HPC Cluster Access

Overview

PARAM Shakti is a high-performance computing (HPC) cluster managed by the Computer and Informatics Centre (CIC), IIT Kharagpur. Access to the cluster is granted exclusively through secure shell (SSH) to the designated login node, which serves as the gateway to the compute resources. All computational work must be submitted via the Slurm job scheduler—direct execution of resource-intensive tasks on the login node is strictly prohibited.

Note: The login node is intended only for:

  • Job Submission and Monitoring
  • File/data Transfer
  • Lightweight Compilation (for large builds, submit as a Slurm job)

Two primary storage areas are available to all users:

  • /home - Persistent user home directory (backed up; limited quota)
  • /scratch - High-performance temporary storage (not backed up; use for job input/output)

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Setup

PARAM Shakti enforces two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced security. Follow these steps to set up and use 2FA.

Step 1: Install Google Authenticator

Download the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone:

Step 2: First-Time Login & 2FA Enrolment

  • Connect to the Cluster via SSH (see connection instructions below).
  • Complete the CAPTCHA challenge.
  • Enter your temporary system-generated password (provided in your welcome email).
  • You'll be prompted to set a new password (must comply with Password Policy).
  • A QR code will appear in your terminal.
  • Open Google Authenticator → tap “+” → “Scan a QR code” and scan the displayed code.
  • A new entry (e.g., Cluster: username@login) will appear in your app.
  • Enter the 6-digit time-based code (refreshes every 30 seconds) when prompted to complete setup.
Save your emergency backup codes! During setup, you'll receive 4-5 one-time-use emergency codes. Store them securely offline (e.g., printed or in a password manager). These are critical if you lose phone access.

Step 3: Subsequent Logins

For every login after setup:

  • Solve the CAPTCHA.
  • Enter the 6-digit code from Google Authenticator.
  • Provide your cluster password.

Step 4: Resetting 2FA (e.g., lost device)

If you need to reconfigure 2FA:

  • Generate a new secret key and QR code
  • Update ~/.google_authenticator
  • Enable security options (recommended: yes to all)
Important: Without your phone or backup codes, you cannot log in. Contact support immediately if both are lost.

Connecting to PARAM Shakti

From Windows

Use one of the following SSH clients:

  • MobaXterm (recommended for first-time users): Download MobaXterm (Professional Edition available)
  • PuTTY (free and open-source): Download PuTTY

Connection string: username@paramshakti.iitkgp.ac.in

During login, you’ll be prompted for: CAPTCHA → 2FA code → password.

From Linux or macOS

Use the built-in SSH client:
ssh username@paramshakti.iitkgp.ac.in

From Outside IIT Kharagpur Campus Network

Direct external SSH access is disabled. You must first connect via the IIT Kharagpur VPN.

  • Request VPN access by emailing: helpdesk@cic.iitkgp.ac.in or shaktisupport@iitkgp.ac.in (Attach the completed VPN-Access.pdf form)
  • Once approved, connect to the VPN.
  • Then SSH using the internal IP:
    ssh username@10.171.17.201

Account Management

Password Policy

All passwords must adhere to the following:

  • Minimum 13 characters
  • At least one uppercase letter
  • At least one lowercase letter
  • At least one digit
  • At least one special character (e.g., !@#$%^&*)
  • Password rotation every 90 days

Changing Your Password

From the login node, run:
passwd
Follow the prompts to set a new compliant password.

Forgot Password?

Raise a request for HPC password change through the login portal:
https://hpc.iitkgp.ac.in/hpc/app

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