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Synopsis
IIT Kanpur will launch a Bachelor of Cybersecurity program from 2026–27, removing JEE Advanced and introducing a skill-based selection process with internships and hands-on training.
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur) has announced the launch of a new undergraduate programme, Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B Cyber), beginning in the 2026-27 academic session. The programme will be offered through the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems.
The institute has confirmed a significant change in its admission process. Unlike traditional IIT undergraduate admissions, this programme will not require JEE Advanced scores. Instead, candidates will be shortlisted based on their JEE Main performance along with demonstrated interest or experience in cybersecurity-related activities.
Shortlisted applicants will then participate in an in-person evaluation at the IIT Kanpur campus. The selection process will include a hackathon, designed to assess problem-solving ability and practical understanding of cybersecurity concepts.
The four-year programme is structured to combine academic learning with applied experience. In the first two years, students will remain on campus and focus on core subjects in cybersecurity. The curriculum will include classroom instruction as well as laboratory-based training to build foundational technical knowledge.
In the final two years, students will move into internship-based learning. They will work with government security organisations, where they will engage with real-world cybersecurity challenges and contribute to ongoing projects. The institute aims to ensure that students graduate with both theoretical depth and practical exposure.
IIT Kanpur introduced the programme in response to the growing importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world. The institute highlighted the need for trained professionals capable of protecting critical infrastructure and national digital systems.
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Director Manindra Agrawal said cybersecurity has become a vital field for safeguarding digital ecosystems and national interests. He emphasized the importance of preparing skilled professionals who can respond to evolving threats in cyberspace.
Nitin Saxena, Dean of the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems, said the programme is designed to combine academic rigor with real-world training. He noted that the goal is to prepare students for industry and government roles in cybersecurity through a structured, experience-driven learning model.
The institute has also stated that a dedicated webpage for the programme is under development. It will soon provide detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and admission timelines for prospective students.
With this initiative, IIT Kanpur aims to expand access to specialized technical education while shifting focus toward skill-based evaluation and practical learning in a high-demand field.