NIELIT launches digital university platform, five new centres for AI, cybersecurity, data science education

The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) has launched the NIELIT Digital University (NDU) platform in New Delhi to expand access to digital learning. Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, and Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, also inaugurated five new NIELIT Centres virtually in Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Daman and Mizoram.

According to the official press release, the NDU platform will offer programmes in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Semiconductors and allied technologies.

It is designed to provide flexible learning opportunities, including virtual labs, multilingual modules and digital certification, with an aim to equip learners with industry-relevant skills. The platform is aligned with initiatives like Digital India, Skill India and the National Education Policy 2020.

The five new NIELIT Centres have been set up at Muzaffarpur, Balasore, Tirupati, Daman and Lunglei. With these additions, NIELIT’s presence now extends to 56 centres nationwide.

“With its extensive presence through 56 NIELIT centres, over 750 accredited institutes, and 9,000+ facilitation centres, NIELIT has skilled and certified millions of students in emerging technologies in the E&ICT domain,” the press release said.

Focus on multi-sector skill development

During the launch event, some agreements were also exchanged between NIELIT and Microsoft, Zscaler, CCRYN, Dixon Tech and Future Crime. The collaborations are expected to strengthen industry-academia integration and support specialised training.

During the event, Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Three years ago, a decision was taken to establish a Digital University. There were many options on the table, but the best choice was NIELIT. We must prepare a list of 500 industry partners — and they don’t necessarily have to be only from electronics or IT.”

“These technologies are now used across every sector. Wherever electronics and IT are in use, our goal must be to train and prepare students to meet those specific demands. Today, the electronics manufacturing sector alone has grown into an industry worth ₹13 lakh crore. I firmly believe that NIELIT will achieve even greater milestones in the near future,” he further said.

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Panel discussion highlights AI in education

The event also included a panel discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence in digital education, with participation from representatives of Intel, Infosys, Microsoft, Barco Electronics and academic institutions.

NIELIT has recently been granted the status of a "Deemed to be University" under the Ministry of Education. Its main campus is located in Ropar, Punjab, with eleven constituent campuses across different states, including Aizawl, Agartala, Aurangabad, Calicut, Gorakhpur, Imphal, Itanagar, Ajmer (Kekri), Kohima, Patna, and Srinagar.