C-DOT opens sixth telecom centre of excellence at IIT (BHU) for 6G and quantum

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the research and development arm of India's Department of Telecommunications, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) in Varanasi on October 23, 2026. A Centre of Excellence on the IIT (BHU) campus was inaugurated right after the signing. It is the sixth such centre C-DOT has set up with an academic partner.

The centre is meant for joint research, technology development and specialized training, with a focus on telecom technologies developed in India. Its research priorities include 5G Advanced and 6G, very large-scale MIMO wireless systems, integrated sensing and communication, AI-native networks and devices, quantum and post-quantum communication, and cybersecurity for communication networks. Senior C-DOT officials, the IIT (BHU) director and faculty members attended the event. According to the reports, the Ministry of Communications said the partnership was meant to help build a pipeline of skilled telecom professionals.

C-DOT already runs centres of excellence with IIT Kanpur, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, the last through the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development. The reports did not disclose a budget, staffing levels or project timelines for the new centre in Varanasi.