Last verified: February 2026. Certification costs, exam fees, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Always confirm details on the official provider website before enrolling — isc2.org for CISSP and comptia.org for Security+.
You’ve been staring at the same question for weeks: do you grind through the CISSP — 5 years of experience required, $749 exam fee, 100–150 hours of prep — or does the Security+ get you most of the salary benefit at a fraction of the effort? The difference between these two certifications is not just credential depth. It is, on average in India, a gap of roughly ₹6–8 LPA — and in the US, a gap close to $50,000 annually.
This article gives you verified salary data from PayScale, Glassdoor, and multiple salary platforms, honest cost breakdowns from official provider pages, and a clear decision framework so you stop Googling and start studying.
The bottom line is: CISSP-certified professionals in India earn an average of ₹15–25 LPA, compared to ₹6–12 LPA for mid-career Security+ holders — a wage premium of roughly 50–60% at the mid-career stage, based on PayScale India 2025 data. Best for entry-level professionals: CompTIA Security+. Best for professionals with 5+ years experience targeting senior roles: CISSP. Typical Security+ cost (India): ₹45,000–₹65,000 all-in. Typical CISSP cost: ₹1,30,000–₹2,00,000 all-in. Time to complete: Security+ in 2–4 months; CISSP in 6–18 months.
What Do CISSP and Security+ Actually Teach You — and What Don’t They Cover?
Security+ (SY0-701) is a foundational certification covering five domains: General Security Concepts (12%), Threats and Vulnerabilities (22%), Security Architecture (18%), Security Operations (28%), and Security Program Management (20%). It teaches you how to recognize threats, implement basic controls, manage incidents, and understand compliance frameworks — enough to land your first SOC or security analyst role.
What Security+ does not teach: how to design enterprise security architecture, manage a security budget, lead an incident response team across business units, or handle boardroom risk discussions. Those are CISSP territories.
CISSP spans eight domains — from Security and Risk Management to Software Development Security — and is designed for professionals who already have hands-on experience. You are expected to bring that experience into the exam room. ISC2 describes its exam approach as requiring you to “think like a manager,” not a technician.
What CISSP does not teach: deep technical exploitation skills (CEH/OSCP do that), cloud-specific architectures (CCSP covers that), or compliance audit methodologies (CISA handles that).
💡 Pro Tip: Most Security+ candidates waste ₹8,000–₹15,000 on bloated prep courses when Professor Messer’s free 15-hour video series (available on YouTube) combined with Jason Dion’s Udemy practice tests (often ₹499 on sale) is enough for the exam itself. Save that money for the exam retake voucher.
How Much Do CISSP and Security+ Cost in India in 2026?
The Security+ (SY0-701) exam fee is $425 USD, which converts to approximately ₹31,000–₹36,000 in India depending on the exchange rate and any applicable taxes. The CISSP exam fee is $749 USD, costing approximately ₹62,000–₹68,000 in India including 18% GST (confirmed by candidates on the ISC2 Community forum).
Here is the full cost breakdown:
CompTIA Security+ — Total Cost Breakdown
- Exam fee: ~₹31,000–₹36,000 (Source: comptia.org, August 2025)
- Instructor-led training (India, optional): ₹15,000–₹30,000
- Self-study materials (books + practice tests): ₹1,500–₹5,000
- Estimated total: ₹45,000–₹70,000
- Renewal: Every 3 years via continuing education (no exam required)
- Hidden cost: $50 CertMaster CE renewal fee after 3 years
CISSP — Total Cost Breakdown
- Exam fee: ~₹62,000–₹68,000 (including GST, via Pearson VUE India — ISC2 Community, 2025)
- Training course in India: ₹57,000–₹1,00,000 (Source: ZCybersecurity, 2025)
- Study materials (Sybex Official Guide, etc.): ₹3,000–₹6,000
- Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF): $135/year (~₹11,000) — mandatory
- Estimated total (first year): ₹1,30,000–₹2,00,000+
- Renewal: Every 3 years, 120 CPE credits required
✅ Action Step: Step 1: Go to comptia.org/store and check the current Security+ SY0-701 voucher price in USD. Step 2: Convert to INR using today’s exchange rate and add any applicable taxes. Step 3: Check if your company has a training reimbursement budget before paying out of pocket. Takes: 10 minutes.
