PNPT cost in India 2026, at a glance
PNPT has quietly become one of the favourite “value” certifications among Indian pentest learners, and once you see the price, it’s easy to understand why. For less than a third of what OSCP costs, you get the training, the exam and a free retake in one bundle.
But is cheap the same as good value? Let’s look at exactly what you pay in rupees, what you get for it, how the exam works, and where PNPT fits next to OSCP in the Indian job market.
| Full form | Practical Network Penetration Tester |
| Issued by | TCM Security |
| Price | US$499 (about ₹48,400), exam voucher plus training |
| Retake | One free retake included |
| Voucher validity | 12 months from purchase |
| Exam | 5 days to complete the assessment + 2 days to write the report, then a live debrief |
| Focus | OSINT, external testing and internal Active Directory compromise |
What your ₹48,400 actually buys
The PNPT price covers more than just an exam attempt. TCM Security sells it as a bundle: the exam voucher plus 12 months of access to 45+ hours of on-demand training the exam is built on. That training covers the practical ground you need: ethical hacking fundamentals, OSINT, external pentest methodology, and Windows and Linux privilege escalation.
Add the free retake, and the real cost of getting certified is often just the one payment. That’s rare. Compare it with OSCP, where a retake costs around ₹24,100 on top of the original fee.
Watch out for exchange rates and bank foreign-transaction charges when you pay in dollars. TCM has also offered discounts for students and some other groups in the past, so check their site before you buy.
How the PNPT exam works
This is where PNPT earns its reputation. It’s not a set of isolated boxes, it’s a simulated engagement:
OSINT first. You start by gathering information about the target organisation, just like a real external test.
External to internal. You use what you find to get a foothold, then pivot into the internal network.
Compromise Active Directory. The goal is to take over the domain, so strong AD skills are essential. Our Windows AD attack cheatsheet is a good place to start.
Report and debrief. You get five days to complete the assessment and two more to write a professional report. Then you present your findings in a live debrief, much like a real client call. If you’ve never had to explain a finding out loud, practise this. It’s a genuinely useful career skill.
PNPT vs OSCP and other pentest certs: cost comparison
| Certification | Approximate cost (INR) | Retake | Exam style |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNPT (TCM Security) | ~₹48,400 incl. training | 1 free retake | 5 days + 2-day report + live debrief |
| OSCP (OffSec) | ~₹1,70,000 (course + exam) | ~₹24,100 | Proctored practical exam + report |
| CPTS (Hack The Box) | ~₹20,400 voucher + Academy access | Second attempt included | 10-day practical + commercial report |
| CRTP (Altered Security) | ~₹24,100 | Depends on lab plan | Practical AD lab exam |
| CEH v13 (EC-Council) | ₹40,000–₹70,000 | Paid | MCQ (practical option available) |
On pure cost, PNPT sits in the sweet spot: far cheaper than OSCP, more realistic in format than most entry certs, and with training included. For a deeper look at how it stacks up on recognition and difficulty, see our OSCP vs CEH vs PNPT comparison and our CPTS certification guide.
Is PNPT worth it in India?
For learning: absolutely. The external-to-internal flow and the live debrief teach you how real engagements work, which plenty of pricier certifications don’t.
For HR filters: not yet. Most Indian recruiters and government tenders still look for OSCP or CEH by name. PNPT is well respected by technical interviewers, especially at consulting firms and product companies, but it won’t tick the HR box on its own.
That’s why we often suggest PNPT as a stepping stone: affordable, practical preparation that makes your eventual OSCP attempt far less daunting. If budget is tight right now, it’s one of the smartest ways to build real pentest skill without spending ₹1.7 lakh upfront.
Getting ready for PNPT
Work through the included training properly. The exam assumes you’ve done it.
Practise AD attacks on labs. Our best cybersecurity labs guide lists the best platforms for this.
Rehearse your debrief. Explain a lab you’ve finished to a friend in 15 minutes, as if they were the client. It’s surprisingly hard the first time.
Use your 12 months wisely. Book the exam when you’re consistently compromising practice networks, not just when the voucher is about to expire.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PNPT cost in India?
PNPT costs US$499, about ₹48,400 at current exchange rates. The price includes the exam voucher, access to TCM Security’s training and one free retake. Bank foreign-exchange charges may add a little to this.
Is the PNPT retake free?
Yes. The PNPT bundle includes one free retake if you don’t pass on your first attempt.
Is PNPT easier than OSCP?
PNPT is generally considered more approachable than OSCP, but its format is very realistic: OSINT, an external foothold, internal Active Directory compromise, a professional report and a live debrief. OSCP is more widely recognised and more time-pressured.
Is PNPT recognised in India?
Technical teams at consulting firms and product companies increasingly recognise PNPT. However, Indian HR filters and government tenders still mostly ask for OSCP or CEH by name.
How long is the PNPT voucher valid?
The PNPT exam voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
References & further reading
Is PNPT the right next step for you?
If you want realistic, practical pentest experience at a price that won’t break the bank, PNPT is hard to beat. Just be clear about what it will and won’t do for your CV in India. For the full OSCP cost picture, see our OSCP certification cost guide; for the bigger picture, our ranking of the best cybersecurity certifications in India.
At Macksofy Trainings we mentor candidates through practical pentest certifications, including OSCP, in classroom (BKC Mumbai) and live online formats. Let’s plan your pentest certification path together.
Disclaimer: prices are approximate, converted at about ₹97 per US dollar, and based on publicly available vendor pricing as of October 2026. Vendors may change pricing, exam format or inclusions at any time. Macksofy Trainings is not affiliated with or endorsed by TCM Security, OffSec, Hack The Box or Altered Security. All certification names are the property of their respective owners.
About the author — Yasir Arafat
Founder and Lead Instructor, Macksofy Trainings
Yasir designs OSCP, CEH v13 and SOC-200 curriculum at Macksofy Trainings, an EC-Council Accredited Training Center in Mumbai, and mentors candidates through practical certification exams.
