Hyderabad: The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, through its Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS), successfully concluded the inaugural Cybersecurity Professional Development Course in collaboration with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
The valedictory function took place on September 13 at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, marking a major milestone in India’s national cybersecurity capacity-building efforts.
Cybersecurity Professional Development Course Empowers 90 National Security Professionals
The eight-week online Cybersecurity Professional Development Course, developed jointly by BITS Pilani and its technology partner, M/S Rapifuzz Private Limited, saw the participation of 90 professionals from DRDO labs, ISRO centers, the Indian Armed Forces, Defence PSUs, and leading industry organizations.
The course was structured into eight modules and culminated in a capstone project on real-world cybersecurity challenges.
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Faculty from the Computer Science departments of all four BITS Pilani campuses – Pilani, Goa, Dubai, and Hyderabad – contributed to the cybersecurity professional development course’s academic delivery.
The technology partner, Rapifuzz, enabled online lab sessions through its advanced Cyberkshetra platform. The course also included five expert guest lectures, including a session by the Director General of CERT-In, covering current trends and challenges in cybersecurity.
Distinguished Dignitaries Highlight Importance of Cybersecurity Upskilling
The valedictory ceremony was graced by eminent guests, including Dr G Satheesh Reddy, former Chairman of DRDO and Advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh; U Raja Babu, Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems, DRDO; Dr Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT-In; Major General Ajay Misra, General Officer Commanding, Telangana and Andhra Sub Area; and Mohit Gopal Rampal, Founder and CEO, Rapifuzz Pvt Ltd.
Also present were Prof Soumyo Mukherji, Director, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus; Prof Sounak Roy, Dean of Research and Innovation; and Prof M. Rama Manohara Babu, Head of CRENS. Speakers commended BITS Pilani’s initiative to upskill professionals across India, reinforcing the nation’s collective cyber resilience.
Recognizing Excellence and Industry Collaboration
During the ceremony, three of the twelve capstone project teams were awarded for their outstanding work on live cybersecurity issues. Each winning team received certificates and mementos, while all participants were presented with completion certificates.
The event also hosted an industry engagement session featuring Rapifuzz Pvt Ltd, Globals Inc, Ramognee Technologies Pvt Ltd, and CSCC Labs Pvt Ltd, who showcased innovative cybersecurity products and solutions. Interactive stalls allowed participants to network and explore cutting-edge technologies.
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The day concluded with a guided tour of BITS Pilani’s advanced laboratories, including the Dynamic Lab, Digital Twin Lab, MEMS, Microfluids and Nano Electronic Lab, and Cybersecurity Lab, demonstrating the institute’s strong research infrastructure.
Second Batch of Cybersecurity Professional Development Course Announced
Following the success of the inaugural edition, CRENS, BITS Pilani, in collaboration with Rapifuzz Pvt Ltd, announced the launch of the second batch of the Cybersecurity Professional Development Course.
Registrations for the upcoming batch will open in December-January, continuing the institute’s mission to build a skilled cybersecurity workforce supporting India’s digital security ecosystem.
