A blog post highlighting security vulnerabilities in the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) portal has transformed the life of 19-year-old Nisarg Adhikary.
The young cybersecurity enthusiast has now been appointed as an Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Threat Intelligence Engineer at IIT Kanpur’s renowned technology innovation hub, C3iHub.
How a Blog Post Opened Doors at IIT Kanpur
Nisarg Adhikary drew national attention after publishing a detailed blog outlining vulnerabilities in CBSE’s OSM system. His findings quickly became part of a wider debate surrounding the implementation and security of the digital evaluation platform.
Impressed by his technical skills and analytical approach, IIT Kanpur Director Professor Manindra Agrawal personally reached out to him.
According to Agrawal, Adhikary has joined the institute’s cybersecurity team and is among the youngest engineers ever recruited by IIT Kanpur.
What Will Nisarg Do at IIT Kanpur?
As part of IIT Kanpur’s cybersecurity division, Adhikary will:
- Analyze publicly available intelligence sources.
- Identify security vulnerabilities in websites and applications.
- Assist organizations in strengthening cybersecurity systems.
- Support threat intelligence and digital risk assessment initiatives.
The role places him at the center of advanced cybersecurity research and practical security operations.
A Passion for Coding Since Childhood
Unlike many technology professionals who discover coding later in life, Adhikary began programming when he was just six or seven years old.
His interest in cybersecurity deepened during middle school. By Class 6, he was actively participating in ethical hacking competitions and Capture The Flag (CTF) events, where participants solve cybersecurity challenges in controlled environments.
Despite coming from a non-technical family, Adhikary continued building his skills through self-learning, practical projects, and international collaborations.
The CBSE OSM Portal Controversy
In his blog, Adhikary claimed he identified multiple vulnerabilities within the CBSE OSM portal and reported them to India’s cybersecurity agency CERT-In.
Among the issues highlighted were security flaws that could potentially affect authentication systems and user access controls.
The revelations sparked wider discussions about cybersecurity preparedness, software procurement practices, and digital infrastructure security in educational institutions.
The issue eventually prompted expert intervention, with teams from IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras assisting CBSE in reviewing and strengthening the platform.
Why IIT Kanpur Chose Him
Professor Manindra Agrawal praised Adhikary’s talent while emphasizing that the institute would provide an environment for further growth.
According to IIT Kanpur officials, the young recruit demonstrated exceptional practical cybersecurity knowledge, problem-solving ability, and real-world vulnerability assessment skills.
These qualities helped him stand out despite his young age.
Not Interested in a Traditional College Path
Interestingly, Adhikary currently has no plans to pursue a conventional college degree.
Instead, he wants to focus on building products, startups, and technologies that solve real-world problems.
He believes hands-on experience and innovation-driven work align better with his career goals than traditional academic pathways.
A New Face of India’s Cybersecurity Talent
Nisarg Adhikary’s journey reflects a growing trend in India’s technology ecosystem, where skill, innovation, and practical expertise are increasingly being recognized alongside formal qualifications.
From identifying security flaws in a major education platform to securing a role at one of India’s premier institutions, the teenager’s story highlights how talent and dedication can create opportunities at an early age.
As India’s digital infrastructure continues to expand, young cybersecurity professionals like Adhikary are expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening the country’s cyber resilience.
