Announced on 3rd December 2025, the initiative is designed to be an in-depth analysis of India’s readiness for the next generation of digital threats
India’s ambitions as a global technology and cybersecurity powerhouse are facing a critical bottleneck, prompting a pioneering effort to map and strengthen its cyber workforce.
The SANS Institute, the world’s most trusted provider of cybersecurity training, has partnered with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) to launch the nation’s first comprehensive study dedicated to the cybersecurity skilling landscape.
Announced on 3rd December 2025, the initiative is designed to be an in-depth analysis of India’s readiness for the next generation of digital threats, which are being rapidly reshaped by technologies such as AI and quantum computing.
The central aim of the study is to pinpoint specific talent gaps by evaluating how well existing academic and training infrastructures align with the demands of real-world cybersecurity roles.
The research will spotlight high-need, specialised areas that conventional programs often overlook, including:
Product Engineering
Threat Intelligence
Malware Reverse Engineering
Forensics & Incident Response
The study is also timely, set to consider the impact of new regulatory changes, notably the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and the escalating tide of cyberattacks and financial fraud across India’s digital ecosystem.
Vinayak Godse, CEO of DSCI, emphasised the strategic importance of the research. “India’s position as a global technology and cybersecurity leader depends on the strength of its cyber talent,” he stated. “It’s not just about the quantity of professionals, but the quality, specialisation and real-world readiness of their skills.”
This sentiment was echoed by Atul Kumar, Director at DSCI, who highlighted the disconnect: “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.”
Global Expertise for Local Resilience
Despite India’s rising prominence as a global cybersecurity service hub – home to numerous R&D centres, Security Operations Centres (SOCs), and product development teams – there is a recognized mismatch between the supply and demand of qualified cyber professionals.
SANS Institute is bringing its deep global expertise and data-backed methodologies to the project.
Suresh Mustapha, Managing Director, SANS Institute – Asia Pacific, stressed that traditional education models are struggling to keep pace with the rapidly advancing threat landscape. “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,” he said.
The findings are expected to be shared with key stakeholders across government, industry, and academia, serving as a guiding framework for upskilling efforts nationwide.
The final report is scheduled for publication in early 2026.
