The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has initiated a vocational programme in cybersecurity in partnership with Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University (DBRAU) in Agra and the Vivekanand Incubation Foundation (VIF). This initiative aims to educate over three lakh students from more than 570 affiliated colleges across the country. The programme was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with delivery set to take place entirely online and in the Hindi language. This effort is particularly focused on reaching students in semi-urban and rural areas, where language barriers may hinder access to technical education typically provided in English.

Course Content and Structure

The curriculum for the course will be carefully designed and administered by C3iHub, leveraging IIT Kanpur’s extensive expertise in cybersecurity research and training. VIF will support the programme by providing the necessary administrative and technical infrastructure, ensuring its scalability and effectiveness in reaching a large audience. The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics, including cyber hygiene, cybercrime, identity theft, personal data security, online safety—particularly for women and children—cyber terrorism, and illicit online activities.

To enhance the learning experience, the programme will incorporate quizzes, workshops, and feedback mechanisms. Additionally, customised virtual labs will be offered, allowing participants to engage in practical exercises to apply cybersecurity concepts in real-world scenarios. This dynamic approach to education is designed to facilitate not only theoretical understanding but also practical skills necessary for addressing cybersecurity challenges.

In tandem with the educational programme, DBRAU has committed to establish a Cybersecurity Counselling Cell (CCC). This initiative aims to assist students in managing and mitigating incidents of cybercrime, providing both preventive measures and support. The counselling cell is expected to play a vital role in fostering a safer online environment for the university community.

Significance of the Initiative

The MoU was signed by prominent figures including Prof Surendra Baswana from C3iHub, Prof Sanjay Chaudhary from DBRAU, and Prof Anil Gupta, who leads the UCC at DBRAU. The signing ceremony also featured IIT Kanpur’s Director, Prof Manindra Agrawal, along with other distinguished guests, including Prof Ashu Rani, the Vice Chancellor of DBRAU, who attended the event online. Prof Rani underscored the university’s broad reach and its obligation to equip students for the digital landscape they will face in both their professional and personal lives.

She highlighted the importance of cybersecurity as a fundamental skill, signifying that it transcends being merely a subject for engineering students. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for widespread cybersecurity education in contemporary society, where digital threats are increasingly prevalent.

Overall, this programme represents a significant step towards making quality cybersecurity education accessible to a broader demographic, with the potential to empower a new generation of individuals capable of navigating and securing the digital world effectively. By focusing on Hindi as the medium of instruction, the initiative aims to eliminate language barriers and foster greater participation in this critical field.

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