Vehicle cybersecurity is emerging as an important new skill requirement for India’s automotive workforce as vehicles become increasingly connected and software-driven, according to the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC).
Speaking at the ASDC Annual Conclave 2026, Vinkesh Gulati, ASDC Chairperson, said skilling for automotive cybersecurity would require greater investment in centres of excellence and supporting infrastructure.
“Vehicle cybersecurity is also now becoming very, very important and the skilling towards it needs a lot of investment in COE and infrastructure,” Gulati said.
Cybersecurity, AI, and Advanced Battery Skilling
Cybersecurity is part of a wider shift in the skills required by the automotive industry. ASDC identified artificial intelligence, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous technologies, EVs and advanced battery systems among areas where the next generation of automotive professionals will need capabilities.
The change reflects the transformation of the vehicle itself. Gulati said automobiles, traditionally considered largely mechanical products, now incorporate software and technologies spanning multiple industries, including batteries and chemicals. Electric mobility, automation, connected technologies, Industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing are consequently changing the industry’s workforce requirements.
Training Challenges and National Programme Proposals
Keeping automotive training aligned with this technological transition is becoming a challenge. Gulati said new technologies can emerge even while qualification programmes are being developed and candidates are being trained, requiring the skilling ecosystem to continuously respond to changing industry requirements.
ASDC has proposed a national programme to develop talent in emerging areas including AI and ADAS. It has also sought support for establishing a world-class centre of excellence focused on research, innovation and skilling for next-generation mobility technologies.
Extending Automotive Skilling to Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
The council wants these capabilities to extend beyond India’s established automotive hubs. It has called for automotive skilling to reach Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, emerging automotive clusters and, where possible, villages and talukas, enabling a wider pool of technicians and young workers to participate in the industry’s technological transition.