To become a cyber security professional, you should have passed class 12th from a recognised institute and graduated with related specialisations like CS, Electronics. Discover how to start your cybersecurity journey with edept.
As cyber attacks are rising, the need for professionals protecting sensitive data to secure digital systems is skyrocketing. According to Cyber Security Ventures, as cyber threats surge, global crime costs are projected to reach USD 10.5 trillion by the end of 2025. The demand for skilled cyber security professionals is at an all-time high. This makes a rising demand for cybersecurity courses as one of the most sought-after career paths for the aspirants. To apply for a certified, globally recognised course, it is necessary to understand the cyber security course eligibility before registering so that you can save time and don’t end up choosing the wrong course for yourself. This blog covers the detailed eligibility requirements for admission to cyber security.
Who is Eligible to Become a Cyber Security Expert?
To be eligible for cybersecurity courses, you are required to have –
- Passed class 12th from a recognised institute.
- Graduated with specialisations in Electronics, Computer Science, or any other related fields.
- If you are a working professional, seeking a career shift into higher-demand security roles could be beneficial.
At edept, you can learn cybersecurity with specialised expertise in digital forensics, ethical hacking, and systems security. Apply Now!
Types of Cyber Security Courses
A proper understanding of the courses makes it easier to align your background and career aspirations with the right training. Below are some of the types of cybersecurity courses:
- Certificate Courses – You can pursue a certificate course online or offline. They are mostly designed for beginners. The fundamentals covered in this course are malware analysis, risk management, and network security.
- Diploma in Cyber Security – It blends theory with practical labs that teach penetration testing, systems and network security, and cloud security. The duration of Diploma in Cyber Security is typically 6 months to 1 year.
- Undergraduate Courses – The duration of UG cybersecurity courses is usually 3 to 4 years, depending on the course you are choosing. A B.Voc in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics would be a great choice if you are willing to explore Cloud Computing Security, Security Information and Event Management, and Mobile Security and Forensics.
Postgraduate courses—If you are willing to specialize in cybersecurity after graduation, aim for mid or senior-level job roles such as incident response manager or security analyst.
Also Read, Cyber Security Courses After 12th – India vs Global Markets
Understanding Cyber Security Course Eligibility Criteria by Course Level
Eligibility criteria for cybersecurity courses vary significantly depending on the level of the courses. It varies based on which course you are enrolled in – certificate course, diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate course.
Certificate (Beginner level)
The certificate courses in cybersecurity are ideal for students or professionals at the entry level. The duration of Cyber Security Certificate Courses is usually 3 to 6 months. To enrol, you have to pass class 10+2 from a well-recognized board. It is compulsory to have a basic knowledge of computers. It is to be noted that there is a compulsory demand to have an efficient knowledge of coding.
Diploma in Cyber Security
A diploma in cybersecurity program duration is 6 months to 1 year, depending on the course structure. If you are an aspiring cybersecurity analyst or technician, then you might want to pursue this course. The eligibility criteria state that you need to pass class 10+2 from a recognised board and preferably with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths, or have studied Information Technology. If you have the planning to appear for any entrance examinations, you are good to go.
Undergraduate Degree in Cyber Security
An undergraduate program in cyber security is best for those who are willing to pursue the course as a full-time student. It is best if you are aiming to build your career in tech. The duration of a bachelor’s course is 3 to 4 years. For instance, the B.Voc in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics offers hands-on training, real-world projects, and expert mentorship. You will get to master both defensive and offensive security techniques while gaining crucial digital forensics skills. One of the best institutes to pursue the course is Shree L.R. Tiwari College of Engineering, powered by edept. To pursue the course, you are required to pass 10+2 from a recognized board and have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Maths, or have studied Information Technology.
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Postgraduate/PG Diploma
To pursue a postgraduate degree in cyber security, you should have completed bachelor’s in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Electronics, or equivalent. The duration of a PG Cyber Security Course is 2 years. It is perfect for you if you are a graduate or a working professional.
