How to Become an Ethical Hacker in India: A Complete Guide

Sep 19, 2025

Cybersecurity is becoming one of the most in-demand fields today. As businesses and individuals increasingly rely on digital tools, the demand for ethical hackers has grown significantly. If you’ve ever wondered how to get CEH certification in India or how to learn ethical hacking at home, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become an ethical hacker, including educational requirements, CEH certification details, and practical tips for learning ethical hacking.

Who is an Ethical Hacker?

An ethical hacker is a cybersecurity professional who utilises their hacking skills to protect organisations and individuals. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks legally to prevent cyberattacks. Here’s what ethical hackers typically do:

Test websites, applications, and networks for security gaps.
Identify weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
Simulate attacks to see how systems respond.
Provide solutions to secure data and infrastructure.
Stay up-to-date with the latest hacking tools and techniques.

Ethical hackers are trusted professionals who help organisations stay secure in an era where cyber threats are ubiquitous. To learn how to become an ethical hacker in India, understanding these roles is essential. It’s not just about hacking—it’s about responsibility, problem-solving, and protecting digital assets.

Educational Qualifications to Become an Ethical Hacker

To become an ethical hacker, you don’t necessarily need a formal degree, but certain qualifications can give you an advantage:

Basic Educational Path:

High School Diploma or Equivalent: Start by learning the fundamentals of computer systems and networking concepts.
Bachelor’s Degree (Optional but Recommended): Courses in computer science, IT, or cybersecurity are valuable.
Certifications: These are more important than degrees in practical ethical hacking careers. The CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is the most recognised certification.

Skills You Should Learn:

Networking and protocols
Operating systems, especially Linux and Windows
Programming basics (Python, C, JavaScript)
Database management and SQL
Security concepts like firewalls, VPNs, and encryption

Even if you’re learning from home, developing these foundational skills will help you progress more quickly. This is essential if your goal is to learn ethical hacking effectively at home.

What is a CEH Certification?

CEH stands for Certified Ethical Hacker. It is a professional certification offered by EC-Council that validates your skills in ethical hacking. By earning CEH, you prove that you can find weaknesses in systems legally and provide solutions to fix them. CEH certification is recognised globally and opens doors to various cybersecurity roles, including penetration tester, security analyst, and network security engineer.

Topics Covered in CEH:

Footprinting and reconnaissance
Scanning networks and vulnerability assessment
System hacking and exploitation
Malware analysis and Trojans
Social engineering attacks
Web application and wireless network security
Cryptography and cloud security

CEH provides both theoretical knowledge and practical labs, helping you become confident in real-world scenarios. If your goal is to become an ethical hacker, this certification is an important milestone.

CEH Course Eligibility & Requirements

Before applying for CEH certification, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria. EC-Council offers two main paths:

Path 1: Training Course

Attend an official EC-Council CEH training program.
Open to anyone, even beginners.
Combines online lessons, labs, and hands-on challenges.

Skills Required for CEH Exam

Knowledge of networking and ethical hacking basics
Understanding of reconnaissance, system hacking, and attack phases
Familiarity with web, wireless, mobile, IoT, cloud, and cryptography hacking techniques

The CEH exam tests your practical and theoretical knowledge. Once certified, you can advance your career as an ethical hacker in India or abroad.

How to Get Certified Ethical Hacker Certification

Now that you know the eligibility requirements, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain CEH certification in India.

Step 1: Understand CEH Requirements

If you are new to cybersecurity, enrol in an official training course.

Step 2: Choose the Right Training

You can learn ethical hacking from the comfort of your own home using online platforms, virtual labs, and video tutorials. Some tips:

Select courses with hands-on labs for practical, real-world experience.
Utilise platforms that offer practice tests for exam readiness.
Follow a structured study schedule, dedicating daily hours to learning.

