In a forward-thinking initiative aimed at enhancing military training, the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai has recently updated its existing agreement with the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST). The new addendum, signed on May 26, 2025, introduces a diploma program in Information Technology and Cyber Security specifically tailored for officer cadets, thereby addressing the increasing demand for skills relevant to modern warfare.
The signing ceremony took place at OTA Chennai, where Lieutenant General Fernandes, the Commandant of OTA, and C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor of SRMIST, formalized the partnership before a gathering of senior officials from both military and educational sectors. This collaboration is aligned with the Indian Army’s #YearofTechAbsorption initiative, led by the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), which aims to integrate advanced technological education into military training frameworks.
The newly established diploma course is set to support around 500 cadets annually, equipping them with essential competencies in information technology and cybersecurity. This initiative comes at a critical juncture as military infrastructure faces an escalating array of digital threats. A report by NATO, released in 2024, pointed out a staggering 300% rise in cyberattacks on military systems worldwide between 2019 and 2023, underscoring the necessity for future military leaders to develop robust cyber resilience.
Established in 1963 in response to the Sino-Indian War, OTA Chennai has continuously adapted to changing strategic requirements of the Indian Army. Originally intended to produce officers through short-service commissions, it has evolved into a leading institution for leadership training, with campuses in both Chennai and Gaya. The collaboration with SRMIST enhances the academy’s training capabilities, preparing cadets not only for traditional battlefield roles but also for emerging digital defense responsibilities.
SRMIST is recognized for its focus on innovation and partnerships with the industry, ensuring that its academic offerings remain practical and relevant. With advisory boards that include global experts and over 150 industry collaborators, SRMIST is well-equipped to align its educational programs with contemporary technological demands.
This partnership is part of a larger national effort to modernize defense capabilities and promote self-reliance in technological innovations. Initiatives by the Ministry of Defence, such as the Positive Indigenisation Lists, iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence), and DISC (Defence India Start-up Challenge), emphasize the importance of domestic innovation in bolstering military capabilities.
As the landscape of threats becomes more complex and technology-driven, integrating cybersecurity education into the training of cadets represents a significant step towards enhancing national security. This program is poised to contribute measurably to cultivating a tech-savvy, adaptive, and resilient cadre of officers within the Indian Army.
