Straight answers on cost, timelines, Type 1 vs Type 2, and how to choose between a consultant and a platform.
How much does SOC 2 cost in India?+
TCSA's consultant-led SOC 2 engagements are fixed-fee and all-in, including the independent CPA attestation: ₹2–3 Lakh for Type 1 and ₹3–5 Lakh for Type 2. They cover readiness, remediation support, and CPA audit coordination. Global automation platforms such as Vanta and Drata run $20,000–60,000 per year, and Sprinto ₹8–15 Lakh per year, with the CPA auditor's fee often charged separately. Budget additional engineering time for closing remediation gaps.
SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2: which one do I need?+
A Type 1 report assesses whether your controls are suitably designed at a single point in time. A Type 2 report tests whether those controls operated effectively over an observation window (typically 3–12 months). Most US enterprise customers ultimately require Type 2. A common path is to complete Type 1 first to unblock active deals, then move straight into the Type 2 observation period.
How long does SOC 2 take in India?+
With a consultant-led approach, TCSA gets you audit-ready in 6–8 weeks. The Type 1 report follows. Type 2 takes 14–16 weeks end to end, including the 12-week minimum observation window. Platform-led programs typically take 3–6 months to reach audit readiness, and readiness consulting engagements 4–7 months. The biggest variables are the maturity of your existing controls and how quickly your team closes remediation items.
Should I choose a SOC 2 consultant or a platform like Vanta or Sprinto?+
They solve different problems. Platforms automate evidence collection and continuous monitoring, but scoping, policy writing, risk assessment, remediation decisions, and auditor management still fall on your team. A consulting firm does that work with you and coordinates the CPA audit end-to-end. Companies with strong in-house security engineering often pair a platform with a consultant, while lean teams usually reach a clean report faster — and at lower total cost — with a consultant-led engagement.
Who can actually perform a SOC 2 attestation?+
Only a licensed CPA firm operating under AICPA attestation standards can issue a SOC 2 report — no consultant or software platform "certifies" you. Consulting firms like TCSA prepare you, run the readiness assessment, and coordinate the independent CPA firm that signs your report, while platforms connect you with partner auditors. Always confirm which CPA firm will sign your report before you start.
How were these five firms ranked?+
Rankings weigh five factors: delivery model (hands-on consulting vs software), client outcomes (pass rates and reviews), pricing transparency, timeline efficiency, and specialization fit for Indian SaaS companies selling to US enterprises. The full scoring rubric is published in our vendor ranking methodology at tcsa.in/resources/vendor-ranking-methodology. Disclosure: this list is published by TCSA, which ranks itself first based on these criteria. Competitor information comes from public sources as of June 2026, and corrections are welcome at info@tcsa.in.