A day in this work
You protect systems from attacks: watching for intrusions, testing defences, investigating incidents and teaching colleagues safe habits.
Ways in
- B.Tech or BSc in computer science or cybersecurity
- Any IT degree plus recognised security certifications and lab practice
- Diploma or ITI in IT, then certifications and an apprenticeship
After Class 10
Science with Maths (PCM) or Any stream
Entrance exams to know
- JEE Main
- State CETs
- CUET-UG
Years, cost and pay
- Years of study
- 3 to 4
- Whole-course cost, government or aided
- ₹2 to 8 lakh
- Whole-course cost, private
- ₹8 to 25 lakh
- Typical starting pay
- ₹6 to 12 lakh a year
Indicative bands from the pilot dataset (0.1 (pilot), 19 September 2026). Real fees and pay vary a lot by college, city and year. Check the official sites below.
No college, coaching institute, lender or study-abroad agent pays to appear on these pages. Pathways takes no money from them.
Outlook, and how AI is changing this work
Outlook: Growing. AI changes some of the daily work.
Attackers and defenders both use AI now. People who can investigate calmly and explain risk remain scarce.
Try this week
Turn on two-step sign-in for your family's main email and explain to a parent why it matters.
Check the facts yourself
These are official sites. Exam names, dates, fees and rules change every year, so confirm them there. Each link opens in a new tab.
Careers close to this one
See how well this fits you
Discovery in the app takes about eight minutes and gives each of these 52 careers a fit score from your own answers. It is free during the pilot, and nobody is asked for an email address or a phone number. Students under 18 need a parent or guardian to agree first, and children under 13 cannot join yet.