CISSP vs Security+ — Full Certification Comparison (India, 2026)
The right certification depends entirely on your current experience level and where you want to be in 3 years. If you have fewer than 3 years of experience, Security+ is the faster, more accessible path. If you have 5+ years and want to move into management or architecture, CISSP is the more effective investment.
| Certification | Provider | Exam Cost (India) | Duration | Difficulty | Prerequisites | Avg. India Salary Impact | Best For | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 CompTIA Security+ (Editor’s Pick for Career Starters) | CompTIA | ₹31,000–₹36,000 | 2–4 months | Beginner–Intermediate | None required (2 yrs IT recommended) | ₹6–12 LPA (mid-career) | First security role; DoD-aligned jobs; career switchers | comptia.org/en/certifications/security |
| CISSP | ISC2 | ₹62,000–₹68,000 (incl. GST) | 6–18 months | Advanced | 5 years experience, 2 of 8 domains | ₹15–25 LPA (avg); up to ₹50 LPA | Senior roles, managers, architects, consultants | isc2.org/certifications/cissp |
| CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) | EC-Council | ₹55,000–₹75,000 | 3–6 months | Intermediate | 2 years experience or EC-Council training | ₹8–18 LPA | Penetration testers, red teamers | eccouncil.org |
| CISM | ISACA | ₹55,000–₹65,000 | 4–8 months | Intermediate–Advanced | 5 years (3 in management) | ₹15–30 LPA | IT security managers, GRC professionals | isaca.org/credentialing/cism |
| CompTIA CySA+ | CompTIA | ₹31,000–₹36,000 | 3–5 months | Intermediate | Security+ or equivalent experience | ₹8–16 LPA | SOC analysts, threat analysts, post-Security+ upgrade | comptia.org/en/certifications/cybersecurity-analyst |
| CISA | ISACA | ₹55,000–₹65,000 | 4–8 months | Intermediate–Advanced | 5 years in IS audit/control | ₹12–22 LPA | IT auditors, compliance officers, GRC roles | isaca.org/credentialing/cisa |
Costs verified from official provider pages, February 2026. Subject to change. India costs are approximate conversions including applicable taxes. Always confirm on the official website before registering.
Decision framework:
- Choose Security+ if you are entering cybersecurity with fewer than 3 years of experience, you need a globally recognized credential to pass resume screening, or you are targeting government/defense contractor roles (Security+ meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements).
- Choose CISSP if you have 5+ years of experience across security domains, you are targeting senior analyst, architect, consultant, or management roles, or you want the single credential that appears most frequently in mid-to-senior Indian cybersecurity job postings.
- Choose CySA+ if you already hold Security+ and want to demonstrate analytical depth without yet meeting CISSP experience requirements — it bridges the two.
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t yet have the 5 years of experience CISSP requires, you can sit the exam and receive “Associate of ISC2” status, then convert to full CISSP once you earn the experience. This lets you start learning now rather than waiting.
What Salary Can You Expect in India After CISSP or Security+?
In India, Security+ holders at the entry level (0–2 years) typically earn ₹3.5–6.5 LPA, while mid-career professionals with 3–6 years earn ₹6.5–12 LPA. CISSP holders, by contrast, average ₹15–25 LPA across experience bands, with the top 10% earning over ₹38.9 LPA (Sources: PayScale India, September 2025; uninets.com CISSP salary report, 2025; whatisthesalary.com, November 2025).
India Salary Comparison by Experience Level:
| Experience Level | Security+ Holder (INR/year) | CISSP Holder (INR/year) | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | ₹3.5–6.5 LPA | ₹9–12 LPA (Associate ISC2) | ~50–80% |
| Mid-career (3–6 years) | ₹6.5–12 LPA | ₹15–22 LPA | ~50–70% |
| Senior (7+ years) | ₹12–20 LPA | ₹20–50 LPA | ~40–150% |
Sources: PayScale India (updated September 2025), uninets.com CISSP India salary data (2025), whatisthesalary.com cybersecurity salary India (November 2025).
