Hyderabad, July 11, 2025 – In an era where cyber threats loom larger than ever, India is taking bold strides to secure its digital landscape. At the forefront of this mission is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani. Through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two institutions have launched a transformative Professional Development Programme in Cybersecurity, designed to equip professionals from government, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and industry with the skills to protect India’s digital infrastructure. This initiative, set to commence on July 19, 2025, marks a pivotal step toward building a resilient and future-ready cybersecurity workforce.
A National Imperative for Cyber Resilience
As India accelerates its digital transformation, from smart cities to widespread digital payments, the nation’s reliance on technology has made cybersecurity a critical priority. With cyber threats growing in sophistication—ranging from ransomware attacks to data breaches targeting critical infrastructure—there is an urgent need for skilled professionals who can anticipate, prevent, and respond to these challenges. CERT-In, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and designated as India’s national agency for cyber incident response under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, is leading the charge to fortify the country’s defenses.
The partnership with BITS Pilani, an Institution of Eminence renowned for its academic rigor and innovation, is a strategic move to bridge the gap between academic excellence and real-world cybersecurity needs. “India’s cyber resilience finds its true strength not only in using and developing indigenous cutting-edge technology but also in nurturing a vibrant, highly skilled talent pool,” said Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In. “This collaboration with BITS Pilani is a pivotal stride in equipping professionals with the expertise to meet the evolving challenges of the digital era.”
A Game-Changing Programme for a Diverse Workforce
The flagship offering of this collaboration is an eight-week Professional Development Programme in Cybersecurity, delivered through BITS Pilani’s Centre for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS) at its Hyderabad campus. What sets this programme apart is its accessibility: it is open to professionals from diverse backgrounds, including those with no prior coding experience. This inclusive approach ensures that a wide range of participants—from government officials to industry professionals—can contribute to India’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
The programme, supported by technology partner Rapifuzz and guided by CERT-In’s expertise, combines academic rigor with practical application. It features a hybrid format that includes online modules, interactive case-based discussions, and a live capstone project, culminating in an in-person valedictory session at BITS Pilani’s Hyderabad campus. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering core topics such as cyber threats and vulnerabilities, network security, cryptography, and secure communications, as well as advanced areas like cloud security, mobile threats, and legal and policy frameworks. Participants will engage in hands-on learning through scenario-based training in simulated environments, preparing them to tackle real-world cyber challenges.
“This programme reflects the strength of our academia-industry-government triad,” said Professor V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor of BITS Pilani. “At BITS Pilani, we view cybersecurity not only as a technological challenge but as a national priority. We are proud to offer this under CERT-In’s guidance, fostering a workforce ready to safeguard India’s digital future.”
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a co-branded Professional Development Certificate from CERT-In and BITS Pilani, a testament to both academic excellence and national institutional recognition. This credential underscores the programme’s credibility and its alignment with India’s strategic cybersecurity goals.
BITS Pilani’s Legacy of Innovation
BITS Pilani’s involvement in this initiative is a natural extension of its storied legacy in fostering innovation and addressing national priorities. Through CRENS, the institute integrates research and collaboration across its campuses to develop indigenous technologies and promote skills development in national security. The Hyderabad campus, where the programme will be based, is a hub for cutting-edge research in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing, making it an ideal setting for this initiative.
The institute’s Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, established in 1971, is one of the oldest and most respected in India, with a track record of producing top-tier technologists. Faculty members are actively engaged in research on topics like quantum cryptography and AI-empowered systems, ensuring that the programme’s curriculum remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Addressing a Growing National Need
The timing of this programme is critical. As cyber threats evolve, from advanced persistent attacks to vulnerabilities in cloud and mobile systems, India faces a pressing need for a skilled workforce capable of defending its digital infrastructure. The collaboration between CERT-In and BITS Pilani is a proactive response to this challenge, aiming to create a ripple effect across industries and institutions that have historically lagged in cyber preparedness.
By offering hands-on training, policy education, and exposure to advanced technologies like AI and blockchain security, the programme equips professionals to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats effectively. It also lays the groundwork for future initiatives in areas like cyber forensics and quantum security, positioning India as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation.
A Vision for a Secure Digital India
The CERT-In and BITS Pilani partnership is more than just an academic collaboration—it is a strategic investment in India’s digital future. By fostering a skilled, agile, and resilient workforce, the programme addresses the human and policy dimensions of cybersecurity, complementing technological advancements with human capital development. As Dr. Bahl emphasized, “Multi-stakeholder collaboration is key to addressing the evolving threat landscape, and academia must be a partner in this journey—not just a spectator.”
For professionals across government, PSUs, and industry, this programme offers a unique opportunity to contribute to India’s cybersecurity mission while advancing their careers. For the nation, it represents a bold step toward a secure and resilient digital ecosystem, ready to meet the challenges of the digital and quantum era.
As Akarshana Sathish, an 11-year-old from Hyderabad, has shown through her library revolution, even the youngest changemakers can inspire transformation. Similarly, this initiative by BITS Pilani and CERT-In is sparking a cybersecurity revolution, empowering professionals to safeguard India’s digital future—one skilled defender at a time.
Last Updated on: Friday, July 11, 2025 6:10 pm by Aagya Agarwal | Published by: Aagya Agarwal on Friday, July 11, 2025 6:10 pm | News Categories: News
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