12 June,2026 10:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CISF personnel undergoing advanced cyber security training at IIT Madras Pravartak in Chennai. PIC/X
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has expanded its training programmes over the past year, with increased focus on drone operations, counter-drone systems, cyber security, disaster management, and operational preparedness to address emerging security challenges across critical infrastructure in the country.
The force, which is responsible for securing airports, seaports, metro systems, and nuclear installations, said the training is aimed at strengthening both technical capabilities and overall operational readiness of its personnel.
According to CISF, 7,120 personnel have been trained in drone piloting, aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and counter-drone operations. The training was conducted in collaboration with the Indian Air Force. The force has also planned advanced courses with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur and the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, to further build expertise in the field.
The development comes amid increasing concerns over unauthorised drone activity near sensitive and strategic installations.
In the area of cyber security, CISF personnel have undergone training in digital forensics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and incident response. These programmes were conducted in collaboration with institutions including the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), DIAT, IIT-Madras Pravartak, and the National Police Academy.
The CISF, in a press release on Friday, said the focus on emerging technologies is intended to prepare personnel for evolving security threats in both physical and digital domains.
As part of psychological and operational preparedness, 657 CISF personnel have completed Battle Inoculation Training Programmes conducted with the Indian Army. These personnel are currently deployed across 49 airports. The training is designed to improve mental resilience, stress management and decision-making under high-pressure conditions.
Regular counselling sessions, motivational workshops and wellness programmes are also being conducted at unit level.
The force has also carried out 3,619 mock exercises at airports alone, covering a range of threat scenarios. These exercises were conducted in addition to mandatory annual anti-hijacking drills. Training modules on counter-terrorism, crisis management, surveillance systems and emergency response have been implemented across all sectors under CISF deployment.
In the field of fire services and disaster management, CISF has strengthened its industrial firefighting and emergency response capabilities. In addition, 450 personnel from state fire services across 187 cities have been trained in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Senior officers have also been deputed to institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad, Rashtriya Raksha University and the National Security Guard for leadership development programmes. The force has expanded its digital training infrastructure through smart classrooms, simulators and virtual learning modules.
CISF said these measures are part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and preparedness across all its units deployed at strategic and high-risk installations.
