This guide breaks down every cost, including the ones people find out about too late: retakes, the practical exam, the annual fee and GST. It's written for students and working professionals in Kerala, but the prices apply across India.
- 125multiple-choice questions
- 4 hoursonline exam
- 60–85%pass mark, by paper
- 3 yearsvalid, then renew
What the CEH v13 exam costs
EC-Council doesn't publish one price for India, and exam vouchers are locked to the region you buy them for. These are the figures you'll meet in practice:
| Item | Typical cost | Who pays it |
|---|---|---|
| CEH exam voucher (India, bought on your own) | About ₹55,000–60,000 | Self-study candidates |
| Eligibility application fee | USD 100 | Self-study candidates only |
| Accredited training + official voucher | About ₹50,000–1,30,000 | Training route |
| Exam retake (if not included) | About USD 499 | Anyone who fails |
| CEH Practical exam (bought separately) | About USD 550 | Optional, for CEH Master |
| Annual membership fee | USD 80 per year | Everyone, after passing |
| GST on training fees | 18% | Training route |
Prices change with exchange rates and EC-Council's own updates, so treat these as a guide and confirm the current figure before you pay.
Two ways to take the exam
1. Self-study (apply for eligibility)
You can sit the CEH exam without official training, but you first have to apply to EC-Council. That means paying the USD 100 application fee and showing at least two years of information security work experience, verified by your manager. Only after approval can you buy and use the voucher.
This route suits people who already work in security and only need the certificate. For students and freshers it usually isn't an option, because they can't show the two years of experience.
2. Training with an accredited centre
If you train with an EC-Council Accredited Training Centre (ATC), you don't need to prove experience, and the eligibility fee is not charged separately. The package normally includes the official courseware, iLabs practice labs and the exam voucher. Official kits also include one exam retake.
The useful comparison is this: in many cases the accredited package costs about the same as buying the voucher alone, and you get a mentor and lab practice on top. Before you pay any centre, check two things: that it appears in EC-Council's official list of accredited centres, and that the official voucher is actually included in the price.
Self-study
- Needs 2 years of security experience
- USD 100 eligibility fee
- Voucher bought separately
- Official labs and retakes cost extra
- No mentor support
- Suits people already working in security
Accredited training
- No experience needed
- No separate eligibility fee
- Official exam voucher included
- iLabs practice usually included
- One retake in official kits
- Mentor support throughout
The exam itself
Knowing the format helps you plan your preparation time, which is a cost too.
- CEH (knowledge exam): 125 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours, taken online through EC-Council's exam portal. The pass mark is between 60% and 85%, depending on which version of the paper you get.
- CEH Practical: 20 hands-on challenges in 6 hours, in EC-Council's iLabs cyber range. It's optional.
- CEH Master: awarded when you pass both the knowledge exam and the Practical.
The certification is valid for three years. To keep it, you pay the annual fee and earn continuing education credits, which you get from things like training, conferences and writing.
Costs people forget
- Retakes If your package doesn't include one, a second attempt costs about USD 499. A retake included in the package is worth more than it looks.
- Cheap vouchers from unofficial sellers They may be for the wrong region, expired or not genuine, and you lose the money if EC-Council rejects them. Buy only from EC-Council or an accredited centre.
- Region lock An India-region voucher has to be used from India. If you're planning to move abroad, sit the exam before you go.
- Practice time Most people need 2 to 3 months of steady preparation. Free platforms like TryHackMe help, but plan for the time.
- The annual fee USD 80 a year for as long as you keep the certificate.
Is CEH worth the cost?
For most freshers in Kerala aiming at a first job in security, yes. CEH is one of the certifications Indian employers and MNC job postings ask for most often, and it shows an HR team that you've covered the fundamentals. It works best alongside hands-on skills: recruiters for SOC analyst and junior penetration testing roles will also ask what you can actually do.
If you're completely new to the field, start with the basics before you spend on CEH. Our 50 Days Ethical Hacking Challenge is a lower-cost way to find out whether security is for you. Read Ethical hacking: all you need to know for an overview of the career.
Your path to CEH
- Learn the basicsNetworking and security fundamentals
- Accredited trainingAbout 3 months, voucher included
- Sit the exam125 questions in 4 hours
- Stay certifiedRenew every 3 years
CEH v13 training at Edwhere
EC-Council Accredited Training Centre · Kochi
CEH v13 training, explained in Malayalam
Edwhere Learning is an EC-Council Accredited Training Centre in Kakkanad, Kochi. Our CEH v13 training runs for 3 months, follows the official v13 syllabus, includes the official exam voucher, and is taught by a Certified EC-Council Instructor, with explanations in Malayalam when you need them. Every live session is recorded, so you can catch up if you miss one.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the CEH v13 exam fee in India?
Bought on your own, the exam voucher typically costs around ₹55,000 to ₹60,000, plus a USD 100 eligibility application fee. Through an EC-Council Accredited Training Centre, the voucher is included in the training package.
Can I take the CEH exam without training?
Yes, if you have at least two years of information security work experience. You apply to EC-Council, pay the USD 100 application fee and wait for approval before you can sit the exam.
Is the CEH exam voucher included in training fees?
At EC-Council Accredited Training Centres the official voucher is normally included, but some institutes quote a training fee and charge for the voucher separately. Always ask before you pay.
How much does a CEH retake cost?
About USD 499 if your package doesn't include one. Official EC-Council training kits include one retake of the knowledge exam.
How long is the CEH certification valid?
Three years. To renew it you pay an annual fee of USD 80 and earn continuing education credits.
What is the passing score for CEH v13?
Between 60% and 85%, depending on the version of the exam you get. The exam has 125 multiple-choice questions and lasts 4 hours.