Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career fields in India. currently, companies are actively hiring skilled professionals to protect their digital systems. And if you want to stand out, having the right certification is the key to getting high-paying roles.
Among the highest-paying cybersecurity certifications in India are CISSP, CISM, CEH, and OSCP. These are valued by top employers and can lead to roles like ethical hacker or security analyst, with salaries ranging from INR 10 to INR 25 LPA.
In this blog on Highest Paying Cyber Security Certifications, we will talk about the top certifications, what they offer, and how they can help shape your future in cybersecurity.
Highest Paying Cyber Security Certifications
Below is the list of the Highest Paying Cyber Security Certifications:
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification, offered by (ISC)², is one of the most respected and in-demand credentials in the cybersecurity field. It shows that you have solid experience in IT security and know how to build, manage, and oversee strong cybersecurity systems for organisations.
This certification is best for professionals who already have some experience and want to take their career to the next level. If you’re planning to move into senior roles in security, the CISSP can really boost your chances.
Course Fee: INR 61,409
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA certification, offered by ISACA, is well-known for building a strong career in cybersecurity auditing and compliance. It shows that you understand how to identify risks, set up security controls, and check if an organisation is following proper security policies.
This certification is ideal for mid-level IT professionals who want to move into roles like IT auditor, compliance analyst, or security consultant. It’s highly respected by companies that take cybersecurity and data protection seriously.
Course Fee: INR 62,320
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The CISM certification, also offered by ISACA, is a great way to show that you have strong skills in managing cybersecurity at an organisational level. It focuses on areas like security governance, building and leading security programs, handling incidents, and managing risks.
If you are planning to shift from a purely technical role to a managerial or leadership position in cybersecurity, CISM is a smart choice that many employers look for.
Course Fee: INR 62,320
4. CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a beginner-friendly credential that helps you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity. It shows that you understand the basics of how to check for security risks, protect cloud and mobile systems, handle IoT devices, and deal with security laws and regulations.
If you are just starting your career in cybersecurity, this certification can open doors to good entry-level jobs and help you grow into higher-paying roles over time.
Course Fee: INR 30,338
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Ethical hacking means testing an organisation’s systems to find security weaknesses before real hackers can exploit them. The CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certification, offered by EC-Council, proves that you know how to run penetration tests, detect attacks, understand different hacking techniques, and protect against them.
This certification trains you to think like a hacker, so you can spot threats early and strengthen systems before they’re targeted. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in ethical hacking or red team roles.
Course Fee: INR 98,295
6. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
The GSEC certification, offered by GIAC, is a good starting point if you already have some knowledge of IT or networking and want to enter the cybersecurity field. It shows that you can handle important security tasks like protecting networks, using encryption (cryptography), responding to cyber incidents, and securing cloud systems.
If you have worked with computers or networks before and want to switch to cybersecurity, GSEC is a solid certification to begin with.
Course Fee: INR 204,879
7. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
The SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) certification from (ISC)² is meant for IT professionals who are directly involved in keeping an organisation’s systems secure. It shows that you have the skills to build, manage, and monitor secure IT systems, including networks, applications, and data.
This exam covers important topics like access control, risk analysis, security operations, incident response, encryption, and more. If you’re already working with security tools or handling IT infrastructure, SSCP can help you take your cybersecurity career forward.
Course Fee: INR 20,413
8. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
The CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) certification is for experienced cybersecurity professionals who want to stay in hands-on technical roles instead of moving into management. It covers advanced topics like enterprise security, risk assessment, software vulnerabilities, cloud and virtualisation security, and cryptography.
If you are aiming for roles in security architecture, risk management, or designing large-scale security systems, CASP+ can help you take that next step in your career.
Course Fee:
9. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
The GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler) certification shows that you understand how cyberattacks work and know how to spot, respond to, and defend against them. It covers important areas like incident handling, hacker tools, common attack methods, and digital crime investigation.
If you are planning to work in incident response or threat detection, GCIH is a great certification to help you build those skills and stand out to employers.
Course Fee: INR 204,879
10. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) certification is one of the most respected credentials for anyone who wants to become a penetration tester or ethical hacker. In the exam, you’re asked to break into different systems using real-world hacking techniques and then write detailed reports explaining how you did it.
It’s a challenging certification, but if you’re serious about ethical hacking, OSCP can open up strong career opportunities and help you grow faster in the field.
Here are some more details about the certification course
Course Duration:
Course Fee: INR 131,087
Highest Paying Jobs in Cyber Security
Job Role | Annual Salary (INR) |
Chief Information Security Officer | INR 27,00,000 to INR 97,50,000 |
IT Security Engineer | INR 5,00,000 to INR 13,00,000 |
Information Security Analyst | INR 5,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 |
Director Of Information Security | INR 46,60,000 to INR 50,10,000 |
IT Manager | INR 7,00,000 to INR 22,00,000 |
Security Administrator | INR 5,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 |
Penetration Tester | INR 4,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 |
Cybersecurity Engineer | INR 5,00,000 to INR 13,00,000 |
Cloud Security Architect | INR 10,00,000 to INR 37,30,000 |
Software Development Engineer | INR 8,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 |
Check Out More blogs
Last Words
Choosing the right path in cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but the good news is—you don’t have to figure it all out at once. By going for one of the highest paying cyber security certifications, you’re not just adding a line to your resume you are building real, job-ready skills that employers in India are actively looking for.
Whether you’re just starting with something like CompTIA Security+, or aiming for top-tier certifications like CISSP or OSCP, each step you take moves you closer to a strong and rewarding career.
So, pick the certification that fits your goals, stay consistent, and you’ll be on your way to a high-paying cybersecurity job in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which cybersecurity certification is best for beginners in India?
Ans. If you’re just starting, CompTIA Security+ is a great choice. It covers the basics of cybersecurity and doesn’t require prior experience.
Q2. Do I need a degree to work in cybersecurity?
Q3. How long does it take to prepare for a cybersecurity certification?
Ans. The duration of the certification program depends on the certification and your background.
Q4. Is ethical hacking legal in India?
Ans. Yes, ethical hacking is legal when done with proper permission and for security purposes. CEH and OSCP are two top certifications in this field.
Q5. Are these certifications valid internationally?
Ans. Yes, most of the certifications like CISSP, CISM, CEH, and OSCP are globally recognised, making it easier to work in India or abroad.
Q6. Which certification has the highest salary in India?
Ans. Certifications like CISSP, OSCP, and CISM offer some highest-paying cybersecurity roles in India, especially in managerial or specialist positions.
