What happened?
On August 21, 2025, Hyderabad will host the National Cyber Security Scholar Programme (NCSSP) 2025, a unique initiative led by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Designed and run by the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC), the programme introduces an unconventional approach by combining cybersecurity training with survival drills and real-time crisis simulations in an outdoor environment. Participants—drawn from civil services, defence, intelligence agencies, academia, and major industries—will begin the programme in a forest setting, relying on analogue tools such as HAM radios while taking part in exercises including hardware hacking, IoT simulations, red-blue team wargaming, and leadership drills under resource-limited conditions.
Why it matters to India
The NCSSP reflects India’s strategic focus on building a skilled, resilient cybersecurity workforce capable of handling increasingly complex digital threats. Hyderabad’s selection as the venue underscores its growing role as a cybersecurity hub, combining access to research and development facilities with proximity to natural settings suitable for immersive training. Beyond the initial four-day field exercise, participants will continue with digital modules, field visits to critical infrastructure, and policy workshops until January 2026, culminating in capstone projects on issues such as cyber diplomacy, AI-based threat modelling, and protection of national infrastructure. Graduates will join the National Security Database (NSD) and are expected to assume advisory and leadership roles across public and private sectors, reinforcing India’s preparedness in cybersecurity at both operational and strategic levels.