India, June 12, 2026: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur is launching a new undergraduate program, Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B.Cyber.), from the current academic session beginning July 2026. The selection of candidates for the program will be based on an initial screening using JEE Main scores and evidence of prior work in the field of cybersecurity, followed by an in-person assessment that will include a hackathon to be conducted on the IIT Kanpur campus.
Introducing the program, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity, particularly from a national security perspective. He noted that future conflicts will be fought as much in cyberspace as in the physical world. Critical national infrastructure will require strong protection against cyberattacks. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a cadre of highly trained experts capable of safeguarding national digital systems. Keeping this objective in mind, IIT Kanpur is launching this program with a unique structure.
Students enrolled in this program will spend the first two years at the institute undergoing rigorous academic coursework designed to build strong theoretical foundations in cybersecurity. They will also undertake laboratory courses to gain practical experience in controlled environments. This will be followed by a two-year internship phase in various government security organizations, where students will work on real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Admission to the program will not be through JEE Advanced. Instead, it will be based on a special selection process involving shortlisting through JEE Main performance and demonstrated prior work in cybersecurity, followed by a test that includes a hackathon.
The program will be offered by the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems at the Institute. In this context, Prof. Nitin Saxena, Dean of the School, said: “Cybersecurity is a critical national priority and a rapidly growing field globally. This program is designed to develop highly skilled professionals through a unique combination of strong academic foundations and real-world experience.”
The institute is in the process of launching a dedicated webpage for the program, which is expected to go live next week. Detailed information regarding the program and application process will be available on the webpage.
About IIT Kanpur
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognised as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialised schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.
