NTA GM Information Security (CISO) Recruitment 2026

NTA is hiring 1 General Manager - Information Security (CISO) at its Head Office in New Delhi on a contract basis. If you have a B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech/M.Sc in Computer Science, IT, or Cyber Security with at least 12 years of information security experience, you can apply by email. The last date to apply is 24 August 2026. This is a 3-year contract, extendable based on performance.

National Testing Agency (NTA) General Manager - Information Security (CISO) Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

National Testing Agency (NTA), the autonomous body under the Ministry of Education that conducts JEE (Main), NEET (UG), UGC-NET, CUET, CMAT, GPAT and other major national exams for crores of candidates across 500-plus cities, has released a notification for 1 General Manager - Information Security, designated as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). NTA's digital ecosystem covers candidate portals, application and registration platforms, fee payment, admit cards, computer-based testing systems, item banks, and result-processing engines, and this makes cyber-security a non-negotiable priority for the Agency. You will lead NTA's entire cyber-security function, protecting the personal data of crores of exam candidates and the digital infrastructure behind India's biggest entrance tests. You will report directly to the Director General, work closely with NTA's technology, test-security, vigilance, and finance & legal functions, and act as the Agency's senior-most interface with CERT-In, NCIIPC, MeitY and other Government cyber-security bodies. This role suits senior cyber-security leaders who have run large-scale security operations and want to work on a mission-critical national platform.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Cyber Security, or an allied discipline from a recognised university. A Master's degree or higher in Cyber Security/Information Security is an added advantage.
• Experience: You need at least 12 years of post-qualification experience in information security, cyber security, or security operations, with at least 5 years at a senior leadership level (CISO, Head of Information Security, Senior Director - Cyber Security, or VP - Information Security) in a large enterprise.
• Certification: You must hold at least one professional certification such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, CGEIT, CCISO, OSCP, or GIAC (any track).
• Desirable: Prior CISO experience in banking, financial services, telecom, e-commerce, or a major public-sector platform; experience leading response to a major cyber-incident; experience running a 24x7 Security Operations Centre; familiarity with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, PCI DSS, and cloud security across AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical command across network security, application security, endpoint security, cloud security, identity & access, and cryptography
• Excellent governance instincts — ability to define policy, set standards, and run compliance forums
• Proven incident-response and crisis-management capability under pressure
• Outstanding stakeholder-management skills across Government functionaries, regulators, partners, vendors, and senior leadership
• High personal integrity and the ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion

Age Limit

• You should preferably be below 55 years as on the last date of application.
• Age Relaxation: May be considered for candidates with exceptional cyber-security leadership credentials.

Salary

• You get a consolidated monthly remuneration, decided based on your qualifications, experience, and industry benchmarks. NTA states the package will be competitive and negotiable for exceptional candidates.

Selection Process

The selection has three stages:

1. Shortlisting: Based on your qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role. NTA reserves the right to fix suitable shortlisting criteria and limit the number of candidates called for interview.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear for a personal interview before a Selection Committee, with the option of presenting your cyber-security strategy and operations plan for NTA.
3. Background Verification: NTA carries out comprehensive background and integrity verification before making any offer.

The decision of the Selection Committee is final and binding. Meeting the minimum qualifications and experience does not automatically entitle you to an interview call, since NTA can limit the number of candidates called based on suitability for such a senior role.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form (Annexure-I) from nta.ac.in.
2. Fill it in along with a detailed CV and a vision statement (maximum 2 pages) on information security and cyber resilience at NTA.
3. Attach self-attested copies of your educational and professional certificates.
4. Email your application to the address notified on the NTA website, with the subject line "Application for the Post of GM - Information Security (CISO), NTA".
5. If you are currently employed in Government/PSU/Autonomous bodies, route your application through proper channel or submit a No Objection Certificate at the time of interview.

Your application must reach NTA within 30 days from the date of publication of this advertisement. Incomplete applications, or applications not accompanied by the required supporting documents, are liable to be rejected. This engagement is purely on a contractual basis and does not confer any right to regular appointment or absorption in NTA, and canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 25 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 24 August 2026

• Define and maintain NTA's information-security strategy, policies, and architecture
• Lead a 24x7 Security Operations Centre covering threat monitoring and incident response
• Manage identity, access, and privilege controls across all NTA systems
• Drive compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, CERT-In directions, and MeitY guidelines
• Lead cyber-incident response and crisis management for examination-critical systems
• Oversee third-party and vendor security risk assessments
• Build and mentor an in-house information security team
• Report security posture, risks, and KPIs to the Director General and Governing Body