Certifications (CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP)
If you are a professional who is looking to upskill or shift their career, you might want to opt for a certification in CompTIA Security+, CEH, or CISSP. The duration of these courses usually varies depending on which institute you are enrolling in. To enrol, you are recommended to have prior IT or networking experience. However, it is not mandatory.
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Skills Required for Cyber Security Courses
Apart from the eligibility criteria, you should also check the required skills to have mastered, which will shape your career in cybersecurity better. Below are some of the common cybersecurity skills listed.
- Technical Skills – As a cybersecurity expert, you are required to possess technical skills, which include knowledge of operating systems, firewalls, networking, and intrusion detection systems.
- Programming Basics – Familiarity with Java, Python, or C++ offers you an edge, though it’s not consistently required.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills – The power to think and believe like an attacker to determine system defects is required, which helps develop analytical skills.
- Attention to Detail – Security breaches often hinge on tiny oversights. Therefore, having the capacity to pay attention to detail is highly valued.
- Soft Skills – Apart from the technical and analytical skills, soft skills help in sustaining the organization. Teamwork, Communication, and ethical responsibility are required to follow compliance measures.
Choosing the Right Path Based on Your Background
To choose the most suitable course of action based on your background, we have provided a phased approach for you. This will help you move from generalist to specialist by increasing your career opportunities and earning potential at every stage of your career.
- Completing class 12th – Join B.Voc in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Course powered by edept to build a strong base in digital forensics and security systems.
- After graduation, you can enrol in diploma-based programs to upskill your resume. A good choice would be advanced programs that focus on digital forensics, penetration testing, and secure software development.
- If you are a working professional, you can select CompTIA Security+ or CISO Leadership Training to upgrade your skill set and validate your experience, and aim for managerial roles.
Common Eligibility Misconceptions
Many candidates are admitted to the course as they dispel myths surrounding the cyber security course eligibility. Let’s discuss some of the most common misconceptions about cybersecurity admissions.
- Myth 1 – Only Computer Engineering students can apply for Cyber Security Courses.
Truth – Yes, a CS background adds an advantage, but students from any stream with Information Technology aptitude can pursue it.
- Myth 2 – Coding knowledge at an advanced level is mandatory.
Truth – The majority of the beginner-level courses focus on networking and security concepts, where you can learn about coding gradually.
- Myth 3 – Certifications alone can replace formal education.
Truth – This is false. Certifications are an add-on for academic courses, but nothing can beat the breadth of academic knowledge.
When you clear all these myths, it becomes much easier to confidently start the course.
- Based on NASSACOM’s 2024 highlights, there is a 40% shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in India.
- The US Bureau of Labour Statistics states a 33% growth in cyber security analyst jobs by 2033, which exceeds the average job growth rates.
Why Choose Cybersecurity with edept?
Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing industries, and if you are an aspiring student, then understanding cyber security course eligibility is something that you need to check in the first step. Whether you are fresh out of school or an experienced IT professional, edept offers a tailored learning program which can help you develop as a skilled security professional to tackle modern threats.
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FAQs
- What is the eligibility to study cybersecurity?
To take admission into cyber security course as an entry-level candidate, you have to pass class 10+2 from a recognized board with basic knowledge of IT. Advanced programs usually require graduates from Computer Science or an IT equivalent.
- What qualifications do I need for cybersecurity?
To enter the world of cybersecurity, you generally require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, along with technical skills in networking, programming (like Python), and security tools.
- Who can join cybersecurity?
Anyone who has a keen interest in digital platforms protection, be it a student or a working professional, can join cyber security.
- How to start a cybersecurity course?
To start a cyber security course, you can check all the details here and get in touch with the expert counsellors to help you enrol and follow the next steps.
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- What are the requirements to study cybersecurity?
The requirements to study cybersecurity require basic computer skills, problem-solving aptitude, and sometimes exams for degree courses.