NIT Jalandhar launches Centre of Excellence in cybersecurity

Speaking on the initiative, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanujia, director, NIT Jalandhar, said, “Cybersecurity has become a critical national priority. Through this Centre of Excellence, NIT Jalandhar aims to develop skilled human resources, promote applied research and contribute meaningfully to securing India’s digital infrastructure, while ensuring inclusive access to advanced technical education.”

Advanced training infrastructure

Institute officials said the Centre of Excellence has been conceptualised as a comprehensive hub for training, research, innovation and consultancy in cybersecurity. The CoE is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including high-performance computing servers, integrated cybersecurity operations platforms, cyber academic learning modules, advanced client workstations, cyber range environments and traffic generation simulators.

This infrastructure enables realistic simulation of cyberattacks and defence mechanisms, large-scale red and blue team exercises, and hands-on experimentation in a secure and controlled environment, providing learners with practical exposure to real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Structured skill development programmes

Skill development is a core focus of the centre. The CoE will offer structured training programmes ranging from two to six months, along with short-term workshops and awareness sessions. These programmes cater to students from NIT Jalandhar and other institutions, school and technical institute students, research scholars and working professionals.

Training areas include network security, ethical hacking, security operations and incident response, digital forensics, cloud security, malware analysis, secure software development and cyber law awareness. By integrating strong theoretical foundations with intensive hands-on learning through smart classrooms and modern laboratories, the centre aims to enhance employability and professional readiness.

Strengthening research and indigenous innovation

The Centre of Excellence will also support research and development in cybersecurity, providing dedicated facilities and mentorship to postgraduate students and research scholars. Emphasis will be placed on developing cost-effective and indigenous cybersecurity solutions, supporting national goals of technological self-reliance.

Officials noted that research outcomes are expected to contribute to the protection of critical infrastructure, strengthening of data privacy frameworks and combating cybercrime, delivering both societal and strategic benefits.

Industry collaboration and outreach

The CoE will function as a consultancy, testing and incubation platform for start-ups, small-scale industries, government agencies and local businesses seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Services such as vulnerability assessments, advisory support and compliance assistance will be offered to help organisations improve digital resilience.

Beyond the campus, the centre will conduct outreach and awareness programmes, including workshops and digital initiatives, with multilingual content to reach digitally vulnerable communities. It will also collaborate with schools, ITIs, polytechnics and engineering colleges to introduce early exposure to cybersecurity concepts.

Officials emphasised that the centre aligns with national initiatives such as Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, addressing the urgent need for a skilled and resilient cybersecurity workforce.