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Sciencecomputer science & IT

Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hackers (penetration testers) legally probe networks, applications and systems to find vulnerabilities and help organisations secure them. In India this role is typically reached via computer-science-focused undergraduate degrees plus certifications, hands-on labs and bug-bounty/CTF experience.

Salary range
₹4–35 LPA
Job growth
very high
Work type
Remote/Hybrid
Paths to entry
3 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Strengthen maths and basic programming fundamentals (Python)
  • Explore basic networking concepts and operating systems
  • Participate in online coding challenges and basic CTFs for beginners

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Ethical Hacker

Every step you need — from now to your first job.

B.Tech (Computer Science)
Science

Strong programming and systems knowledge from an engineering degree makes it easier to move into professional security roles; supplement with internships and certs.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    JEE Main or JEE Advanced or BITSAT
  3. Degree
    B.Tech in Computer Science or Information Security (4 years)
  4. Colleges
    IIT Bombay · IIT Delhi · IIIT Hyderabad
  5. Career
    Ethical Hacker
B.Sc / BCA (Computer Science / IT)
Any Stream

Good route if you prefer a focused software/IT degree; pair with practical labs, open-source projects and security workshops.

  1. Now
    Any Stream Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    B.Sc Computer Science / BCA (3 years)
  4. Colleges
    University of Delhi · Christ University Bengaluru · Amity University Noida
  5. Career
    Ethical Hacker
Direct skill route (Certs & Bootcamps)
Any Stream

Used alongside a degree or by experienced IT professionals to enter security roles; certifications and a portfolio of CTFs/bug bounties are critical.

  1. Now
    Any Stream Stream
  2. Exams
    —
  3. Degree
    Professional certifications and diplomas (CEH, OSCP, CompTIA Security+, short-term PG diplomas)
  4. Colleges
    IIIT Hyderabad · Indian Institute of Information Technology Delhi
  5. Career
    Ethical Hacker

Entrance exams

ExamEligibilityDifficultyWindow
JEE Main
NTA
Class 12 PCMVery HardJan & Apr
JEE Advanced
IIT (rotating)
JEE Main top 2.5LVery HardMay
BITSAT
BITS Pilani
Class 12 PCM, 75%+HardMay-Jun
CUET UG
NTA
Class 12 (any stream)MediumMay-Jun

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay
Central GovtMumbai, Maharashtra
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
IIIT Hyderabad
BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani
Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan
BITSAT
University of Delhi
Christ University Bengaluru
Amity University Noida
Indian Institute of Information Technology Delhi
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.