Online PG Diploma in Cyber Security

Computer Science and Engineering

Cybersecurity has become one of the most critical areas in today’s digital age, with rising cyber threats targeting individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure. This Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Cybersecurity is designed to train skilled professionals capable of handling cybersecurity challenges in diverse roles, including engineers, developers, researchers, and officers. Developed by faculty at IIT Kanpur, the program combines foundational concepts with applied knowledge to prepare participants for the growing demand in this high-impact field.

cyber security pg diploma

Curriculum Template

Programme Curriculum
Total Credits
72
9 credits/course
Core Courses
3
27 credits
Elective Courses
5
45 credits

Courses Offered

CS901E
Core Credits: 9
Foundations of Cyber Security
Prerequisites: None
CS902E
Core Credits: 9
Introduction to Computer Network
Prerequisites: None
CS903E
Core Credits: 9
Introduction to Computer Systems
Prerequisites: None
CS904E
Core Credits: 9
Introduction to Cryptography and Secure Communication
Prerequisites: None
CS905E
Elective Credits: 9
Hardware Security
Prerequisites: None
CS906E
Elective Credits: 9
Cryptography for Cyber Security
Prerequisites: Introduction to Cryptography and Secure Communication
CS907E
Elective Credits: 9
Secure Machine Learning
Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with linear algebra and probability
CS908E
Elective Credits: 9
Advanced Topics in Cryptography
Prerequisites: None
CS909E
Elective Credits: 9
Basics of Cryptanalysis
Prerequisites: None
CS910E
Elective Credits: 9
Introduction to Privacy- Enhancing Technologies
Prerequisites: None

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum CPI 5.5 or 55% marks in the qualifying degree

  • A valid score above department-stated cut-off in approved national-level exams as applicable to the program discipline (GATE)

or

  • IIT Kanpur’s online proctored entrance test [syllabus]

  • Bachelor's degree (4-years) / PG degrees in Engineering, Science, or allied areas
  • Department-conducted programming and/or written tests on basic mathematics, and/or interview

  • Professionals with over 5 years of relevant experience as defined by the concerned department
  • Applicants with valid national-level test scores above the department specified cutoff
  • Candidates nominated* by Government/Defence/recognized organizations

* Nominated includes sponsored candidates.

Program Fee

Instructors

Dr. Manindra Agarwal
Research Interest:

Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Complexity Theory, Computational Number Theory and Algebra.

Dr. Somitra Sanadhya
Research Interest:

Cryptology and Security, Quantum Computation, Blockchains and cryptocurrencies

Dr. Adithya Vadapalli
Research Interest:

Applied Cryptography, Private Information Retrieval, Secure Multiparty Computation, Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Oblivious RAMs.

Dr. Amitangshu Pal
Research Interest:

Wireless and Sensor Networks, Sensing and Communication for Internet of Things (IoTs) and Building IoT Solutions for Smart Cities.

Dr. Debadatta Mishra
Research Interest:

Operating Systems, Virtualization and Cloud Computing and Computer Networks

Dr. Angshuman Karmakar
Research Interest:

Post Quantum Cryptography, Side-Channel attacks and Computation on encrypted data and Cryptology

Dr. Sayak Roy Chowdhury
Research Interest:
Reinforcement Learning, Multi-armed bandits, Differential Privacy and Language Model Alignment.
Dr. Debapriya Basu Roy
Research Interest:

 Hardware Security, VLSI for Cryptography and Post Quantum Cryptography

Dr. Urbi Chatterjee
Research Interest:

Hardware Security, Physically Unclonable Functions, Secure Authentication Protocols Design and Internet of Things Security

Dr. Priyanka Bagade
Research Interest:

Internet of things, Sensors, Mobile Computing and Deep Learning

Program FAQ

General Queries

No. Admission is possible either through GATE/JAM or IIT Kanpur’s own Online Entrance Test.

Courses are delivered in a blended mode — with recorded lectures (105 mins/week), Live sessions (60 mins/week), and optional/hybrid labs. At least one campus visit is recommended.

The year is divided into three trimesters: Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Each trimester has 11 weeks of teaching. A typical 9-credit course has around 3–4 hours of weekly engagement.

Yes. The online degrees are fully equivalent to on-campus degrees in terms of curriculum, credits, academic rigor, and recognition.


 

Program Specific Queries

These are ideal for mid-career professionals looking for domain-specific upskilling or a pathway to a full M.Tech./M.Sc.

The duration is 1–2 years with at least 72 credits, offering flexibility in pace and planning.

Yes, within 3 years of completion, subject to program availability and required approvals.

  • PGD in Engineering: ~₹4.91 lakhs
  • PGD in Science: ~₹3.89 lakhs


 

Career and Alumni Queries

Yes. Graduates of these programs become part of the prestigious IIT Kanpur alumni network — a global community of innovators and leaders.

They offer industry-relevant curriculum, flexible learning, and credentials from one of India’s top institutes — helping boost both technical expertise and career growth.