Quick Take
- India launching specialized cyber commando training to combat AI-enhanced cybercrime threats
- First batch of 30 officers from J&K Police completed training at DIAT in May 2024
- Government plans to train 5,000 cyber commandos over five years nationwide
- Program addresses skills gap as AI tools increasingly used in phishing and infrastructure attacks
- Training covers AI-generated deepfakes, automated campaigns, and real-time data manipulation
India’s Union Ministry of Home Affairs is accelerating specialized cyber commando training to tackle the growing wave of AI-powered cybercrime. The government plans to train 5,000 officers over the next five years as digital threats become more sophisticated, sources confirm.
The program runs through the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) under DRDO. Officials say it directly responds to how cybercriminals now use AI tools for malicious purposes. Recent cybersecurity data shows criminals leveraging AI to build fake websites, automate attacks, and create complex phishing operations that go far beyond traditional email scams.
“AI is not only used to generate realistic email text but also to create convincing dashboards, register typo-squatting domains, and develop dynamic, interactive phishing pages, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of these cyber threats,” cybersecurity reports indicate.
The program already shows results. Thirty cyber commandos from Jammu and Kashmir Police finished their training in May 2024 and are now using these skills in active police work.
Six-Month Program Targets Advanced Threats
Manisha Nene, who heads the computer science department at DIAT, explains the approach: “As cybercrimes rapidly evolve due to the integration of advanced AI tools in criminal activities, we have updated the syllabus for our training programme. We will train them on how to investigate these AI tools used in criminal cases.”
The six-month course covers multiple fronts of emerging cyber threats. Students learn about AI-generated deepfakes, automated phishing campaigns, identity spoofing, and algorithmic attacks on critical infrastructure. The curriculum also includes real-time manipulation of data streams.
DIAT brings together eight professors and DRDO scientists for comprehensive training. An official notes: “What is crucial for us is to bring a variety of perspectives and scenarios so that attendees can work on or investigate complex cases in real-time. We also simulate situations by working on specific cases during the class, providing them with exposure to real situations.”
Addressing Critical Skills Gap
Sanjay Shintre, deputy inspector general of the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, emphasizes why this training matters: “The use of AI tools is significant in several cyber cases, and it is often complicated to address these issues at the police station level. Therefore, the role of highly trained police personnel is crucial. These trained cyber commandos will become valuable assets for the force in tackling advanced cybercrimes.”
Shintre also points to challenges within police forces: “There are many police officers and personnel who excel in investigating cybercrime cases, but their lack of theoretical knowledge prevents them from clearing the entrance tests. We are working to change this scenario.”
National Security Focus Drives Expansion
This goes beyond individual state efforts. Home Minister Amit Shah has positioned cybersecurity as essential to national defense. The government’s five-year plan to train 5,000 specialists shows they recognize cybersecurity as critical infrastructure.
Data from IIT Madras shows similar programs expanding across India. The first batch completed training at IIT Madras Parvata Technologies Foundation in April 2025, with 37 officers gaining specialized cybersecurity skills.
Business Impact and Economic Protection
The cyber commando initiative represents a shift toward proactive digital security. Rather than just responding to attacks after they happen, these specialists work to prevent cyber threats before they strike.
For businesses, this means better protection against sophisticated AI-driven cyberattacks that could shut down operations or steal sensitive data. As Indian companies increasingly rely on digital transactions and AI tools, these trained specialists become crucial for maintaining digital trust and security.
The government’s investment in cyber defense shows they understand that cybersecurity infrastructure must keep pace with technological progress. This comprehensive training gives law enforcement the tools to fight modern digital threats that traditional methods simply can’t handle.
