SANS Institute, a multiregional international provider of cybersecurity training, in partnership with The Data Security Council of India (DSCI), a NASSCOM® initiative (DSCI), has launched a first-of-its-kind study to map India’s evolving cybersecurity skilling landscape. This in-depth survey & analysis of cybersecurity skilling needs across the region will identify key talent gaps, evaluate current training efforts, and deliver a roadmap to strengthen India’s cyber workforce. The final study will be published in early 2026.
“India’s position as a global technology and cybersecurity leader depends on the strength of its cyber talent,” said Vinayak Godse, CEO of DSCI. “This study, in partnership with SANS, is the first step in understanding where we are and what we need to be futureproof. It’s not just about the quantity of professionals, but the quality, specialization and real-world readiness of their skills.”
The study will assess cybersecurity skilling gaps by examining how well academic curricula and training infrastructure align with real-world job demands. It will spotlight high-need roles like product engineering, threat intelligence, malware reverse engineering, forensics, and incident response, areas often overlooked by conventional programs. It will also consider the impact of new data protection laws, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and the rise in cyberattacks and financial fraud in India. As threats grow more complex, so must the depth and specialization of cybersecurity skills across the workforce.
India’s digital ecosystem is undergoing a massive transformation, but the cybersecurity workforce is struggling to keep pace. Despite the country’s growing prominence as a global cybersecurity service hub—home to R&D centres, Security Operations Centres (SOCs), and product development teams—there remains a significant mismatch between supply and demand of skilled cyber professionals.
“The cybersecurity landscape is advancing at a pace that traditional education models alone can no longer match. Through this landmark study in collaboration with DSCI, we will drive strategic skilling interventions that will empower India’s cybersecurity workforce with the skills required to meet today’s complex threat environment,” said Suresh Mustapha, Managing Director, SANS Institute – Asia Pacific.
Atul Kumar, Director at DSCI, noted: “There remains a critical gap between academic output and industry demand. This study will provide actionable insights to help align education, policy, and workforce development, creating a more responsive and future-ready skilling ecosystem.”
As a global leader in advanced cybersecurity training, SANS brings deep expertise and data-backed methodologies to the initiative. The findings of the study will be shared with stakeholders across government, industry, and academia, and will serve as a guiding framework for upskilling efforts nationwide.
