In 2021, a teenager infiltrated a major social media platform, gaining access to high-profile accounts and sending out fraudulent messages that tricked thousands. The world panicked– but here’s the twist: he wasn’t a criminal. He was an ethical hacker, who exposed vulnerabilities before real cybercriminals could exploit them.
If you’re fascinated by technology, problem-solving, and protecting sensitive data, a career in cybersecurity could be your perfect path.
This blog will walk you through the courses, career prospects, salary expectations, and the best institutions offering cybersecurity education after the 12th standard.
Why is Cybersecurity one of the Best Careers today?
Snigdha (name changed) has been working at a well-known Indian private sector bank. She always wanted to work in cybersecurity, and she started to work with her mentor to build cybersecurity skills. She struggled a lot at the start as she had to move into a technical domain from the financial domain. She has put up a learning plan as per the guidance from her mentor and completed all the courses as per the agreed timeline. She was able to pass the technical interview and joined a team that works on multiple key security tools.
Within a short span of time, she started to perform exceptionally well and fully got into the cybersecurity industry. Her journey into cybersecurity has been challenging and rewarding, filled with technical hurdles, late nights, and setbacks that ultimately strengthened her resilience and confidence. Today, she takes pride as a cybersecurity professional and is all set to protect digital assets for her employer and for the society at large.
Her experience proves that passion, dedication, and continuous learning are key to success. If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, know that there’s no single path to follow, but every step is worth it—the field is full of opportunities to make a real impact.
1. “The Digital World’s Superheroes” – High Demand and Job Security
With cyberattacks increasing daily, companies and governments desperately need cybersecurity experts to protect data and systems. Cyber Security jobs aren’t just in demand – they’re recession-proof. Whether it’s preventing a data breach or stopping ransomware attacks, security professionals are the first line of defense in the digital world.
2. “Big Threats, Bigger Paychecks” – Lucrative Salary Packages
Cyber threats are growing, and so are the salaries for those who can combat them. Ethical hackers, forensic analysts, and security auditors are some of the highest-paid professionals in tech.
3. “Not Just Hacking – A World of Possibilities” – Diverse Career Options
A cybersecurity degree isn’t just about hacking – it opens doors to various career paths, including Network Security, Cyber Forensics, Cloud Security, and IT Risk Management.
4. “Every Industry Needs You” – Work Anywhere You Want
Cybersecurity isn’t limited to tech companies. Banks, hospitals, retail giants, and even airlines need security professionals to protect their systems. You can work in any industry that interests you.
5. “Be Your Boss” – Freelancing and Consulting Opportunities
Don’t want a typical 9-to-5 job? Many cybersecurity professionals work as freelance ethical hackers, security consultants, or penetration testers for companies that need one-time security audits.
Tip: Platforms like Bugcrowd and HackerOne let ethical hackers earn money by finding security vulnerabilities in companies’ systems.
6. “Always Something New to Learn” – Continuous Growth and Learning
Cybersecurity is never boring – threats evolve, and so do the skills needed to fight them. Staying ahead means learning new hacking techniques, security protocols, and emerging technologies.
How to Get Started in Cybersecurity After 12th?
If you’re fresh out of school and eager to enter cybersecurity, you don’t always need a tech background – just problem-solving skills, IT fundamentals, and hands-on experience.
Getting into cybersecurity starts with choosing the right learning path. You can go for a degree like B.Tech or B.Sc in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or IT for a strong academic foundation. If you prefer a faster route, diploma programs or industry-recognized certifications can get you started. No matter which path you choose, learning programming (Python, Java, Linux commands) and networking fundamentals (IP addresses, firewalls, TCP/IP) is essential. Free resources like Cisco’s Networking Academy can help you build these skills.
Cybersecurity is a hands-on field, so gaining practical experience is crucial. Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, use platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe, and contribute to open-source projects or internships. To boost your credibility, start with beginner-friendly certifications like CompTIA Security+,CEH, or Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate. As you gain experience, consider advanced certifications like CISSP or OSCP. These steps will help you build a strong foundation and stand out in the cybersecurity industry.
Where to Study Cybersecurity? My Personal Recommendations
- National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar
Program: B.Tech – M.Tech. in Computer Science & Engineering with Cyber Security specialization
Duration: Five years
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCM
Specializations: AI, Data Science, Cyber-Physical Systems2.
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Program: B.Tech in Cybersecurity
Duration: Three years
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCM
Entrance Exams: JEE Main, SRMJEEE
- D.Y. Patil International University, Pune
Program: B.Tech in Cybersecurity
Duration: Four years
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCM
Entrance Exam: MAH MCA CET and Merit-Based
- Amity University, Noida
Program: B.Tech in Cybersecurity
Duration: Four years
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCM
Entrance Exam: CUET and Merit-Based.
Key Skills to learn to enter into the Cybersecurity profession
Cybersecurity professionals must possess a mix of technical and soft skills to excel in their roles. You can work on having a basic:
- Knowledge on Operating System, i.e, Windows/Linux
- Knowledge on Networking
- Knowledge on Cloud, i.e, Azure/AWS/GCP
It’s also good to know and gain:
- Knowledge on programming languages like Python/G, etc
- Knowledge on Risk Management
- Knowledge on emerging technologies like AI/Generative AI, Quantum Computing
Keep building knowledge on one or more of these functional areas in cybersecurity:
- Threat Intelligence
- Ethical Hacking
- Cryptography
- Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)
- Incident Response
- Digital Forensics
- Security Compliance and Governance
- Cloud Security
- Secure Software Development
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Data Protection and Privacy
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Skills
- Cyber Threat Analysis and Intelligence
Career Paths Beyond Traditional Cybersecurity Roles
A BSc in Cyber Security, BTech in Cyber Security, or a Cyber Forensics course doesn’t limit you to just one career path.