Important caveat: The salary gap partly reflects the experience gap. CISSP requires 5 years of experience, so you are comparing a more senior professional to an entry- or mid-level one. The certification itself contributes to salary, but so does the accumulated experience. Exact salary figures vary by employer and location — treat the ranges above as directional benchmarks, not guarantees.
City-level variation in India: Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad offer 10–20% higher salaries than the national average for cybersecurity roles at all levels (Source: whatisthesalary.com, November 2025). Tier-2 cities like Pune, Chennai, and Noida typically pay 5–15% less, though remote roles are narrowing this gap.
US/UK comparison (for context): In the US, Security+ holders average $75,000–$99,000 annually (Source: InfoSec Institute, 2025; Training Camp, 2025), while CISSP holders average $140,000–$161,000 (Source: PayScale US, Glassdoor December 2025). That is a premium of approximately 45–65% — consistent with the Indian data.
Companies in India known to actively hire CISSP-certified professionals: Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Infosys, IBM India, JPMorgan Chase (India operations), and Deloitte India. PayScale India data shows HCL paying Security+ holders an average of ₹16 LPA, while CISSP holders at similar firms average ₹20–41 LPA (PayScale India, September 2025).
✅ Action Step: Step 1: Go to payscale.com/research/IN/Certification=CompTIA_Security%2B/Salary and filter by your city. Step 2: Do the same at payscale.com/research/IN/Certification=Certified_Information_Systems_Security_Professional_(CISSP)/Salary to see your specific market. Takes: 5 minutes and gives you real negotiation data.
Are CISSP and Security+ Recognized by Indian Employers?
Both certifications are globally recognized and well-respected by Indian employers — but in different contexts. Security+ is a baseline filter for entry-level roles, while CISSP is often a stated requirement for senior and leadership positions. The distinction matters when you are job hunting.
Security+ appears in job postings at companies like TCS, Wipro, and dozens of mid-sized IT services firms as a “preferred” or “good to have” credential. It is especially valued in companies serving US government or defense clients, where the DoD 8570/8140 mandate for Security+ applies to many contractor roles.
CISSP, however, tends to appear as a “required” or “strongly preferred” qualification in roles like Information Security Manager, Security Architect, CISO, and Senior Consultant. CyberSeek (a US-based cyber job analytics tool) consistently lists CISSP as the most requested certification for mid-to-senior cybersecurity roles globally, and this pattern holds in India’s MNC and consulting sector.
Honest note: For purely technical roles in India — penetration testing, red team operations, malware analysis — neither Security+ nor CISSP carries as much weight as OSCP, CEH, or demonstrated CTF skills. Employers in those areas look for practical proof of technical ability, not governance credentials.
How Long Does It Actually Take to Complete These Certifications?
Security+ takes most candidates 2–4 months of consistent part-time study (1–2 hours per day). CISSP preparation realistically takes 6–18 months for someone working full-time — and you must already have 5 years of qualifying work experience before you can earn the full certification.
For Security+ (SY0-701): The exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. CompTIA recommends two years of IT experience, but many candidates with strong foundational knowledge pass within 6–8 weeks of focused preparation. Professor Messer’s free 15-hour video course is sufficient alongside quality practice tests.
For CISSP: Most candidates report spending 100–150 hours preparing (Source: certmage.com, January 2026). That is roughly 3–4 months at 10 hours per week. The Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format means the exam adjusts in difficulty dynamically — it stops at 100 questions if you are clearly passing or failing, or continues to 150 if you are on the borderline. After passing, you need an ISC2 member to endorse your work experience before the certification is formally awarded.
💡 Pro Tip: CISSP candidates who study by rote memorization often fail. The exam tests managerial judgment more than factual recall. When you see a question, ask yourself “What would a risk-aware manager with unlimited resources do?” — then ask “What would a risk-aware manager with real constraints do?” The second answer is usually correct.
Who Should NOT Get CISSP or Security+ Right Now?
This is the question most cert guides skip. Here is the honest version.
