Overview The NCRB has released the 2023 edition of Crime in India , which includes State/UT‑wise figures for cyber crime registered between 2021 and 2023. Alongside the data, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) highlighted major capacity‑building steps undertaken to strengthen digital forensic capabilities across the country. Key Developments (2021‑2026) National‑Digital Investigation Support Centre (NDISC) – formerly the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation), set up in Delhi on 18‑Feb‑2019 and in Assam on 29‑Aug‑2025, provides early‑stage forensic assistance to State/UT police under the Integrated Cyber Crime (I4C) framework. National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Evidence) – operational in Hyderabad since 2018 under the CCPWC Scheme , focusing on evidentiary support. India now has 07 Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and 27 State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSLs) equipped for digital forensics. Post‑2014, three new CFSLs with dedicated Digital Forensic Divisions were added at Pune, Bhopal and Kamrup. Under the Nirbhaya funded scheme , 20 States/UTs received assistance for strengthening DNA analysis and cyber‑forensic capacities (see Annexure‑II). The MHA allocated Rs 116.5 crore through the CCPWC Scheme to set up cyber forensic‑cum‑training laboratories in 33 States/UTs, including Madhya Pradesh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu and Maharashtra. Important Facts from the Annexures Annexure‑I lists the number of cyber‑crime cases registered in each State/UT for the three‑year period 2021‑2023 (source: Crime in India ). Annexure‑II details the States/UTs that have received financial assistance for cyber‑forensic capacity building, with funds released annually since FY 2018‑19. Relevance for UPSC Understanding the scale of cyber crime and the institutional response is essential for: GS 3 (Technology, Economy & Society) : Digital forensics, cyber‑security infrastructure, and the economic impact of online fraud. GS 2 (Polity) : Role of the Ministry of Home Affairs, inter‑governmental coordination, and the use of centrally‑funded schemes (Nirbhaya Fund, CCPWC) for capacity building. GS 4 (Society) : Protection of women and children from online abuse, and the societal implications of rising cyber offences. Way Forward To further curb cyber offences and enhance investigative efficiency, aspirants should consider the following policy directions: Expand the network of CFSL and State FSL digital forensics units, ensuring uniform capability across all regions. Increase real‑time data sharing between the NDISC and state police to enable rapid response to emerging cyber threats. Strengthen public‑awareness campaigns on safe internet practices, especially targeting vulnerable groups such as women and children. Introduce regular training modules for investigators on emerging technologies (e.g., blockchain, deep‑fakes) to keep pace with evolving cyber‑crime tactics. These steps will not only improve the detection and prosecution of cyber offences but also align India’s digital security framework with international best practices.