Step 3: Study CEH Domains

Focus on these core areas:
Ethical hacking basics
Footprinting and reconnaissance
Network scanning and enumeration
System hacking techniques
Malware, Trojans, and viruses
Sniffing Networks
Web Server Hacking & Session Hijacking
Social engineering and web application attacks
IOT & OT Hacking
Wireless network and cloud security
Cryptography Techniques

Step 4: Apply for the CEH Exam

Schedule the exam through authorised centres

Step 5: Take the Exam

4-hour multiple-choice exam
125 questions
The passing score varies between 60 and 85% depending on question difficulty

Step 6: CEH (Master) Certification

For top performers, the CEH (Master) is a practical exam that demonstrates advanced skills in ethical hacking. It’s highly valued by employers in India and worldwide.

Tips for Learning Ethical Hacking at Home

Learning from home is entirely possible if you have the right mindset and access to the necessary resources. Here are some practical tips:

Set up a home lab with virtual machines for safe practice.
Utilise free platforms such as TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and online cybersecurity forums.
Practice tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark and Burpsuite
Read blogs, follow cybersecurity news, and stay informed about current threats.
Join online communities for support and guidance.

Remember, consistency is key. Daily practice and real-world simulations make you a skilled ethical hacker faster.

Career Opportunities After CEH Certification

Once you become an ethical hacker, a range of career opportunities opens up. Some common roles include:

Penetration tester: Penetration testers assist businesses in improving their security defences by testing cyberattacks on networks and systems to identify weaknesses before malicious hackers can take advantage of them.
Security Analyst: Security analysts monitor network traffic, detect threats, and respond to incidents. They analyse logs, identify suspicious activities, and implement preventive measures to protect sensitive data.
Network Security Engineer: These professionals design, configure, and maintain secure networks. They implement firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems to protect their organisational infrastructure from cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity Consultant: Consultants provide expert advice to organisations on security policies, risk management, compliance, and strategies to prevent data breaches and cyber threats effectively.

Certified ethical hackers in India can earn competitive salaries ranging from INR 6 lakh to INR 20 lakh annually, depending on their experience, skill level, and the complexity of the projects they handle.

Conclusion

Becoming an ethical hacker in India is achievable with the right skills, training, and certification. By learning ethical hacking, understanding system vulnerabilities, and earning CEH certification, you can start a rewarding career in cybersecurity. Whether you choose to learn ethical hacking at home or enrol in a professional course, consistent practice and hands-on experience are essential. At Hackerschool, we provide guidance, resources, and support for aspiring ethical hackers. Following this roadmap, you can confidently become an ethical hacker, protect systems, and build a strong career in the growing field of cybersecurity.

FAQs

How long does it take to get CEH certification in India?

The duration to get CEH certification depends on your learning approach and prior knowledge. Official training courses typically last 5 days, but preparation through self-study, practice labs, and mock exams can take 2 to 6 months. Consistent practice and hands-on experience can shorten this timeframe.

Can I learn ethical hacking at home?

Absolutely. You can effectively learn ethical hacking at home using online courses, virtual labs, and practice tools. Many platforms offer structured lessons, simulations, and real-world scenarios that provide a comprehensive learning experience. With dedication, you can gain hands-on skills, understand hacking techniques, and even prepare for CEH certification without attending a physical classroom.

Do I need a degree to become an ethical hacker?

A formal degree is not mandatory to become an ethical hacker. However, a background in IT, computer science, or cybersecurity can be helpful. More critical are practical experience and certifications, such as CEH, which demonstrate your ability to identify and resolve vulnerabilities in an ethical and professional manner.

How much does CEH certification cost in India?

The total cost of CEH certification varies depending on the chosen training path. Online or classroom training, study materials, and exam fees generally range from INR 50,000 to INR 90,000. Choosing self-study with virtual labs can reduce costs, while official training programs may be more expensive.

Is CEH enough to get a cybersecurity job?

CEH certification is highly respected and can help you enter the cybersecurity field. While it demonstrates your ethical hacking skills, combining CEH with hands-on experience, practical projects, and additional certifications will enhance your profile and increase your chances of securing advanced cybersecurity roles.

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