Best Ethical Hacking Courses in India (2025): Eligibility, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Careers & Salar

Ethical hacking courses are designed to equip you with the skills needed to protect systems, detect vulnerabilities, and ensure cybersecurity across organizations. These courses offer a comprehensive understanding of hacking techniques used by professionals to secure networks and systems from malicious attacks, all while adhering to ethical standards.

In this blog, you'll walk you through the best ethical hacking courses in India for 2025, exploring the eligibility criteria, detailed course syllabus, entrance exams, and potential career paths post-certification.

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Undergraduate and Postgraduate Eligibility Criteria for Ethical Hacking Programmes

Universities across India have specific ethical hacking course eligibility requirements for students interested in pursuing best ethical hacking courses, whether at the undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) level. These programmes are designed to equip students with the technical skills required to protect systems from cyber security threats and develop effective security measures. 

The need for proficient ethical hackers is at an all-time high, and industries are looking for professionals as cyber threats continue to rise. Check out these top courses to sharpen your skills and meet the growing demand.

• AI-Powered Full Stack Development Course by IIIT–B
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Below is the breakdown of the ethical hacking course eligibility criteria for both UG and PG best ethical hacking courses, along with details on entrance exams and key requirements for each level.

Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Courses

To pursue an undergraduate best course in ethical hacking, candidates need to have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board, typically with a science background (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). Entrance exams are generally required for UG-level best ethical hacking courses, which assess the candidate’s aptitude in subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer science.

Top Entrance Exams for Undergraduate Courses

Here is a list of some notable entrance exams for undergraduate courses:

1.KIITEE (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Examination)
The KIITEE is a comprehensive entrance exam for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses at KIIT. It tests knowledge in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and opens doors to courses such as B.Tech and BCA, which are essential for pursuing best course for ethical hacking.

2. HITSEEE (Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Engineering Entrance Examination)
HITSEEE is a university-level exam for admission to engineering courses at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, including those focused on ethical hacking and computer science. It assesses candidates' skills in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

3. VITEEE (VIT Engineering Entrance Examination)
VITEEE is one of the most prestigious exams in India for admission to VIT University. It covers topics like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, which are key for students aiming to pursue a career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.

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Also Read: How to Become an Ethical Hacker after 12th

Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Courses

For postgraduate ethical hacking programmes, candidates must have completed a relevant undergraduate degree, such as a B.Tech, BCA, or any other computing-related course, from a recognized university. These PG courses are designed for those who already have foundational knowledge in computer science and wish to specialize further in areas like cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and network security.

Entrance exams are essential for admission to postgraduate best course in ethical hacking, as they help universities assess the depth of candidates' understanding of technical subjects.

Top Entrance Exams for Postgraduate Courses

Here are three noteworthy postgraduate (PG) entrance exams, along with their associated details:

1.GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
The GATE exam, conducted jointly by IISc and IITs, is one of the most prestigious exams in India for admission to postgraduate courses. It is ideal for students interested in specializing in areas like computer science and cybersecurity. GATE evaluates candidates' understanding of core subjects such as Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering.

2. VITMEE (VIT Master’s Entrance Examination)
VITMEE is a specialized entrance exam conducted by VIT University for admission to postgraduate courses, including M.Tech and MCA. This exam is essential for students wishing to delve into advanced topics in cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

3. IPUCET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
IPUCET is conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including those in computer science and cybersecurity. It tests knowledge in subjects like Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering.

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Also Read: Top 20 Ethical Hacker Skills: Cybersecurity & Penetration Testing Expertise

Here is a detailed table of all entrance exams for the best ethical hacking courses.

Also Read: Ethical Hacking Certification Cost in India (2025)

Syllabus for the Best Ethical Hacking Courses

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics covered in the best Ethical Hacking course, designed to equip you with the necessary skills to identify vulnerabilities and secure systems against cyber threats:

Also Read: Best Ethical Hacking Projects in 2025

Skill Set for Ethical Hacking

To become proficient in ethical hacking, it’s crucial to acquire a diverse set of skills that span across various technical areas. Below is a table highlighting key skills required for ethical hacking professionals:

Also Read: Top 40 Ethical Hacking Tools & Software for 2025

To better understand ethical hacking for beginners, it’s important to know the key features of best ethical hacking courses:

Key Features of Ethical Hacking Courses

Here are the key features of the best course for ethical hacking:

Also Read: 15 Top Ethical Hackers in India: Achievements, Challenges & Future Trends (2025)

Courses with Specialised Focus

Numerous programmes provide comprehensive training in ethical hacking, assuring students a promising future with ample opportunities. Prospective applicants should carefully assess the ethical hacking course eligibility criteria. Some specialised courses include:

• B.Tech in Cybersecurity
• B.Sc. in Networking
• B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)
• B.Sc. in Cybersecurity
• M.Sc. in Cybersecurity
• M.Tech in Network & Information Security
• M.Tech in Information Security
• M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)

Also Read: Responsibilities of an Ethical Hacker in an Organisation

Duration and Fees of the Best Ethical Hacking Courses

The duration of different ethical hacking courses varies across universities, platforms, and enrollment modes. Courses can range from as short as a few weeks to as long as two to four years. These courses are offered at various levels by different platforms. The ethical hacking course fees also depend on the universities, modes, platforms and areas covered. 

