Best Cybersecurity Courses After 12th

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Cybersecurity is quickly becoming one of the most important and popular career options today. With the rise in online threats, hacking, and data breaches, companies and individuals need strong digital protection. Students who have completed their 12th grade and have an interest in technology, computers, and online safety can explore many cybersecurity careers that are available today.

In this blog, you will explore the best cybersecurity courses after 12th in India, their benefits, eligibility, and future scope.

Table of Contents:

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of computers, networks, software, and data from unauthorised access, attacks, or damage. This involves utilizing technologies, processes, and best practices to protect digital systems from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, phishing, or data breaches. The objective of cybersecurity is to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information in the digital environment. Cybersecurity is a valuable tool in the fight against escalating cybercrime.

Different Domains of Cybersecurity includes:

  • Network Security: Network security secures a company’s internal networks by securing the router, firewall, and other parts of the network.
  • Application Security: Application Security ensures that software and applications are protected from threats by implementing secure coding practices during development and runtime.
  • Information Security (InfoSec): Information Security (InfoSec), with its confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data (in-situ storage or in transit), is secured.
  • Cloud Security: Cloud Security means all the data, applications, and services that we have on cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure are secured.

Importance of Cyber Security in Today’s Digital World

Protecting digital systems and digital information is extremely important in the world today due to technology. There is an increase in cybercrime as a result of the increase in online activity; cybercrimes include hacking, data breaches, malware, etc. Cybersecurity establishes security, privacy, and confidence in the digital environment through strong security measures.

  • Protecting Infrastructure: Many critical infrastructures (e.g., banking, health care, governmental networks) are protected from Cyber threats through adequate cybersecurity.
  • Confidence and compliance: With the protection of personal and organizational data, it builds users’ confidence and helps institutions to comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of security.
  • Protecting data: Protecting sensitive organizational or personal data from unapproved access, theft, or misuse.
  • Stopping Cyber Attacks: Defending against viruses, ransomware, phishing, and hacking attempts through adequate computer security.
  • Business Continuity: If a company has a strong cybersecurity program, it will be able to operate on a 24/7 basis even during a cyber incident.

Types of Cyber Security Courses After 12th

Cybersecurity courses are divided into degree programs, diploma programs, and certification programs, which are usually short-term. Choosing the right cybersecurity course after 12th in India depends on your career aspirations.

Degree Courses

  1. B.Sc. in Cybersecurity
  2. B.Tech in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Specialization
  3. BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) with Cybersecurity
  4. B.Sc. in Information Technology (with electives in Cybersecurity)
  5. B.E. in Information Security

Diploma Courses

  1. Diploma in Cybersecurity
  2. Diploma in Ethical Hacking
  3. Diploma in Network Security
  4. Advanced Diploma in Cyber Law and Cybersecurity

 Certification Courses 

  • Cybersecurity Essentials-edX
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – EC-Council
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate 
  • Introduction to Cybersecurity-Cisco NetAcad
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals
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Best Cyber Security Courses After 12th

Let us explore the top courses in Cyber Security available for students as well as for working professionals:

1. Intellipaat Cyber Security Course – iHUB IIT Roorkee & EC-Council Certification

The Intellipaat Cyber Security Course, in collaboration with iHUB IIT Roorkee and EC-Council, is designed to train students as certified cybersecurity experts. Learners gain hands-on experience in network security, cryptography, risk analysis, SQL injection, identity management, and ethical hacking. The program prepares students for globally recognized certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) while offering real-world projects guided by IIT faculty and industry experts.

Duration:

  • 168 hours of live classes over 7 months.
  • 60+ live sessions.

Key Highlights:

  • 25+ real-world cybersecurity projects and assessments.
  • Live masterclasses by IIT faculty and EC-Council certified experts.
  • Multiple industry-recognized certifications, including CEH and IIT Roorkee.
  • 100% placement assistance and free career counselling.
  • 24×7 learner support.

Skills & Tools Covered:

  • Linux, Kali Linux, VirtualBox, SQL, Wireshark, Nmap, Maltego.
  • Ethical hacking techniques, penetration testing, malware threats, and social engineering.
  • Cloud security, IoT hacking, cryptography, and digital forensics.

Career Opportunities:

  • Security Analyst, Security Architect, Security Consultant.
  • Cyber Security Engineer, Ethical Hacker, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

2. Intellipaat Cyber Security Expert Master’s Program

The Intellipaat Cyber Security Expert Master’s Program is an advanced training program for students and professionals aiming to become cybersecurity specialists. This course combines instructor-led training with self-paced learning, covering malware threats, ethical hacking, cloud security, and identity access management. Learners complete hands-on projects, gain practical experience with industry tools, and earn certifications recognized by EC-Council and Intellipaat.

Duration:

  • 170 hours of instructor-led training.
  • 120 hours of self-paced videos.
  • 300 hours of projects and exercises.

Key Highlights:

  • Interactive instructor-led sessions and flexible schedules.
  • Lifetime free course upgrades and mentor support.
  • Project-based learning with extensive exercises.
  • Certification and job assistance upon completion.

