The National Cadet Corps (NCC) has launched a nationwide Cyber Security Capacity Building Programme in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT). A memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of the director general of NCC and the director general of NIELIT, underlining institutional commitment to skill development. The initiative aims to equip cadets with structured training in cyber awareness, digital hygiene and practical defence skills.

The programme will be implemented in two stages. The first stage, the Cyber Security Awareness Programme, is a 15-hour online training module designed to provide foundational knowledge of digital literacy, safe internet practices, cyber hygiene and awareness of cyber threats and will be open to all enrolled NCC cadets across the country. Delivery will be through the NIELIT Digital University platform to ensure accessible learning and standardised content.

The second stage, the Cyber Defender Programme, is an intensive 60-hour offline training designed for selected cadets who qualify through a merit based screening process and will focus on hands on training, real life simulations and practical exposure to cyber security tools and techniques. The stage intends to enable cadets to identify and respond to cyber threats effectively and to develop practical problem solving skills relevant to defence and civilian cyber security contexts. Training outcomes are expected to include improved incident handling, threat analysis and community outreach capabilities.

The initiative seeks to create a sustained pool of trained NCC cyber cadets who can contribute to spreading cyber awareness, promoting safe digital practices and supporting cyber security initiatives at the grassroots level. It also aims to align the capacity building effort with national priorities under Digital India and the National Skills Qualification Framework to enhance employability and standardise competencies. The partnership between NCC and NIELIT is intended to strengthen institutional capacity for continuous training and to foster a culture of cyber resilience among young citizens.