IIT Kanpur Launches Bachelor of Cybersecurity Program 2026 at iitk.ac.in; Check Eligibility and Selection Steps

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has launched a new four-year undergraduate programme titled Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B.Cyber.) on its official website at iitk.ac.in. The first batch will begin classes in July 2026. The Wadhwani School of Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems offers the program. It aims to train highly skilled professionals for safeguarding India's digital infrastructure.

The institute will not use the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced route for this programme. Selection will combine JEE Main screening, proof of prior cybersecurity work, and an on-campus hackathon. The hackathon will test practical skills under timed conditions. A dedicated programme webpage with full details is expected shortly.

Also Check: JEECUP 2026 Answer Key Released at jeecup.admissions.nic.in

IIT Kanpur B.Cyber. Programme Key Details

Programme Structure at IIT Kanpur

The four-year design splits learning into two clear phases. The first two years cover rigorous coursework and laboratory training at the Kanpur campus. Students build core skills in systems, networks, and applied security.

The next two years move learners into a paid internship phase. Students will work inside government security organisations on real challenges. This phase replaces standard classroom semesters with field exposure.

Also Check: KIITEE 2026 Phase 3 Registration Open at kiitee.kiit.ac.in

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The institute has flagged three filters for the first batch. Applicants must have appeared in JEE Main 2026 for the initial screening. They must also show clear evidence of prior cybersecurity work. This may include contests, bug bounties, or verifiable projects.

Shortlisted candidates will then attend an in-person hackathon at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Final offers will follow hackathon performance. The exact JEE Main cut-off score has not been announced yet.

How Does the Selection Process Work?

• Step 1: Initial screening based on JEE Main 2026 scores.
• Step 2: Review of the candidate's prior cybersecurity work.
• Step 3: Shortlisted students appear for an on-campus hackathon at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
• Step 4: Final selection list based on hackathon results.

Also Read: Jharkhand PECE 2026 Exam Date Revised to July 12 at jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in

Why a Separate Admission Route from JEE Advanced?

IIT Kanpur Director Professor Manindra Agrawal confirmed the new admission design. The institute wants candidates with proven hands-on cybersecurity skills. JEE Advanced alone cannot test these practical abilities, so the hackathon helps identify students already active in the field.

Wadhwani School of Advanced AI and Intelligent Systems

The Wadhwani School was set up through a partnership with the Wadhwani Foundation. It hosts the new Department of Intelligent Systems, established in 2025. The school runs five research centres covering AI, intelligent systems, cybersecurity, robotics, and AI policy.

The B.Cyber. programme is the first dedicated undergraduate launch under this school. It will sit alongside a planned BTech in Intelligent Systems for the same intake year.

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Register and appear for JEE Main 2026 through the official NTA portal.
2. Visit the IIT Kanpur announcement page at iitk.ac.in for updates.
3. Build a portfolio of cybersecurity work such as CTF wins, bug bounty reports, or open-source projects.
4. Track the launch of the dedicated programme webpage expected shortly after June 11, 2026.
5. Prepare for the on-campus hackathon by practising applied security challenges.

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