IIT Kanpur cybersecurity hub C3iHub partners with DBRAU to train 3 lakh students across 570 colleges

The IIT Kanpur-backed C3iHub has partnered with Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University (DBRAU), Agra, and the Vivekanand Incubation Foundation (VIF) to launch an online vocational cybersecurity program for students across the university's affiliated colleges.

The program will be available to more than 3 lakh students across over 570 colleges and will be taught in Hindi. The initiative is aimed at making cybersecurity education more accessible to students in semi-urban and rural areas.

The course will cover common cyber threats and online safety practices, including cybercrime, cyber hygiene, social media threats, identity theft, personal data breaches, and online safety for women and children.

Students will also be introduced to the dark web, cyber terrorism and other illegal online activities. Quizzes, workshops and virtual labs will be used to provide practical exposure alongside classroom learning.

Under the partnership, C3iHub will develop and deliver the course using IIT Kanpur's cybersecurity expertise, while VIF will provide technical and administrative support for the program.

DBRAU will also establish a Cybersecurity Counselling Cell (CCC) to support cybercrime prevention and guide students facing online threats.

Prof Ashu Rani, Vice Chancellor of DBRAU, said cybersecurity should no longer be seen as a subject meant only for engineering students. She said the partnership would help students develop an important skill in a language they are comfortable with.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by representatives of C3iHub, DBRAU and VIF in the presence of IIT Kanpur Director Prof Manindra Agrawal and other officials.

The initiative is expected to expand access to cybersecurity training and help students develop practical awareness of digital threats and online safety.