160+ NCC cadets begin cybersecurity training at RRU Gandhinagar
Synopsis
More than 160 NCC cadets from three states are undergoing a structured 60-hour Cyber Defender Course at Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar — covering everything from ethical hacking to digital banking safety. It is one of India's most targeted efforts to build cybersecurity literacy at the cadet level, with live simulation exercises as the centrepiece.
Key Takeaways
More than 160 NCC cadets from Gujarat , Maharashtra , and Rajasthan are enrolled in the Cyber Defender Course (CDC) at RRU Gandhinagar .
The 12-day programme runs from 18 to 29 June and delivers 60 hours of training.
Course modules include ethical hacking, penetration testing, cyber fraud prevention, digital banking safety, and live cyber simulation exercises.
The programme is organised by the NCC Gujarat Directorate in collaboration with NIELIT , under the guidance of Major General Bimal Monga, SM, VSM .
The course was inaugurated by Rivaba Jadeja , Minister of State for Primary, Secondary and Adult Education.
More than 160 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have commenced an intensive Cyber Defender Course (CDC) at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar, marking a structured push to build digital defence capabilities among India's youth. The 12-day programme, running from 18 to 29 June, is being conducted jointly by the NCC Gujarat Directorate and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT).
Programme Structure and Training Modules
The course delivers 60 hours of instruction to Senior Division (SD) and Senior Wing (SW) cadets, with sessions led by NIELIT faculty and specialist trainers. The curriculum spans a wide range of practical and theoretical topics, including cybersecurity fundamentals, Linux basics, the CIA Triad, ethical hacking and penetration testing, cyber laws and reporting mechanisms, mobile and smartphone security, cyber fraud prevention, digital banking safety, and live cyber simulation exercises.
Organisers said the course is designed not only to build technical skills but also to cultivate responsible digital behaviour — equipping cadets to identify threats, protect national digital assets, and promote ethical conduct in cyberspace.
Key Officials and Institutional Support
The programme is being conducted under the guidance of Major General Bimal Monga, SM, VSM, Additional Director General, NCC Gujarat Directorate. RRU has provided the venue, academic infrastructure, and logistical support, with the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bimal Patel, overseeing institutional backing for the initiative.
The course was inaugurated by Rivaba Jadeja, Minister of State for Primary, Secondary and Adult Education. Operational arrangements are being supported by Lieutenant Ruchika Singla, CTO Yash Sharma, and other school staff.
Why This Initiative Matters
The Cyber Defender Course comes at a time when digital systems and online services are increasingly embedded in everyday life, making cyber literacy a matter of national importance. Notably, this is one of a series of initiatives aimed at expanding cybersecurity awareness and preparedness among young people across India's defence cadet ecosystem.
By targeting NCC cadets — a cohort that bridges civilian youth and India's defence culture — the programme attempts to seed cyber awareness at a formative level. This approach reflects a broader recognition that digital threats require not just institutional defences but a population-wide baseline of awareness.
What Comes Next
The CDC concludes on 29 June. Cadets completing the course will carry practical cybersecurity skills back to their home states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, potentially serving as peer educators within their communities. Further iterations of the programme are anticipated as part of the NCC Gujarat Directorate's ongoing capacity-building agenda.
Point of View
Geographically distributed, and positioned to act as force-multipliers for digital awareness in their communities. The real question is whether a single 12-day course translates into durable skills or merely a certificate. The inclusion of live simulation exercises is a positive signal, but without a follow-up assessment or refresher structure, the impact may be limited to the cohort that attends. India's cyber threat surface is expanding faster than its awareness infrastructure; programmes like this need to scale and institutionalise, not remain one-off events.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCC Cyber Defender Course being held in Gandhinagar?
The Cyber Defender Course (CDC) is a 12-day cybersecurity training programme for NCC cadets, running from 18 to 29 June at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar. It is jointly organised by the NCC Gujarat Directorate and NIELIT, covering 60 hours of instruction on topics ranging from ethical hacking to digital banking safety.
Who is eligible to participate in the Cyber Defender Course?
The programme is open to Senior Division (SD) and Senior Wing (SW) NCC cadets from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. More than 160 cadets are currently enrolled in the current cohort.
What topics are covered in the NCC cybersecurity training?
The curriculum includes cybersecurity fundamentals, Linux basics, the CIA Triad, ethical hacking and penetration testing, cyber laws and reporting mechanisms, mobile and smartphone security, cyber fraud prevention, digital banking safety, and live cyber simulation exercises.
Who inaugurated the Cyber Defender Course at RRU Gandhinagar?
The course was inaugurated by Rivaba Jadeja, Minister of State for Primary, Secondary and Adult Education. The programme is being conducted under the guidance of Major General Bimal Monga, SM, VSM, Additional Director General, NCC Gujarat Directorate.
What is the role of Rashtriya Raksha University in this programme?
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) is providing the venue, academic infrastructure, training facilities, and logistical support for the Cyber Defender Course. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bimal Patel, has overseen institutional support for the initiative.