Do not pursue Security+ if:
- You already have 3+ years of security experience and are targeting senior roles. Security+ will be seen as underselling your experience. CySA+, CISM, or CISSP are better investments of your study time.
- Your goal is hands-on technical penetration testing or red team work. CEH or OSCP are far more relevant to those hiring managers.
- You are expecting the certification alone to compensate for zero IT background. Security+ without any prior networking or systems knowledge leads to exam failure or — worse — a certification you cannot apply in a real job.
Do not pursue CISSP if:
- You have fewer than 3 years of security work experience. The exam is designed for practitioners, and you will struggle to contextualise the managerial concepts without real-world reference points.
- You are currently earning under ₹8 LPA and need an immediate income boost. The ₹1.3–2 LPA total investment in CISSP takes several years to pay off at entry-level salaries. Security+ first, then CISSP in 3–4 years is the smarter financial sequencing.
- Your company will not sponsor at least a portion of the CISSP cost. At ₹1.3–2 LPA all-in, paying entirely out of pocket is a significant bet on a certification that requires 5 years of experience to even apply.
Better alternatives if certifications are not right for you right now: Free foundational courses on the Skill India Digital Hub (skillindiadigital.gov.in), Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate on Coursera (₹1,600–₹3,200/month), or TryHackMe and HackTheBox for practical technical skills that cost under ₹1,000/month.
Government Schemes That Can Support Cybersecurity Training in India
PMKVY 4.0 (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0) is India’s most relevant government scheme for cybersecurity training. Under PMKVY 4.0, the Government of India has introduced 400+ new courses in cybersecurity, AI, 5G, and other emerging technologies — all free for eligible candidates.
Key details (Source: PIB Press Release, Government of India, and official PMKVY 4.0 announcements):
The scheme covers training costs entirely for eligible candidates — Indian citizens aged 15–59. After successful completion, candidates receive an NSDC/SSC-approved certificate and, in some tracks, a cash grant of ₹500–₹8,000. PMKVY 4.0 runs under the ₹8,800 crore Skill India Programme approved until 2026 (Source: PIB, February 2025).
Important limitation: PMKVY-funded cybersecurity courses primarily cover foundational and awareness-level content — not CISSP or Security+ exam preparation specifically. These courses are best for building baseline IT security knowledge before investing in a paid certification.
How to apply: Visit skillindia.gov.in or the Skill India Digital Hub at skillindiadigital.gov.in to browse available cybersecurity courses and locate an authorized training center near you.
For working professionals: Many MNCs in India — including TCS, Wipro, Infosys, and IBM India — offer tuition reimbursement of ₹50,000–₹1,50,000 per year for professional certifications. Check your HR portal or speak directly with your People team before funding CISSP out of pocket.
FAQ
Q: Can I get the CISSP without 5 years of experience?
Yes. You can sit the CISSP exam at any time. If you pass but do not yet meet the experience requirement, ISC2 grants you the title “Associate of ISC2.” You then have up to 6 years to accumulate the required experience before converting to full CISSP status. The Associate designation does carry some employer recognition and can help with job applications while you build experience.
Q: Is Security+ valid outside India?
Yes. Security+ is one of the most widely recognized entry-level cybersecurity certifications globally. It meets the US Department of Defense Directive 8570/8140.01-M requirements, making it particularly valuable for roles supporting US government contracts or defense clients — relevant for Indian IT services firms with such clients. It is also recognized across the UK, Australia, Canada, and the Middle East.
Q: How do I decide between CISSP and CISM if I want a management-track certification?
Both are strong. CISSP covers a broader technical scope across 8 domains, while CISM is specifically focused on security management and governance. If you are aiming for a CISO role or want global flexibility, CISSP has broader employer recognition in India. If your role is specifically in GRC (governance, risk, compliance) or IT audit, CISM can be the more targeted and slightly faster path.
Q: Does the Security+ salary premium vary significantly between employers?
Yes — significantly. PayScale India data (September 2025) shows Security+ holders at JPMorgan Chase (India) averaging ₹37.5 LPA, while those at smaller IT firms average ₹4–8 LPA. Industry and employer size matter as much as the certification itself. Security+ gets you through the screening filter; what you negotiate at the offer stage depends on your experience, the company, and the specific role.
