National Cyber Security Scholar Program Inaugurated at GMR Aero Academy
Program draws participation from government, law enforcement, PSUs, academia, and corporate leadership across the country.
Phygital Cyber Range Lab from Tactical Cyberange Simulations Showcased; CERT-In, ISAC and NSD Launch India’s Premier Techno-Managerial Cybersecurity Program
Hyderabad, August 21, 2025:The National Cyber Security Scholar Program (NCSSP) under the National Security Database (NSD) platform was inaugurated today at the GMR Aero Academy, in collaboration with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC).
Prof. V. Balakista Reddy, Chairman, Telangana State Council of Higher Education, delivered the keynote address, praising Telangana’s proactive initiatives in cybersecurity education at foundation, technical, and managerial levels. He urged scholars to extend their expertise to national and state capacity-building efforts.
The highlight of the session was the unveiling of the Cyberange Center of Excellence at GMR Aero Academy, featuring a Phygital Cyber Range Lab built from tactical Cyberange simulations. Scholars witnessed hands-on exercises in critical sector and OT security, bridging academic training with real-world industrial resilience.
Prof. Reddy lauded the leadership of Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT-In, for “changing the dynamics of India’s cybersecurity preparedness and positioning the nation for future leadership.”
Group Captain Aanand Naidu (Retd), Advisor to ISAC, said:
“This program is not just about producing cybersecurity leaders — it is about shaping national assets who can build resilience for India’s critical sectors.”
The program has drawn participants from across India, including professionals from government, PSUs, law enforcement, academia, and corporate leadership. The inaugural was also attended by Air Marshal K. Anantharaman, PVSM, VSM, Head, GMR Aero Academy, and Dr. Ramesh Babu Kanneganti, Founder & MD, Center for Human Security Studies.
Prof. Reddy concluded by congratulating all partners and wishing scholars success as national assets.
