‘ cyber warriors ’ to bolster India’s capabilities in an increasingly weaponised cyber domain.