Q: How often does the Security+ exam change?
CompTIA updates the Security+ exam approximately every 3 years. The current version is SY0-701, launched November 2023. The next update is expected around 2026–2027. Always verify the current exam code at comptia.org before purchasing study materials, since SY0-601 materials are no longer valid for the current exam.
Conclusion: Three Decision Factors and One Clear Next Step
The CISSP vs Security+ decision comes down to three factors: your current experience level, your target role, and your financial runway.
Factor 1 — Experience: If you have fewer than 3 years in IT or security, Security+ is your starting point. If you have 5+ years, CISSP is the logical next investment. If you are in between, CySA+ or CEH builds your technical credibility while you accumulate CISSP-eligible experience.
Factor 2 — Target role: Security+ unlocks entry-level analyst and SOC roles, government-contractor positions, and global IT services jobs. CISSP unlocks manager, architect, and consultant roles with salaries typically starting at ₹15 LPA in India’s metro markets.
Factor 3 — Financial investment: Security+ all-in costs ₹45,000–₹70,000 and pays back relatively quickly at mid-career salaries. CISSP costs ₹1,30,000–₹2,00,000+ and makes strongest financial sense if your company co-funds it or if you are targeting ₹20 LPA+ roles.
If you are entry-level → get Security+ first, target CySA+ or CEH in year 2, and begin CISSP experience accumulation. If you have 5+ years and ₹15–20 LPA in your current role → CISSP is likely your highest-ROI next step.
Your one next step: if you are leaning toward Security+, download the free SY0-701 exam objectives PDF from comptia.org today. If you are leaning toward CISSP, read the ISC2 experience requirement breakdown at isc2.org/certifications/cissp/cissp-experience-requirements to confirm you qualify before spending ₹62,000+ on the exam fee.
Explore our related guide on the highest-paying cybersecurity certifications in India to see where CEH, CISM, and OSCP compare to these two benchmarks.
This article was researched using live web data from official certification providers, government portals, and verified salary platforms. All statistics are cited with sources. If you find outdated information, please leave a comment below.
Sources
- ISC2 — CISSP Exam Pricing and Experience Requirements: isc2.org/register-for-exam/isc2-exam-pricing and isc2.org/certifications/cissp/cissp-experience-requirements
- CompTIA — Security+ Official Information and Pricing: comptia.org/en/certifications/security
- PayScale India — CISSP Salary Data (Updated September 2025): payscale.com/research/IN/Certification=Certified_Information_Systems_Security_Professional_(CISSP)/Salary
- PayScale India — Security+ Salary Data (Updated September 2025): payscale.com/research/IN/Certification=CompTIA_Security%2B/Salary
- Uninets — CISSP Salary India (2025): uninets.com/blog/cissp-salary
- Whatisthesalary.com — Cybersecurity Salary India (November 2025): whatisthesalary.com/it-salaries/cyber-security-salary-in-india/
- Glassdoor — CISSP Salary US (December 2025): glassdoor.com/Salaries/cissp-salary-SRCH_KO0,5.htm
- InfoSec Institute — Security+ Average Salary (2025): infosecinstitute.com/resources/securityplus/security-salary/
- Training Camp — CompTIA Security+ Salary Guide (August 2025): trainingcamp.com/articles/comptia-security-salary-guide-what-you-can-earn-in-2025/
- CertMage — CISSP Certification Cost 2025 (January 2026): certmage.com/how-much-does-the-cissp-certification-cost-in-2025/
- Networkerschamp — CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost India (December 2025): networkerschamp.com/news/comptia-security-exam-cost-india/
- ZCybersecurity — CISSP Certification Cost in India (September 2025): zcybersecurity.com/cissp-certification-cost-india/
- ISC2 Community Forum — CISSP Exam Fee India with GST: community.isc2.org
- PIB (Press Information Bureau) — PMKVY 4.0 Cybersecurity Courses (Government of India): pib.gov.in
- Skill India Digital Hub: skillindiadigital.gov.in
- KnowledgeHut — CISSP Salary India (September 2025): knowledgehut.com/blog/security/cissp-salary-india
