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Windows / M365 admin:Active Directory, Exchange, Intune, Azure AD — the enterprise backbone.
Most Indian enterprises run on Active Directory, Microsoft 365 and Windows Server. The admin who understands identity, GPO, Exchange Online and Intune is never idle — and the path into Azure is direct.
What the job is
- Active Directory: users, groups, GPO, DNS/DHCP, trusts; Entra ID (Azure AD) sync and conditional access
- Microsoft 365: Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint/OneDrive, licensing, security & compliance center
- Windows Server: file/print, Hyper-V, patching (WSUS), RDS; Intune/Autopilot for endpoints
- PowerShell automation; backup/restore of AD and mailboxes
Core skills
- AD design and troubleshooting, Kerberos/NTLM basics
- PowerShell (serious level)
- M365 security: MFA, conditional access, DLP, Defender
- Hybrid identity, Azure fundamentals
- Endpoint management (Intune, GPO)
Windows Server 2019/2022/2025, Hyper-VEntra ID, Intune, Exchange Online, DefenderPowerShell, RSAT, ADSI EditVeeam for AD/M365 backup
Certifications that matter in India
| Certification | Issuer | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS-900 / AZ-900 | Microsoft | Entry | Fundamentals; cheap, fast |
| MD-102 (Endpoint Administrator) | Microsoft | Mid | Intune/endpoint roles |
| MS-102 (M365 Administrator Expert) | Microsoft | Mid–Senior | The core M365 admin cert |
| AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) | Microsoft | Mid | Hybrid/cloud path |
| SC-300 (Identity & Access) | Microsoft | Mid | Identity-focused roles |
The path
- 0–6 monthsBuild an AD lab (2 DCs, clients) in Hyper-V/Proxmox; GPOs; PowerShell basics; M365 developer tenant
- 6–18 monthsL1/L2 Windows/M365 support; mailbox, licence, device management; scripts
- 18–36 monthsSystems engineer: AD/Exchange projects, Intune rollout, hybrid identity, security baselines
- 3–6 yearsMicrosoft architect: Azure landing zones, M365 security, migrations/tenant consolidation
Typical pay (India, 2026)
| Level | Range |
|---|---|
| L1 support | ₹2.5–4 LPA |
| Windows/M365 admin | ₹5–9 LPA |
| Systems engineer | ₹9–16 LPA |
| Microsoft architect | ₹16–32 LPA |
Product companies and GCCs in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Delhi-NCR pay at the top of each band; service companies at the bottom. Contract/migration work pays a premium.
Labs to do this month- AD forest with GPO-enforced security baseline; join 2 Windows clients; audit logons
- M365 dev tenant: conditional access + MFA + DLP policy; test with a phishing-simulation mail
- PowerShell script that reports stale accounts and disables them with a ticket
Want this path with a mentor and real projects?
We hire and train engineers for client work, and we connect vetted engineers with companies. Search terms people use for this role: windows server administrator jobs · active directory course · microsoft 365 administrator certification · ms-102 exam · intune training.