The challenges for IDCSS25 with be posted in due time. Once the challenges are up, a survey link will be provided which you will need to fill in to indicate your top two preferences.
Here is an example of one of the winning challenge videos from IDCSS24:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the IDCSS25 take place?
A: The IDCSS25 will take place between the 6th of October and the 7th of November 2025. Lectures will start on the 7th of October and run every day for the next three weeks. The last lecture will take place on the 24th of October. This will be followed by two weeks of challenges, during which students will work in groups to complete several target-oriented tasks. The results of the Strategic Cyber Resilience Game and the challenges will be announced on the final week of the IDCSS25, with the closing ceremony to be held on the 7th of November. Find the full programme here.
Q: How much time should I reserve for IDCSS25 courses and assignments?
A: Students are expected to be engaged part-time in the IDCSS25 programme, so as not to be hindered in fulfilling their academic obligations in their respective universities. More specifically, attendants will be required to spend approximately 20 hours on lectures and 10 hours on assignments, spread out over 4 weeks.
Q: When will the final program details be released?
A: The final programme details are expected in due time, including details about courses and lecturers. Details on the assignments will be released halfway through the courses, in which time the selection of participants among the pool of students will be made.
Q: I do not have a background in Cybersecurity. Can I apply to IDCSS25?
A: Yes, you can! The lectures of the IDCSS25 are designed in such a way that they provide a mixture of content for both students who are new to the field as well as attendees that wish to build upon pre-existing knowledge.
Q: I don’t fulfill all the criteria. Can I apply to IDCSS25?
A: Yes! Your motivation and acquired knowledge about cybersecurity also matters. Students who fulfill the criteria and are also highly motivated will be given priority.
Q: Is there a participation fee?
A: There is a participation fee of 1000 INR in order to cover organisational costs. There is no fee for Dutch participants.
Q: How are courses going to be conducted?
A: This year’s courses are going to be conducted online. Participants will need a digital device (desktop, laptop or smartphone) that uses enough bandwidth and has a stable connection in order to be able to attend the lectures, which are going to be livestreamed using Microsoft Teams and posted on the IDCSS YouTube channel.
Q: Will I receive credits?
A: We are currently in discussion with various Colleges regarding a credit system for the IDCSS. More information will be published on the official IDCSS website. Apart from credits, participating students will receive an official certificate upon completion of the IDCSS25.
Students who manage to successfully complete the school will receive up to two certificates by the end of the program.
Indian students have the opportunity to do tests during the program, which will provide graded results.
Q: What kind of Certificate will I receive?
A: The IDCSS provides students with two types of certification. For attending >75% of lectures in the first part of the IDCSS program, and succesfully completing the Strategic Cyber Resilience Game, students will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Upon completion of a Challenge in the second part of the IDCSS program, students will receive a Certification of Participation.
Q: What are the requirements for receiving a Certificate?
A: Students who have successfully participated in at least 75% of the IDCSS lectures AND have actively played the Strategic Cyber Resilience Game, were present at two out of three Game sessions and submitted their final deliverable, will receive an official Certificate of Attendance. Upon successful completion of a Challenge, students will receive a Certificate of Participation.