Here’s a breakdown of the average ethical hacking course duration across different levels:

These durations and fees provide a flexible range of options for individuals pursuing ethical hacking education, catering to both short-term skill acquisition and comprehensive academic pathways.

Also Read: OSCP vs CEH: Which Ethical Hacking Certification is Best?

Ethical Hacking Subjects

Due to a growing concern for internet security, ethical hacking has emerged as a sought-after field of study. The best course for ethical hacking delves into the tools and methods hackers employ to identify vulnerabilities within defensive systems.

The curriculum for ethical hacking is diverse across various courses. Here are some prevalent ethical hacking subjects typically incorporated in ethical hacking course syllabus:

• Introduction to Hacking and Cyber-Ethics
• Information Gathering Techniques
• Scanning and Network Reconnaissance
• Exploring the Google Hacking Database
• Analysis of Viruses and Worms
• Understanding Trojans and Backdoors
• Sniffers and Keyloggers: Functions and Prevention
• Unveiling Social Engineering Tactics
• Addressing Email, DNS, and IP Spoofing
• Enhancing System Security and Countermeasures
• Exploration of HoneyPots for Threat Detection

Also Read: Top 52+ Ethical Hacking Interview Questions and Answers for Success in 2025

Future Prospects of Ethical Hacking

The ethical hacking field offers a vast range of exciting career opportunities, both for undergraduates and postgraduates. As cyber threats continue to rise, organizations worldwide are seeking skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect their digital assets. Your career in this rapidly growing field will depend on your expertise and specializations. 

Here’s an overview of the promising career paths you can pursue in ethical hacking:

1. Ethical Hacker (White Hat Hacker)
Ethical hackers, often known as white hat hackers, are the digital defenders of the online world. They use their hacking skills to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications, helping organizations stay secure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Simulate real-world attacks to identify weaknesses in systems.
• Conduct penetration testing to assess system vulnerabilities.
• Provide insights to improve cybersecurity strategies.

Industries They Work In:

• Government agencies
• Financial institutions
• Tech companies
• Cybersecurity firms

Why It’s Promising:
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, ethical hackers are in high demand. Their skills are critical in preventing breaches and safeguarding sensitive data.

2. Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts work to protect an organization’s digital infrastructure. They monitor networks, identify vulnerabilities, and respond to security incidents to ensure data is safeguarded from cyberattacks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor network traffic to detect anomalies.
• Conduct security audits to identify potential risks.
• Respond quickly to security breaches and mitigate threats.

Why It’s Promising:
These analysts are on the front lines of cybersecurity, making their role indispensable in today’s digital age, particularly in finance, healthcare, and government sectors.

3. Information Security Manager
As leaders in cybersecurity, information security managers oversee the entire security framework of an organization. They design security policies, educate employees, and ensure compliance with regulations, adapting to evolving cyber threats.

Key Responsibilities:

• Formulate and implement cybersecurity policies.
• Lead incident response teams during security breaches.
• Collaborate with departments to establish a strong security infrastructure.

Why It’s Promising:
As organizations face more advanced cyberattacks, skilled security managers are essential for leading cybersecurity initiatives and ensuring the organization’s overall security posture.

4. Security Consultant
Security consultants are experts who assess an organization’s current security systems and provide recommendations to mitigate risks. They offer tailored solutions to enhance the security measures of their clients, ensuring they are ahead of cybercriminals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct risk assessments and vulnerability analyses.
• Advise on implementing robust security measures.
• Design systems to prevent cyberattacks and ensure compliance.

Why It’s Promising:
Consultants help organizations implement cutting-edge security systems, making their role vital in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape. Plus, the demand for cybersecurity experts in consulting is on the rise.

5. Cybersecurity Architect
Cybersecurity architects are responsible for designing comprehensive security systems that protect an organization’s critical assets from cyber threats. They create strategies to integrate advanced security solutions, ensuring long-term protection.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design secure infrastructures and security architectures.
• Build systems to protect enterprise data from attacks.
• Integrate security technologies to provide a layered defense.

Why It’s Promising:
As digital threats become more sophisticated, organizations need skilled architects to create resilient security systems that adapt to evolving cyber risks.

Also Read: Exploring Career Options in Ethical Hacking

Enhance Your Cybersecurity Skills with upGrad!

Ethical hacking offers a clear path to a rewarding career in cybersecurity, with essential skills and knowledge that will help protect systems from cyber threats. From understanding the various educational options to exploring career opportunities, you’ve gained the critical insights needed to take the first step in this exciting field.

If you're looking to close skill gaps or need guidance on your next steps, upGrad’s courses are the perfect solution. With expert mentorship, practical projects, and a structured curriculum, upGrad equips you with the skills needed to thrive in the ethical hacking field and advance your career.

Here are some additional courses to further support your advancement in ethical hacking.

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Confused about your career in software development? Contact upGrad’s expert career counselors, who will guide you based on your goals. You can also visit a nearby upGrad offline center to explore course options, get hands-on experience, and speak directly with mentors!

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References: 
https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.09484