Nisarga's rise puts cybersecurity careers in the spotlight: Jobs, courses and salaries
Teen cybersecurity researcher Nisarga Adhikary's appointment at IIT Kanpur's C3iHub highlights the growing opportunities in India's cybersecurity sector. From IIT courses and specialised degrees to roles such as ethical hacker, security analyst, and architect, the field offers strong career prospects, attractive salaries, and rising demand as cyber threats continue to grow.
by India Today Education Desk · India TodayIn Short
- Nisarga Adhikary appointed OSINT and Threat Intelligence Engineer at IIT Kanpur's C3iHub
- Multiple IITs offer specialised cybersecurity programmes across various levels
- Cybersecurity roles include Security Analyst, Pen Tester, Security Architect with salaries up to Rs 24.7 LPA
Nisarga Adhikary, the teenager who gained attention for identifying vulnerabilities in the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) Online Submission of Marks (OSM) portal, has been appointed as an OSINT and Threat Intelligence Engineer at C3iHub, IIT Kanpur. The move marks a major milestone in the young cybersecurity researcher's journey, turning responsible vulnerability disclosure into a professional role at one of India's leading cybersecurity and cyber-defence research centres.
Adhikary first came into the spotlight after reporting security flaws in CBSE's OSM portal, highlighting the importance of responsible security research and stronger digital safeguards. More recently, he sparked fresh debate around the security of public-facing systems after claiming he was able to display the viral "Bad Apple" animation on a CBSE portal while demonstrating alleged vulnerabilities. His journey underscores the growing demand for cybersecurity talent and the opportunities available to skilled young researchers.
However, his success story also raises a broader question: Are there enough career opportunities in cybersecurity?
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY CYBERSECURITY?
Several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) offer specialised programmes in cybersecurity and related fields. Some of the prominent options include:
- IIT Kanpur: Offers a comprehensive online PG Diploma in Cybersecurity, along with an Advanced Cybersecurity Certification programme featuring live interactive classes, virtual labs, and a campus visit.
- IIT Roorkee: Provides an Advanced Certification Programme in Cybersecurity (in partnership with Imarticus Learning), covering ethical hacking, cloud security, incident response, and related topics over six months.
- IIT Ropar: Offers a four-month online Cybersecurity Essentials Certificate Programme developed in collaboration with TCS iON to equip graduates and professionals with industry-relevant skills.
- IIT Hyderabad: Runs a specialised Certification Programme in AI and Cybersecurity, combining academic learning with practical industry exposure.
- IIT Delhi: Offers an interdisciplinary M.Tech. in Cyber Security focusing on cryptography, system security, cyber forensics, and secure computing.
- IIT Patna: Provides a BS programme in AI and Cybersecurity that can be pursued without clearing the JEE examination.
Apart from the IITs, several government and private institutions also offer cybersecurity programmes. Some examples include:
- NIT Karnataka: M.Tech. in Information Security
- BITS Pilani (WILP): Online M.Sc. in Cyber Security
- IIIT Bangalore: M.Tech. in Information Security
- Anna University: M.E. in Information Security
THE JOB MARKET
According to the Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Directorate General of Employment, National Institute of Career Service, cybersecurity professionals can pursue a variety of roles, including:
| Job Role | Required Skills | Qualification | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | Strong understanding of networking and operating systems; proficiency in security tools; analytical and problem-solving abilities; communication skills | Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field | Rs 6.4 LPA |
| Penetration Tester (Pen Tester) | Expertise in ethical hacking techniques, penetration testing methodologies, scripting languages, and network security | Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT, or a related discipline | Rs 8.6 LPA |
| Security Engineer | Experience with vulnerability management tools, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and security compliance standards | Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity | Rs 8.4 LPA |
| Security Architect | Extensive experience in security design and implementation; knowledge of security frameworks and architectures; leadership capabilities | Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field | Rs 24.7 LPA |
| Senior Cyber Security Consultant | Malware analysis, threat intelligence, threat hunting, security architecture, and analysis of malicious files | B.E./B.Tech. in Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Telecommunications, or MCA | Rs 14.1 LPA |
| Security Engineer (Trust and Safety) | Code-level security auditing, Android system security, reverse engineering, and hands-on experience with IDA Pro and OllyDbg | Master's degree in Computer Science and relevant experience in software reverse engineering | Rs 2.2–8.1 LPA |
| SOC (Security Operations Centre) Engineer | Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), threat monitoring, and incident response | B.E./B.Tech. or Master's degree in Computer Science or Engineering | Rs 3 LPA (starting salary) |
As cyber threats become more sophisticated and organisations increasingly prioritise digital security, demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue growing across industries.
As businesses, governments, and individuals become increasingly dependent on digital systems, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. Organisations across sectors are investing heavily in protecting their data and networks, creating a steady stream of job opportunities ranging from security analysts and ethical hackers to security architects and consultants.
For students, cybersecurity offers a combination of strong career prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities to solve real-world problems. The field values practical skills and continuous learning, making it an attractive option for those interested in technology. With cyber threats showing no signs of slowing down, cybersecurity is widely seen as one of the most future-ready careers of the digital age
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