Electronics & ITNATIO
National Knowledge Network
A multi-gigabit national research and education network connecting all knowledge institutions in India with a high-speed data communication backbone.
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Official fee
₹0 — completely free
NKN connection is provided to government and funded institutions under budgetary support. No commercial brokerage fees apply.
Only the "Apply on official portal" button above leads to the verified government site.
Highlights and Media
Key Highlights
Multi-Gigabit Speed
High-speed network core capability enabling seamless data sharing at gigabit rates.
Unified Network
Connects over 1,700+ educational and research institutions across India.
IPv6 Implementation
DNSSEC enabled multi-homing support with IPv6 configuration blocks.
NKN Layer Hierarchy
Topology layer speeds and network backbone structure
Who is eligible
- Institution is a recognized academic, research, or government organization eligible for NKN connectivity.
Eligibility rules · v1 · effective 1 January 2010
How to apply
Submit Feasibility Request
Submit a network feasibility request through the official NKN portal with institution details.
Typical duration · 10 days
Technical Evaluation
NIC team conducts technical feasibility assessment and node configuration requirements.
Typical duration · 15 days
Link Commissioning
Deployment of the high-speed network link and final activation of the node.
Typical duration · 30 days
Sources
- National Knowledge Network Portal — MeitYMINISTRY_PORTAL · Fetched 5 July 2026
Additional Details
The National Knowledge Network (NKN) is a multi-gigabit national research and education network managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Its purpose is to provide a unified high-speed network backbone for educational and research institutions in India. The network supports overlay networks, dedicated networks, and virtual networks, enabling advanced applications in areas like health, education, grid computing, agriculture, and governance.