Skills & Tools Covered:

  • Ethical hacking, vulnerability analysis, and scanning networks
  • Security and risk management, cloud computing basics
  • Tools: Splunk, Linux, Nmap, Wireshark, OpenVAS, Nessus

Career Opportunities:

  • CEH, CISSP, CCSP certified professional
  • Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Cyber Security Engineer
  • Cloud Security Specialist

3. Intellipaat EC-Council Ethical Hacking Course – CEH v13 Certification

The Intellipaat EC-Council Ethical Hacking Course (CEH v13) is designed to teach students the skills needed to think like a hacker and defend against cyber threats. Led by EC-Council-certified experts and industry specialists from companies like CrowdStrike and McAfee, the course covers offensive and defensive techniques, including footprinting, cryptography, session hijacking, and system hacking. Students gain hands-on experience through projects and prepare for the globally recognized CEH v13 exam.

Duration:

  • 40 hours of instructor-led training
  • 24-hour self-paced videos
  • 15+ real-time projects

Key Highlights:

  • CEH v13 Certification from EC-Council with exam voucher
  • 100% job assistance and career mentoring
  • Lifetime access to VMware labs for practice
  • 1:1 sessions with industry mentors
  • 24×7 dedicated support

Skills & Tools Covered:

  • Footprinting, reconnaissance, scanning networks, vulnerability analysis
  • System hacking, malware threats, sniffing, and social engineering
  • Tools: Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, Nikto, Burp Suite, SQLMap, Maltego, Aircrack

Career Opportunities:

  • Security Analyst, Security Consultant
  • Cyber Security Engineer, Network Security Administrator
  • Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester

Why Choose Cyber Security Courses After 12th?

Pursuing a Cybersecurity Course post-12th will lead to a fulfilling and future-proof job. As more and more organizations are turning to technology for their business operations, they are becoming targets for cybercriminals everywhere due to the increase in cyberattacks. Therefore, there is an ever-growing demand for qualified cybersecurity practitioners. Cybersecurity programs prepare individuals with the knowledge and hands-on experience to help secure their company’s data, networks, and computer systems against hackers and cybercrime.

Reasons You Should Pursue a Cybersecurity Course Post 12th:

  • You Will Help Keep People Safe: Cybersecurity professionals exist to help protect individual consumers, their businesses, and the United States from cybercrime and other digital threats.
  • The High Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals: As the number of cyberattacks continues to rise, there is a worldwide shortage of cybersecurity professionals, thus creating numerous job openings.
  • You Will Have Many Career Growth Options: Cybersecurity positions tend to pay very well and provide the opportunity for quick promotions due to their large importance to businesses.
  • You Will Have Multiple Career Paths Available to You: Cybersecurity graduates can specialize in ethical hacking, network security, information security, digital forensics, and many other specialty fields.

Cybersecurity Career Path After 12th

Here is a career path that you must follow to build a strong cybersecurity career after 12th:

Step 1: Choose the Right Course
After the 12th, join a bachelor’s, diploma, or certification program in cybersecurity or computer science, or information technology. These programs will teach you the important topics in computer, networking, and security.

Step 2: Develop Your Practical Skills
Practice ethical hacking, network security, and basic programming (like Python or C) through online tutorials, labs, and personal projects. Hands-on skills are crucial in a cybersecurity career. You can also look for an ethical hacking course after 12th to gain practical skills.

Step 3: Gain Experience with Internships
Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in IT support, networking, or security roles. Real-world experience helps you apply what you learn and understand industry needs for a cybersecurity career.

Step 4: Get Certifications
Get recognized cybersecurity certifications after 12th, like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops, to validate your skills and stand out to employers.

Step 5: Apply for Entry-Level Jobs or Pursue Higher Studies
Start with entry-level roles like Security Analyst or SOC Analyst, or continue with postgraduate courses (like an MSc in Cybersecurity) for advanced knowledge and specialization.

Learn the difference between CCNA and CCNP certifications in this blog.

Top Colleges & Institutes Offering Cybersecurity Courses in India and Abroad 

Here is the list of colleges across the world to learn cybersecurity courses, either online, Indian colleges, or colleges abroad. Identifying the top cybersecurity institutes in India is crucial for quality education.

Online Platforms 

  1. Intellipaat 
  2. Coursera
  3. edX
  4. Udemy
  5. SANS Institute
  6. EC-Council

Top Institutes in India

  1. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
  2. Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
  3. Intellipaat School of Technologies (IST) 
  4. Amity University
  5. Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
  6. SRM Institute of Science and Technology
  7. Jain University, Bengaluru
  8. UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies), Dehradun
  9. Manipal Institute of Technology

Top Institutes Abroad

  1. Stanford University
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology—MIT
  3. Carnegie Mellon University 
  4. University of Oxford 
  5. University of Maryland
  6. Royal Holloway, University of London 
  7. Technical University of Munich

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Common Challenges in a Cybersecurity Career

While cybersecurity offers great job potential and a promising career scope in India, there are some challenges to be aware of that help you to be more prepared and successful in this field.

