

PGDCB in General at St Aloysius College (Autonomous)


Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is General at St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Dakshina Kannada?
This PG Diploma in Cyber Security program at St. Aloysius University focuses on equipping students with essential knowledge and practical skills to combat evolving cyber threats. It addresses the critical demand for skilled cyber security professionals in the rapidly digitizing Indian economy, covering foundational concepts to advanced security practices. The program is designed to create industry-ready experts.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in Computer Science or IT seeking entry into the high-growth cyber security field. It also suits working professionals looking to upskill in specialized areas like network security, cyber forensics, or cloud security, and career changers aiming for roles in information security within Indian enterprises and government sectors.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths such as Cyber Security Analyst, Security Consultant, Forensics Investigator, and Incident Responder in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program aligns with certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, and provides a strong foundation for advanced roles.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Security Concepts- (Semester 1)
Dedicate consistent effort to grasp core cyber security principles, network protocols, and operating system fundamentals. Complement coursework by regularly reading security blogs and industry reports to stay updated on emerging threats.
Tools & Resources
Nmap, Wireshark, Linux commands, online learning platforms like Cybrary, TryHackMe for basic challenges
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is essential for acing early interviews and building a robust base for advanced security roles in India.
Hands-on Lab and Tool Proficiency- (Semester 1)
Actively engage in all practical lab sessions, spending additional time to experiment with security tools and techniques. Focus on simulating attacks and defenses in controlled environments to develop practical, job-ready skills.
Tools & Resources
VirtualBox/VMware, OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite Community Edition, Metasploit, Python scripting for automation
Career Connection
Practical proficiency in widely used security tools is a key differentiator in the Indian job market, leading to better internship and initial placement offers.
Develop a Security Knowledge Portfolio- (Semester 1)
Systematically document your learning journey, including key concepts, command syntax, tool configurations, and vulnerability insights. Create a personal repository (e.g., GitHub, Notion) to showcase your understanding and projects.
Tools & Resources
GitHub, Notion, OneNote, personal blogs or simple Markdown editors
Career Connection
A well-curated portfolio demonstrates proactive learning and practical application, significantly enhancing your profile for recruiters in India.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Industry-Relevant Certifications- (Semester 2)
Identify and begin preparation for foundational industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CEH, or vendor-specific cloud security certs). Align your study with the program''''s advanced modules to reinforce learning.
Tools & Resources
Official certification study guides, practice exams, online courses from platforms like Udemy or Coursera, NPTEL for conceptual clarity
Career Connection
Industry certifications are highly valued by Indian employers, significantly boosting your employability and salary potential in specialized security roles.
Engage in Capstone Project and Internship- (Semester 2)
Focus intensely on your academic project work, aiming for a real-world problem statement in cyber forensics, incident response, or security auditing. Actively seek and complete an internship to gain practical industry exposure and apply learned skills.
Tools & Resources
EnCase, Autopsy, Volatility Framework, SIEM solutions (Splunk free tier, ELK stack), company mentorship
Career Connection
The capstone project and internship are crucial for practical skill validation and direct entry into the cyber security workforce in India.
Build Professional Network & Community Engagement- (Semester 2)
Actively network with cyber security professionals and peers through LinkedIn, local meetups, and online forums. Participate in security competitions (CTFs) and attend webinars to expand your knowledge and visibility within the Indian cyber security community.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, local security communities (e.g., NullCon, BSides chapters), HackerOne, Bugcrowd for ethical hacking
Career Connection
Networking provides access to mentorship, job leads, and staying abreast of industry trends, which are vital for sustained career growth in India.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- BCA/B.Sc. in Computer Science/B.Sc. in Information Science/B.Sc. in Data Science/B.Sc. with Computer Science as an optional subject/BE/B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering / Information Science and Engineering / Information Technology or any other equivalent degree from a recognized University.
Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
Credits: 30 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGDCS101 | Foundations of Cyber Security | Core | 4 | Introduction to Cyber Security, Cyber Security Architecture and Design, Cyber Security Fundamentals, Information Security, Cyber Security Risks |
| PGDCS102 | Network Security | Core | 4 | Network Security Fundamentals, Cryptography and Network Security, Security Protocols, Network Security Tools, Wireless Network Security |
| PGDCS103 | Cyber Laws and Ethics | Core | 3 | Cyber Law Fundamentals, Indian Cyber Laws, Digital Evidence, Intellectual Property Rights, Ethical Hacking and Ethics |
| PGDCS104 | Web Application Security | Core | 3 | Web Application Security Basics, OWASP Top 10, SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Authentication and Session Management |
| PGDCS105P | Foundations of Cyber Security and Network Security Lab | Lab | 2 | Linux Commands, Network Scanning, Cryptographic Tools, Wireshark, Nmap |
| PGDCS106P | Web Application Security Lab | Lab | 2 | SQL Injection attacks, XSS attacks, Authentication vulnerabilities, OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGDCS201 | Cloud and IoT Security | Core | 4 | Cloud Computing Security, Cloud Security Architecture, IoT Security Challenges, IoT Security Protocols, Blockchain for Security |
| PGDCS202 | Cyber Forensics and Incident Response | Core | 4 | Cyber Forensics Fundamentals, Digital Evidence Collection, Incident Response Process, Malware Analysis, Email and Mobile Forensics |
| PGDCS203 | Security Auditing and Compliance | Core | 3 | Security Auditing Principles, Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing, Risk Management, Compliance Frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR) |
| PGDCS204P | Cyber Forensics and Incident Response Lab | Lab | 2 | Disk Imaging, Data Recovery, Malware Analysis Tools, Network Forensics, Incident Response Playbook |
| PGDCS205 | Project Work | Project | 2 | Project Planning, Design and Implementation, Testing and Evaluation, Report Writing, Presentation |
| PGDCS206 | Internship | Internship | 1 | Industry Exposure, Practical Skill Application, Professional Development, Report Submission, Presentation |




