Dear student,
Depending on your educational level and career aspirations, there are a host of cybersecurity courses in India. Some of them include:
~B.Tech/B.E. in Cyber Security/Computer Science with specialisation in Cyber Security:Duration: 4 years
Course Fees: ₹3,00,000 - ₹10,00,000 (can vary significantly based on the institution - government vs. private, and its ranking).
Focus: Comprehensive understanding of computer science principles along with specialized knowledge in cybersecurity domains like network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and digital forensics.
Eligibility: 10+2 with science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and often a minimum percentage (e.g., 50%). Some colleges might also require entrance exam scores (like JEE Main).
~B.Sc. in Cyber Security/Information Security:
Duration: 3 years
Course Fees: ₹30,000 - ₹5,00,000 (depending on the college).
Focus: More focused on the theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity, including risk management, security operations, and software development with security considerations.
Eligibility: 10+2 with mathematics/statistics/computer science as a subject and a minimum percentage.
~M.Tech/M.E. in Cyber Security/Information Security:
Duration: 2 years
Course Fees: ₹1,00,000 - ₹5,00,000. IIT Kanpur's Masters in Cybersecurity has a total fee of ₹8,00,000 for the entire program, with module fees of ₹45,000 per module.
Focus: Advanced knowledge and research skills in specialized areas of cybersecurity.
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Cyber Security, or related fields with a minimum percentage.
~BCA with specialization in Cyber Security:
Duration: 3 years
Course Fees: Varies depending on the institution.
Focus: Combines computer applications with cybersecurity fundamentals.
Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream, often with mathematics as a subject.
~M.Sc. in Cyber Security/Information Security:
Duration: 2 years
Course Fees: ₹5,000 - ₹4,00,000.
Focus: Similar to M.Tech but might have a stronger emphasis on the theoretical aspects and research.
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in relevant fields.
~Diploma Courses:
Diploma in Cyber Security/Ethical Hacking/Networking and Security:
Duration: 1 year to 2 years. Undergraduate and Postgraduate diploma courses range from 10 months to 1 year.
Course Fees: ₹20,000 - ₹1,00,000. Some institutes like GICSEH offer a 1-year Diploma in Cyber Security & Ethical Hacking for around ₹70,000.
Focus: Provides foundational and practical skills in specific cybersecurity domains, making candidates job-ready for entry-level positions.
Eligibility: Usually 10+2 passed. Some postgraduate diplomas require a bachelor's degree.
~Certification Courses:
1> Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH):Duration: Varies (can be a few days of intensive training or longer depending on the provider). Udemy offers a CEH course with access for 3 months to 2 years.
Course Fees: ₹5,000 - ₹50,000 (or more, depending on the provider and level). EC-Council's CEH certification cost is approximately ₹1,60,000 as of May 2025, but can vary.
Focus: Understanding and performing ethical hacking techniques for penetration testing.
2>CompTIA Security+:
Duration: Varies (can be a few weeks to months).
Course Fees: Exam voucher costs around ₹20,000 - ₹30,000. Training courses can have separate fees. Simplilearn offers a course with a duration of 2 months and a fee of approximately ₹1,00,000
Focus: Baseline cybersecurity skills for IT professionals.
3>Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP):
Duration: Self-study or structured training programs of varying lengths.
Course Fees: Exam fee is approximately ₹64,000. Training courses have separate costs.
Focus: Advanced cybersecurity certification for experienced professionals.
4>Cisco Certifications (CCNA Security, CCNP Security, CCIE Security):
Duration: Varies depending on the level and training provider (3 months to 1 year).
Course Fees: Vary based on the level and training institute (₹11,250 to ₹26,250 mentioned for CCNP).
Focus: Networking security with Cisco technologies.
5>Cloud Security Certifications (e.g., Certified Cloud Security Professional - CCSP):
Duration: Several months. Simplilearn offers a 3-month CCSP course.
Course Fees: Around approximately ₹1,82,000
Focus: Securing cloud environments.
Specialized Certifications: Malware Analysis, Digital Forensics, Incident Handling, etc. Fees and duration vary.
Online Platforms:
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Simplilearn, NIIT, and EC-Council offer a wide range of cybersecurity courses with varying durations and fees, including free introductory courses and paid comprehensive programs. Google also offers a Cybersecurity Certificate on Coursera (8 courses, around 181 hours).