AKTU Made AI & Cybersecurity Courses Mandatory on iGOT Portal in 2026

AKTU Made AI & Cybersecurity Courses Mandatory on iGOT Portal in 2026

In February 2026, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow issued an important order for all affiliated government institutions. The directive is simple but powerful:

Every registered government employee must complete at least one course in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Cybersecurity on the iGOT portal and obtain a completion certificate.

But why has this suddenly become mandatory?Let’s break it down in a clear and simple way.

Introduction: What Is This New Order About?

This instruction did not come from AKTU alone. It is part of a larger push by the Uttar Pradesh Government and Karmayogi Bharat under the national capacity-building mission.

The focus is on:

1. Improving digital skills of government employees
2. Strengthening cybersecurity awareness
3. Preparing departments for AI-driven governance
4. Improving state performance rankings

Think of it like this:

Just like computer literacy became essential 15 years ago, AI literacy is becoming essential today.

Official Orders & Communications Explained

1️⃣ AKTU Lucknow Order (February 17, 2026)

AKTU issued an official letter to all affiliated government institutions.

What was directed?

1. All personnel registered on the iGOT portal must complete at least one course in Artificial Intelligence (AI), or Cybersecurity
2. Employees must obtain a completion certificate
3. Compliance is mandatory

This means the order is not optional. Institutions must ensure employees complete the training.

2️⃣ UP Government Technical Education Department Order (February 6, 2026)

Before AKTU’s letter, the UP Government had already issued a directive.

The letter was marked:

“Extremely Important / Top Priority”

Key Instructions:

1. All department employees must complete one AI or Cybersecurity course.
2. An Action Taken Report (ATR) must be submitted to the government.
3. The report must be sent within three days.

This shows the urgency of the initiative.

The government wants quick implementation and accountability.

3️⃣ Karmayogi Bharat DO Letter (January 20, 2026)

This communication was issued by Karmayogi Bharat to State and UT authorities.

Key Points:

1. Introduction of the iGOT Marketplace

2. Free high-quality courses from national and international institutions

3. All government officials must complete:

1. At least one AI course
2. At least one Cybersecurity course

4. Deadline: March 31, 2026

Additional Instructions:

1. Organisational Data Cleaning

1. Updating employee records
2. Removing duplicate or inactive profiles

2. Updating user profiles on iGOT

3. Creating role-based capacity-building plans

In simple words:

The government wants accurate employee data and skill development aligned with job roles.

What Is the iGOT Portal?

The iGOT portal is a government learning platform designed for civil servants and public employees.

It offers:

1. Online courses
2. Skill development programs
3. Certification
4. Performance tracking

What is the iGOT Marketplace?

The iGOT Marketplace provides:

1. Free courses
2. Courses from reputed national and international universities
3. Industry-certified training modules

This makes high-quality global education accessible to government employees.

State Performance & Rankings (As of December 31, 2025)

States are ranked based on employee participation and learning performance.

Categories Based on Employee Strength

Top & Bottom Ranked States

Where Does Uttar Pradesh Stand?

1. Uttar Pradesh is ranked 4th in Category C
2. Composite Score: 70.48

What Is a Composite Score?

A composite score is a combined performance score based on:

1. Course completion
2. Employee participation
3. Skill development progress
4. Data quality and compliance

It reflects overall digital training performance.

What Courses Are Available on iGOT?

The notification lists several courses under AI, Cybersecurity, and Technology.

Artificial Intelligence Courses (Examples)

1. AI for Medical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
2. AI for Education
3. Advanced Data Analysis with Generative AI
4. Advanced Prompt Engineering

These courses help officials understand:

1. How AI works
2. How AI can improve public services
3. How data-driven decisions can be made

Technology & Data Analytics Courses (Examples)

1. Foundations of Cybersecurity
2. GIS Applications
3. Blockchain Platforms
4. Data-Driven Leadership Skills

These courses focus on:

1. Data security
2. Digital governance
3. Technology-based administration
4. Leadership using analytics

Why AI & Cybersecurity Are Now Mandatory

There are clear reasons behind this policy:

1️⃣ Digital Governance Is Expanding

Government services are increasingly:

1. Online
2. Data-driven
3. AI-supported

Employees must understand the technology they use.

2️⃣ Cybersecurity Threats Are Increasing

Cyber attacks can:

1. Leak citizen data
2. Disrupt government services
3. Damage public trust

Basic cybersecurity awareness reduces these risks.

3️⃣ Data-Based Decision Making

Modern administration depends on:

1. Data analytics
2. Automation
3. Digital records

AI skills help improve efficiency and service delivery.

4️⃣ Performance Rankings Matter

State rankings are now publicly monitored.

Better participation and training improve:

1. State score
2. Governance quality
3. National performance standing

What Government Employees Should Do Now

Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Log in to the iGOT portal.

2. Update your profile details.

3. Select at least one course in:

1. Artificial Intelligence, or
2. Cybersecurity.

4. Complete the course before the deadline.

5. Download the completion certificate.

6. Inform your department for compliance reporting.

Do not delay, as departments must submit reports to higher authorities.

Final Conclusion: A Major Digital Reform Initiative

This directive is more than just a training requirement.

It represents:

1. A national push toward digital governance
2. Stronger cybersecurity preparedness
3. AI-enabled administration
4. Performance-based state rankings

The message is clear:

AI and Cybersecurity are no longer optional skills for government employees — they are essential.

All concerned personnel should complete the required courses before the deadline and ensure compliance with departmental instructions.