IIT Kanpur has announced a new Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B Cyber) programme starting July 2026. Admission will not require JEE Advanced; instead, candidates will be shortlisted via JEE Main scores and prior cybersecurity work, followed by an in-person hackathon assessment.
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has announced the launch of a new undergraduate programme — Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B Cyber) — starting from the 2026-27 academic session. The programme will be offered through the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems and will begin in July 2026.
Admission Process
Unlike most IIT undergraduate programmes, admissions to B Cyber will not be conducted through JEE Advanced. Instead, candidates will be shortlisted based on their JEE Main scores and evidence of prior work in the field of cybersecurity. Shortlisted applicants will then be required to appear for an in-person assessment at the IIT Kanpur campus, which will include a hackathon.
Programme Structure
The four-year programme combines academic training with practical experience. Students will spend the first two years on campus studying cybersecurity concepts through coursework and laboratory-based training. The curriculum is designed to provide theoretical foundations as well as hands-on exposure in controlled environments.
The remaining two years will be devoted to internships with government security organisations. During this period, students will work on cybersecurity-related projects and real-world security challenges as part of their training.
Key Points
- Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B Cyber) launched by IIT Kanpur from 2026-27 session.
- Admission based on JEE Main scores and prior cybersecurity work; no JEE Advanced required.
- Shortlisted candidates must attend an in-person assessment including a hackathon.
- First two years: on-campus coursework and lab training; last two years: internships with government security agencies.
- Programme aims to address the growing need for cybersecurity professionals.
IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal stated that cybersecurity has become a critical area, particularly for the protection of digital infrastructure and national systems. Nitin Saxena, Dean of the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems, said the programme aims to combine academic instruction with practical experience to prepare professionals for the cybersecurity sector.
A dedicated webpage for the programme is being developed and is expected to go live next week. Detailed information regarding eligibility, admissions, and the application process will be made available on the portal.