1. Evolving Cyber Threats

Cyber threats keep evolving, with hackers finding new ways to exploit security systems. Cybersecurity professionals need to stay updated on the latest vulnerabilities, tools, technologies, and resources to protect against these risks.

2. Stressful Situations

Cyber events such as data breaches and ransomware attacks can often place cybersecurity professionals in high-pressure situations, which require them to think, act quickly and remain calm and composed.

3. Ongoing Education

Continuous learning is essential for cybersecurity professionals. They must pursue certifications, attend workshops, and undergo training to stay current and strengthen their skills, especially in new fields like cloud security and AI-related threats.

4. Skills Gap and Competition

Although there is a strong demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, top positions can be very competitive. To succeed, you need to build solid knowledge of systems, programming, and networking, which requires time and dedication.

5. Ethical and Legal Accountability

Cybersecurity professionals handle sensitive and limited data while following laws, standards, and policies. Because of their role, it is very important for them to deal with ethical challenges and legal responsibilities carefully.

6. Hours can be Long and Unpredictable

Cyber incidents can occur at any hour. Sometimes, you might need to stay awake in the middle of the night, respond to emergencies late in the evening, or work during the day off.

Why Intellipaat’s Cybersecurity Program is Ideal for Students After 12th?

Intellipaat’s programs are designed to help students develop the skills essentially required for success in this field. The courses are ideal for learners just finishing 12th grade as they combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Participants will learn from IIT professors and EC-Council certified experts.

  • Easy-to-Understand Course Content: All courses are designed for beginners without any experience in the field. Beginning with Networking, Linux, and Python fundamentals, all students should have no trouble understanding and completing the programs.
  • Learn Through Real-Time Projects: Students in this cybersecurity certification course will gain practical skills throughout the duration of the programme by completing real-world case studies and real-time projects.
  • Certified Globally Recognized Certification: Participants in this course will earn two of the most recognized EC-Council certifications – CEH – and have a credible professional certificate from IIT Roorkee.
  • Job-Seeking Assistance: 100% of students receive assistance in the form of opportunities for mock interviews, resume and LinkedIn building assistance. This support allows students to transition into the role of cybersecurity professionals.
  • Skills to Prepare for Future Trade Skills: Throughout the course, students study advanced topics such as cloud security and IoT hacking, AI in cybersecurity, and digital forensics. As a result, students are fully prepared to work in the rapidly developing world of cybersecurity.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing and essential career field in today’s digital world, driven by rising cyber threats across industries like finance, healthcare, and IT. Pursuing a cybersecurity course after the 12th equips students with the skills to protect systems and data effectively. The field offers attractive salaries, strong job security, and career flexibility. While it comes with challenges such as evolving threats and high-pressure situations, it is highly rewarding for those passionate about digital safety. Overall, choosing cybersecurity after the 12th is a smart and future-proof decision.

Take your skills to the next level by enrolling in a Cyber Security Course offered in collaboration with IIT Roorkee.

Best Cybersecurity Courses After 12th – FAQs

Q1. What is the best cybersecurity course after 12th?

The best course depends on your goal, but Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and CompTIA Security+ are highly recommended for beginners.

Q2. What are the job opportunities in cybersecurity after 12th?

After 12th, you can work in entry-level roles like Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, IT Support with a security focus, or Junior Penetration Tester.

Q3. Which degree is best for cybersecurity?

A B.Tech in Computer Science with a specialisation in Cybersecurity or a B.Sc in Cybersecurity is ideal.

Q4. What is the salary in cybersecurity?

Entry-level roles start around ₹4–6 LPA in India and can go much higher with experience and certifications.

Q5. Does cybersecurity require coding?

Basic coding knowledge (like Python, C, or Java) is helpful but not mandatory for all roles.

Q6. Can I do a cybersecurity course after 12th science?

Yes, you can enroll in a cybersecurity course right after 12th science through a degree, diploma, or certification program.

Q7. Which is better - BSc or BTech in Cybersecurity?

BTech in Cybersecurity is better if you want deeper technical skills, while BSc is ideal for a broader science-focused foundation.

Q8. Does cybersecurity require coding knowledge?

Yes, basic coding knowledge is helpful in cybersecurity for tasks like scripting, automation, and understanding vulnerabilities.

Q9. How much does a cybersecurity expert earn in India?

In India, a cybersecurity expert typically earns around ₹4-7 LPA as a beginner, ₹8-15 LPA mid-career, and ₹20-35 LPA (or even ₹40 LPA+) in senior roles.

Q10. Can I get a job in cybersecurity after 12th?

Yes, you can get entry-level cybersecurity jobs after 12th by completing relevant courses or certifications.

About the Author

Lead Penetration Tester, Searce Inc

Shivanshu is a distinguished cybersecurity expert and Penetration tester. He specialises in identifying vulnerabilities and securing critical systems against cyber threats. Shivanshu has a deep knowledge of tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark. 

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