Network Administrator
Supervises and maintains a company's computer network — both its software and its hardware.
Overview
A Network Administrator deals with both the software and hardware of a computer network in a company. They are responsible for supervising and maintaining the technological network and are the professional to go to in case of technical or computer-based issues.
Where they work
- Architectural, Engineering and related services
- Computer systems design services
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can pursue freelancing in this domain.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are good with computers.
- You like to analyse problems/situations.
- You pay attention to details while working.
- You like to lead.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.Sc./BCA/B.E.) in Computer Science/Information System
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.Sc./MCA/M.E.) in the same field
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.Sc./BCA/M.E.) in Network Engineering followed by a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.Sc./MCA/M.E.) in the same field
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Computer Science. This list of Institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
- Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, New Delhi
- Asutosh College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, New Delhi
- College of Applied Science, Kundara, Kollam, Kerala
- Government Engineering College, Bikaner, Rajasthan
- East Calcutta Girls College, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Annai College of Arts and Science, Vilathur, Tamil Nadu
- AD Patel Institute of Technology, New Vallabh Nagar, Gujarat
- All India Institute of Management Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Acropolis Institute of Management Studies and Research, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bangalore City College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Bapatla Engineering College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh
- Bonnie Foi College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Network Engineering Trainee
- 2Network Engineering Assistant
- 3Network Administrator
- 4Chief Network Administrator
Related careers to explore
Computer Network Architect
Designs, builds and maintains data communication networks from wide area networks to intranets.
Cyber Security Specialist
Protects an organisation's computer systems, networks and data from cyber threats.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths, Computer Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to coding.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Brent D. Stewart — A Network Administrator at CommScope in North Carolina, where he focuses on design and implementation of an international IP network. Brent has worked in fiber-optic manufacturing R&D, as a network consultant, and as a certified Cisco instructor. He received a BS in physics from Lenoir-Rhyne College and is currently finishing an MS in computer science/information security from James Madison University.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 649 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Network_Administrator/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The contents page lists this career on printed page 651, but the card is on 649.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.