Manipal Institute Of Technology, Manipal Concludes NCIIPC–AICTE Pentathon 2026 Advanced Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), concluded the Advanced Bootcamp on Controlled Penetration Testing, a five-day intensive programme that marked the final phase of the NCIIPC-AICTE Pentathon 2026 national cybersecurity competition. Hosted at the School of Computer Engineering, MIT, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security, MAHE, the bootcamp represented the most advanced stage of Pentathon 2026, a flagship national initiative jointly organised by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Pentathon 2026 unfolded across multiple competitive phases and attracted wide participation from aspiring cybersecurity professionals nationwide. The first phase, a jeopardy-style online Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge, drew thousands of students from institutions across the country and aimed to identify promising talent in ethical hacking and penetration testing. After several evaluation rounds, over 200 top-performing finalists advanced to the Grand Finale (Stage II), where participants tackled fictionalised enterprise-grade cyber-attack scenarios modelled on real-world threats to critical information infrastructure.

Advanced Technical Training

Held from 16-20 February 2026 at MIT Manipal, the advanced bootcamp provided finalists with an immersive, expert-led training experience designed to strengthen practical cybersecurity capabilities. The curriculum, curated by leading cybersecurity experts and industry trainers, covered key areas including Cloud Security, Malware Analysis and Incident Response, Cryptography and Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) Foundations, along with hands-on cyber laboratory simulations and a capstone challenge. Leveraging MIT’s advanced technological infrastructure, participants engaged in cyber-range simulations replicating enterprise-scale digital environments, enabling them to identify vulnerabilities and respond to cyber incidents in realistic scenarios. Participants appreciated the programme’s structured curriculum, expert mentorship, and collaborative learning environment, which also fostered peer engagement among students from institutions across India.

Collaborative National Initiative

Pentathon 2026 represents a collaborative effort involving government, academia, and industry stakeholders to strengthen India’s cybersecurity preparedness and workforce development.

The bootcamp’s closing ceremony was attended by senior officials from NCIIPC, advisors and directors from AICTE, and senior leadership from MAHE, including Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor; Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor, Technology & Science; and Dr Anil Rana, Director, MIT, Manipal. Their presence underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in strengthening India’s cyber defence ecosystem and protecting critical information infrastructure.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.