All About Cyber Security Courses After 12th in India: Eligibility, Fees & Career Options

Students are at a crossroads where they must select a programme that interests them and has a promising future. Aspiring young minds interested in technology and security can explore programmes offering cybersecurity as their primary subject. If you are one of them, this blog will help you understand cybersecurity, various courses, eligibility requirements, fee structure, and different career options.

Why choose cybersecurity?

In this technologically advanced world, cyber threats are on the rise. These threats are complex and are frequent as well. Therefore, companies are seeking professionals who are passionate about technology and cybersecurity.

Suppose you are one of the aspiring students considering cybersecurity courses after 12th grade. In that case, pursuing this programme helps you gain critical skills in areas including ethical hacking, network security, and digital forensics. This guide enables you to explore various cybersecurity courses after 12th that can steer your career in the right direction for success.

Why is it essential to have cybersecurity education?

In this fast-paced technological world, everyone is highly dependent on digital systems and networks, where cybercriminals are targeting personal data, financial systems, and, in some cases, national security as well. Therefore, there is an imminent need for experienced and skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect such critical data.

However, for students pursuing courses in cybersecurity after 12th, mastering the subject offers a unique head start in this essential field. Additionally, students can specialise in vital skills that assist in counteracting cyber threats, have a promising career, and gain the opportunity to become one of the well-known industry experts.

What are the different levels of academic credentials?

An academic credential is a formal document that confirms whether a student has completed a course. This can be a degree, diploma, or certification. The different levels of academic credentials are as follows:

1. Certification programme: These are short-term courses that emphasise providing practical skills and strong foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. As the duration of these courses ranges from three to six months, they are ideal for students seeking to quickly gain or enhance their skills in cybersecurity without a long-term commitment. The classes are offered both online and offline.
2. Diploma course: This offers more in-depth knowledge than certification courses. Thus, it makes an outstanding option for those interested in a comprehensive cybersecurity study without the hassle of pursuing a full degree. These courses are available as either undergraduate or postgraduate options, with durations ranging from 10 to 12 months.
3. Integrate and dual degree programmes: here, the curriculum is fast-tracked and has a comprehensive education that combines a dual degree in either undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
4. Online cybersecurity courses: These are best suited for students seeking self-paced study or those who are unable to attend in-person classes. Several online platforms offer such a course in collaboration with industry experts, providing credentials and valuable skills.
5. Undergraduate degrees offer a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the subject. An undergraduate degree is ideal for individuals seeking to establish a solid foundation in cybersecurity.

What are the best cybersecurity courses in India?

Now that you have understood the various levels of academic credentials, it is time to know more about the best cybersecurity courses in India. Students can opt to pursue any of these cybersecurity courses, such as cybercrime courses, after completing 12th grade on a part-time or full-time basis. They can also pursue an online course. However, it is essential to note that most government and private institutions offer full-time courses in the field of cybersecurity.

The following are some of the best cybersecurity courses in India:

1. B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security
2. B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security and Quick Heal
3. B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security and Forensics
4. B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Certified Cyber Security
5. B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering in Cyber Security and Networking
6. BSc in Information Technology Management and Cyber Security
7. BSc in Cyber Security
8. BCA Honours in Cyber Security

What are the eligibility criteria for a cybersecurity course?

The following are the eligibility for cybersecurity course:

1. If you are looking for a certification course, you do not need to meet any specific eligibility requirements to participate. However, it is essential to note that every course may require the basic installation of software and a security system.
2. As a student looking into graduation, you must have completed 10+2 in the science stream from a recognised board.
3. Admissions into a post-graduation course require you to be a graduate in Cybersecurity with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised university or institute.
4. Eligibility for an undergraduate or post-graduate diploma course requires you to complete your under or postgraduate degree.

Students from an arts background are also eligible to apply for cybersecurity courses, provided they have a minimum aggregate of 50%, have English and Math as their major subjects, and they must write entrance examinations such as SET, IPU, CET, and PESSAT.

What is the admission process for cybersecurity courses after completing 12th grade?

The admission process for courses in cybersecurity after 12th is as follows:

1. Some Indian colleges that offer courses in cybersecurity after 12th have their own selection processes and admission criteria, which are based on the type of course they offer. However, it is best to visit their website to obtain more information about this.
2. You can also get selected through various entrance exams, including JEE Main, GATE, or specific colleges have their own entrance exams as well.
3. For those looking into a cybersecurity certification course, they need not worry, as they do not have to take any entrance tests for it.

What are the different types of entrance exams for cybersecurity courses in India?

Now that you have a clear picture of cybersecurity, its courses, and eligibility criteria. It's time to learn about the various types of entrance exams for cybersecurity courses. They are as follows:

1. HITSEEE - Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Engineering Entrance Examination
2. JEE Main -Joint Entrance Examination
3. SEE - SAGE Entrance Examination
4. WBJEE -West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination

What are the various career opportunities after completing cybersecurity courses?

As cyberattacks on the security systems of numerous companies and banks continue to rise, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is also increasing. Hiring such professionals helps in developing new security networks, protecting data, and stopping malicious hackers from entering companies' systems and erasing their sensitive data.

The following are some of the job profiles for a cybersecurity professional:

1. Cybersecurity Analyst
2. Network Security Engineer
3. Ethical Hacker
4. Penetration Tester
5. Security Consultant
6. Security Architect
7. Security Code Auditor
8. Security Auditor
9. Security Software Developer
10. Incident Response Specialist
11. Cyber Forensics Analyst
12. Chief Information Security Officer
13. Information Security Auditor
14. Cloud Security Specialist
15. Vulnerability Assessor
16. Cryptographer

Conclusion

As cybersecurity continues to grow and be an essential part of the digital world, it is only advantageous to start your cybersecurity journey early. Several cybersecurity courses are available after 12th grade, offering in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience, and certification, which provide a pathway to a successful career. Whether you want to pursue a career in ethical hacking or become an analyst, this course offers a doorway to enter the field.

FAQs

Q1. Which degree is best for cybersecurity after 12th?

A1. An ideal degree for cybersecurity after 12th is in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or Computer Sciences that specialise in cybersecurity. These are the best options as they cover essential topics such as network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking. They also provide a strong foundation in cybersecurity. These degrees also include cybercrime courses after 12th grade.

Q2. Does cybersecurity require coding?

A2. The majority of cybersecurity jobs do not require coding. However, it may be a requirement for certain mid- to upper-level positions.

Q3. Does cybersecurity pay well in India?

A3. The initial salary of a cybersecurity professional ranges between ₹3 lakhs and ₹4 lakhs per annum. However, it also depends on the work experience and the company you join.

Q4. Is cybersecurity a good career?

A4. Cybersecurity can be a great career option for individuals passionate about technology and cybersecurity.

Q5. How to apply for cybersecurity?

A5. You can visit the website of the college of your choice and check their application process. Or you can refer to the application mentioned in this blog.

Q6. Is cybersecurity tough to study?

A6. The cybersecurity course is not difficult to learn and understand if you have the correct training, work hard, demonstrate determination and interest, and genuinely study to complete your course successfully.

Q7. What qualifications do you need to study cybersecurity?

A7. Several cybersecurity courses are available for 12th-grade students, such as certificate programmes, diplomas, and bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity. All these programmes let you learn the essentials of cybersecurity skills. For more information about cybersecurity qualifications, please contact our academic team. You can also get information about cybersecurity course fees.