IIT Kanpur launches cybersecurity degree, admission via JEE Main and Hackathon

IIT Kanpur has launched a Bachelor of Cybersecurity programme from the 2026–27 session. The course drops JEE Advanced and adds a skills-based admission route with a hackathon.

In Short

• The four-year course will begin in July 2026 under Wadhwani School
• Applicants will be shortlisted using JEE Main scores and cybersecurity exposure
• Selected candidates must attend an on-campus hackathon testing practical problem-solving skills

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has introduced a new undergraduate programme, Bachelor of Cybersecurity, set to begin from the 2026–27 academic session.

The course will be offered through the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems and will start in July 2026. Officials say the programme has been designed to meet the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals in India and globally.

ADMISSIONS WITHOUT JEE ADVANCED

In a major shift from traditional IIT entry routes, admission to the programme will not require JEE Advanced scores. Instead, candidates will be shortlisted based on their JEE Main performance along with prior experience or exposure in cybersecurity-related work.

Shortlisted applicants will then undergo an in-person evaluation at IIT Kanpur, which will include a hackathon to test practical skills and problem-solving ability.

The four-year programme is structured to combine academic learning with hands-on training.

In the first two years, students will study cybersecurity concepts through classroom teaching and laboratory-based exercises on campus. The focus will be on building strong theoretical foundations along with technical skills in a controlled environment.

INTERNSHIPS WITH SECURITY AGENCIES

The remaining two years of the course will be dedicated to internships with government security organisations. Students will work on live cybersecurity projects and real-world challenges, gaining direct industry exposure.

According to the institute, this model is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and national security requirements in the digital space.

WHY CYBERSECURITY? WHY NOW

IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal said cybersecurity has become a critical area due to growing threats to digital infrastructure and national systems.

Nitin Saxena, Dean of the Wadhwani School, added that the programme aims to combine theory with practical exposure to create industry-ready professionals.

The institute is also preparing a dedicated webpage with full admission details, eligibility criteria and application process expected to go live soon.

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