OSCP and CEH are the two most-asked-about cybersecurity certifications in India. They're not interchangeable — one is a multiple-choice knowledge exam, the other is a 24-hour hands-on practical against a real network. Which to pick depends entirely on your target role and current experience.
- Cost: ~₹40,000–₹60,000 with Authorized Training Center
- Exam: 4 hours · 125 multiple-choice questions
- Style: Knowledge-based with breadth across 20 domains
- Best for: HR-filter roles, government / defence, breadth proof
- Recognition: DoD 8570/8140 mandated; widely listed on JDs
- Cost: ~₹1,45,000–₹1,70,000 with Authorized Partner
- Exam: 24h hands-on + 24h reporting against real network
- Style: Practical exploitation — Linux, Windows, AD, AWS
- Best for: Pen-test / red-team / AppSec hiring loops
- Recognition: Gold standard for hands-on roles globally
What CEH actually proves
CEH v13 is breadth-first knowledge — 20 domains covering reconnaissance, scanning, system hacking, web hacking, wireless, IoT, cloud, AI security and more. The 2026 v13 syllabus added an AI-augmented hacking module. The exam is 125 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours. CEH Practical (a separate exam) adds a 6-hour hands-on element — but most CEH-listed JDs accept either.
What OSCP+ actually proves
OSCP+ proves you can compromise real systems under exam pressure — Linux, Windows and Active Directory boxes from a starting point of 'here is an IP range' to root + a written professional report. There is no multiple-choice cushion. You either own the boxes within 24 hours and document it within the next 24, or you don't pass.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | CEH v13 | OSCP+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (India, 2026) | ₹40k–₹60k | ₹1.45L–₹1.70L |
| Exam length | 4h MCQ | 24h practical + 24h report |
| Difficulty (objective) | Moderate | Hard |
| Prep time (avg) | 60–120h | 300–500h |
| Hands-on? | No (CEH Practical: yes) | Yes — fully |
| DoD 8570/8140 compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Hiring-manager weight (pen-test roles) | Low–Medium | High |
| Hiring-manager weight (audit / GRC) | High | Low |
| Recertification | ECE programme · 120 credits / 3y | CPE · 90 credits / 3y |
| Best taken first | If your target role lists it | If your target role does practical work |
Salary outcomes in India (2026 bands)
- CEH-only · entry-level SOC / VAPT analyst — ₹3.5–6 LPA
- CEH + 2y experience · mid-level analyst — ₹5–9 LPA
- OSCP-only · pen-tester (with 1–2y) — ₹10–15 LPA
- OSCP · 2–4y experience · senior pen-tester — ₹12–20 LPA
- OSCP · 4–6y · senior consultant / red-team — ₹20–30 LPA
- OSCP + OSEP · 5+ years · red-team operator / lead — ₹25–40 LPA
- UAE bands (Dubai / Abu Dhabi) add 30–40% premium across all of the above
Should I take both?
Many senior practitioners hold both. CEH first as a fast HR-filter cert (~3 months) and then OSCP+ for the practical credibility (~6 months). The combined investment is ~₹2L total, returns a salary uplift typically inside the first promotion cycle, and signals both breadth and depth on a CV.
What about CEH Practical?
CEH Practical is a 6-hour hands-on exam that's harder than the CEH MCQ and more credible — but still substantially easier than OSCP+. If your goal is a hands-on role, jump straight to OSCP+ and skip CEH Practical. If your JD lists CEH but you want to demonstrate hands-on ability for the interview, CEH Practical is a reasonable middle ground.
Decision flowchart
- Does your target JD say 'CEH required' or 'CEH preferred'? → Do CEH first.
- Are you targeting government, defence, audit or large IT-services GRC? → Do CEH first.
- Are you targeting pen-test, red-team, AppSec or product security? → Do OSCP+ (after foundations).
- Are you a complete beginner with no IT background? → Start with SEC-100 (OSCC) or our SOC Analyst track, then re-evaluate.
- Have ₹2L+ budget and 9 months? → Do both. CEH first (3 months), then OSCP+ (6 months).
Macksofy's OSCP+ and CEH bootcamps is one of several hands-on tracks Macksofy delivers across India and the UAE. CERT-In empanelled, OffSec/EC-Council authorized, with weekend cohorts and corporate batches.