Not sure about where you fit? Let’s match your skills and interests to the perfect cybersecurity career!
1. Cyber Forensics Investigator – For Those Who Love Solving Mysteries
Do you enjoy uncovering secrets and following digital trails? Cyber forensics might be for you!
What They Do:
- Analyze digital evidence to investigate cybercrimes.
- Work with law enforcement agencies and corporate security teams to track hackers.
Key Skills: Cybersecurity, ethical hacking, digital forensics, forensic science.
Path to This Role: Study cyber forensics, get hands-on experience with tools like Autopsy or EnCase, and pursue certifications in digital forensics.
2. IT Security Auditor – For the Detail-Oriented Rule Enforcer
Do you love analyzing risks, spotting weaknesses, and ensuring everything is up to standard? If so, security auditing could be your path.
What They Do:
- Ensure companies comply with cybersecurity laws and policies.
- Conduct security risk assessments and suggest improvements.
Key Skills: IT governance, risk management, security auditing.
Path to This Role: A degree in cybersecurity + a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.
3. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker) – For Those Who Love Breaking Things (Legally!)
Are you the kind of person who takes apart gadgets to see how they work? Ethical hacking might be your calling.
What They Do:
- Simulate cyberattacks to find security weaknesses in systems.
- Help organizations patch vulnerabilities before real hackers exploit them.
Key Skills: Cryptography, ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment.
Path to This Role: Get hands-on experience with Hack The Box or TryHackMe, then earn a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification.
4. Cloud Security Specialist – For the Tech Enthusiast Who Loves the Cloud
If you’re fascinated by cloud computing, AWS, and securing online services, this role is for you.
What They Do:
- Protect cloud-based systems from cyber threats.
- Ensure compliance with cloud security standards.
Key Skills: AWS, Google Cloud, Azure security, compliance regulations.
Path to This Role: Learn cloud security fundamentals and earn a Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification.
5. Security Software Developer – For the Coders Who Love Security
Are you passionate about writing secure code and preventing cyber threats? If yes, this career could be perfect.
What They Do:
- Develop security-focused software and applications.
- Write code that protects against hacking attempts.
Key Skills: Python, Java, secure coding practices.
Path to This Role: Learn secure coding, contribute to open-source security projects, and earn a Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification.
6. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – For the Future Cybersecurity Leader
Do you have a vision for cybersecurity and love leading teams? If so, aim for this top-level position.
What They Do:
- Oversee an organization’s cybersecurity strategy.
- Manage teams and risk mitigation plans.
Key Skills: Network security, IT governance, leadership.
Path to This Role: Years of experience in cybersecurity + certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
Final Thought: Cybersecurity is More Than a Job – It’s a Mission
Cybersecurity is a rewarding and dynamic career path with vast opportunities for growth. As cyber threats increase, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can protect digital assets. Whether you pursue a B.Tech, B.Sc, diploma, or certification, the field offers excellent career prospects. By continuously learning and staying updated with cybersecurity trends, students can build a successful career in this high-demand industry.
With high salaries, job security, and endless learning opportunities, this field isn’t just about tech – it’s about shaping the future of digital safety. If you’re passionate about technology and security, now is the perfect time to start your journey into cybersecurity!
Unsure which cybersecurity course is right for you? Book a free counseling session with us and get expert guidance today!
FAQs on Cybersecurity Courses After 12th
Q1: Which is better – B.Tech or B.Sc in Cybersecurity?
B.Tech is more technical and engineering-focused, while B.Sc covers theoretical and practical aspects. Choose based on your interests.
Q2: Can Commerce or Arts students pursue cybersecurity?
Yes! While some institutions prefer Science students, many cybersecurity courses accept students from all streams.
Q3: What is the best certification for beginners?
CompTIA Security+ and CEH are great entry-level certifications.
Q4: How long does it take to become a cybersecurity professional?
It depends on the path chosen. A bachelor’s degree takes 3-4 years, while certifications can be completed in 3-12 months.
Q5: Is cybersecurity a stressful job?
Cybersecurity can be challenging due to evolving threats, but with the right skills and passion, it can be an exciting and fulfilling career.
Q6. What are the best certifications for starting a career in cybersecurity?
For beginners, top certifications include CompTIA Security+ (fundamentals of security), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (penetration testing), and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (security operations). More advanced professionals can pursue CISSP (security management), CISM (governance and risk management), and OSCP (offensive security and penetration testing). Certifications help validate skills and improve job prospects in the cybersecurity industry.
Q7. What are the career prospects for cybersecurity professionals?
Cybersecurity offers strong job growth, high salaries, and diverse roles such as security analyst, ethical hacker, cybersecurity engineer, and CISO. With increasing cyber threats, industries like finance, healthcare, and government are investing heavily in security, making it a stable and rewarding career path.
–
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are of my own. They are an articulation of my knowledge, experience and research on the topic. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of my current or previous employers.