The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), operating under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) of the Government of India, is set to host the 3rd National Conference on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics & Intelligence (NCCDFI 2026). The two-day event will commence on November 16, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, focusing on the theme “Cyber Secure Bharat: Fortifying India’s Digital Future.” This conference underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity and digital investigation in an era marked by increasing reliance on digital technologies and the rise of sophisticated cyber threats.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the NCCDFI series began in 2024 with its inaugural edition in Kohima, Nagaland. The second iteration took place in 2025 at Gauhati University in Guwahati, Assam. The evolution of the conference from a regional initiative to a national platform is a testament to its growing significance. The third edition aims to further enhance this platform through broader participation, technology demonstrations, and collaborative efforts among key stakeholders from government, law enforcement, defence, judiciary, technology providers, industry, academia, and the broader cybersecurity ecosystem.
NCCDFI 2026 is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and deliberation on emerging cyber threats and the evolving challenges in digital investigations and cyber resilience. Key objectives include strengthening coordination among various agencies, enhancing capabilities in cybersecurity and digital forensics, fostering policy dialogues, and exploring the application of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Security, and Cyber Intelligence. The conference will address critical areas including national cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, incident response, AI-driven cyber threats, automated digital investigations, threat intelligence, financial cybercrime, advanced device and multimedia forensics, law enforcement readiness, international cooperation, digital evidence, quantum computing, autonomous systems, frontier technologies, capacity building, and the national cyber ecosystem.
The event is bolstered by the support of a significant number of industry partners, featuring leading organizations in digital forensics, cybersecurity, and investigative technologies. Among the knowledge partners are the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), CERT-In, Delhi Police, CyberPeace, Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC), Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Maharashtra Cyber, Manipur Police, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), Hyderabad, and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). Industry partners like STELLAR, Power Forensics & Digital Intelligence, Magnet Forensics, MSAB, Cyint Technologies, and others will contribute their expertise.
A central highlight of NCCDFI 2026 will be the “Cyber Kushti 2026 – Cybersecurity & AI Hackathon.” This three-level competition, structured around themes of review, attack, and defend, has garnered substantial interest. A total of 1,031 teams, comprising 3,093 participants, registered for the event. Of these, 923 teams have been shortlisted for Level 1, with 50 teams advancing to Level 2 and 10 teams reaching the final Level 3.
Furthermore, the conference will witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between NIELIT and its industry partners. These collaborations are intended to foster institutional partnerships, facilitate knowledge exchange, promote joint initiatives, support research and development, and enhance capacity-building in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and intelligence. These agreements aim to establish a framework for sustained cooperation, encourage industry-academia engagement, and stimulate future collaborative ventures in these crucial domains.
The event will feature an exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in digital forensics, cybersecurity, drone technology, surveillance systems, and AI-driven security, offering opportunities for technical interactions and business-to-business engagements. The conference proceedings will include an inaugural session, technical and business sessions, panel discussions, and the industry exhibition, providing a comprehensive platform for addressing the nation’s digital security challenges.
The Chenab Times News Desk
