Government degree colleges to offer free courses on cybersecurity and AI to boost student employability

Bengaluru: In an effort to enhance job opportunities for undergraduate students, Karnataka’s Higher Education Department has introduced short-term courses, particularly in high-demand fields like information technology.

In collaboration with multinational corporation Cisco and the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), the government will provide free online training on cyber safety skills for students at government degree colleges across the state. Additionally, female students in select colleges will have access to a ‘Women and Artificial Intelligence’ course, supported by Dell Technologies.

Cybersecurity Training:

The cybersecurity courses, to be implemented with Cisco’s assistance, will be available in all government first-grade colleges. Two types of courses are on offer: a 30-hour course on ‘Cybersecurity Essentials,’ providing students with fundamental knowledge on protecting digital assets and a 15-hour ‘Introduction to Cybersecurity’ course, aimed at students with no prior technology background.

The Higher Education Department recommends ‘Introduction to Cybersecurity’ for non-technical students, while students with a computer science background may find ‘Cybersecurity Essentials’ more suitable. However, students are free to choose either course. Faculty members interested in enhancing their knowledge may also participate.

AI Course for Female Students:

The ‘Women and Artificial Intelligence’ program, offered in partnership with Dell Technologies, will be available to female students in select government colleges in Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Chikkaballapura, Mandya, and Mysuru districts.

This 20-hour offline course includes seven hours on basic data and analysis, eight hours on using AI for data analysis, and five hours on job readiness and personality development skills.

Dell Technologies staff will conduct the training, and certificates will be issued to students who successfully complete the course.

Statement from the Department

“We are introducing these short-term courses to boost employment prospects for our students. We have directed college principals to ensure the smooth implementation of this program and to actively promote it among students,” said Manjushree N., Commissioner, Department of Collegiate and Technical Education.