IIT Kanpur Announces Bachelor Of Cybersecurity Programme, Check Eligibility And Course Structure
IIT Kanpur has announced a new undergraduate programme, Bachelor of Cybersecurity, from the 2026-27 academic session. The programme will offer 60 seats and will use a selection process based on JEE Main screening, prior cybersecurity work and an on-campus hackathon instead of JEE Advanced scores.
IIT Kanpur Launches Bachelor Of Cybersecurity
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has announced the launch of a new undergraduate programme, Bachelor of Cybersecurity, from the 2026-27 academic session beginning in July. The programme has been introduced to train students for the growing demand in cybersecurity and digital security.
According to the institute, this is the first dedicated cybersecurity undergraduate programme in the IIT system. It aims to prepare skilled professionals who can work on modern cyber threats, digital infrastructure protection, ethical hacking, security engineering and real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Admission Will Not Be Based On JEE Advanced
Unlike most IIT undergraduate programmes, admission to IIT Kanpur’s Bachelor of Cybersecurity will not be based on JEE Advanced scores. The institute will use a different selection model to identify students with interest and aptitude in cybersecurity.
The admission process will include JEE Main screening, assessment of previous cybersecurity-related work and participation in an on-campus hackathon. The hackathon is expected to be conducted in the first week of July.
IIT Kanpur Bachelor Of Cybersecurity: Key Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Bachelor of Cybersecurity |
| Short Name | B Cyber |
| Institute | IIT Kanpur |
| Academic Session | 2026-27 |
| Session Start | July 2026 |
| Total Seats | 60 |
| Programme Duration | Four years |
| Offered By | Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems |
| Admission Process | JEE Main screening, prior cybersecurity work review and on-campus hackathon |
Eligibility And Admission Process
IIT Kanpur will evaluate candidates through a multi-stage selection process. JEE Main performance will be used for screening, but selection will also depend on a candidate’s previous cybersecurity work and performance in the hackathon.
The institute is expected to assess candidates who have demonstrated interest and capability in cybersecurity areas such as ethical hacking, secure coding, digital systems, cyber defense or related technical fields.
JEE Main Screening
Candidates will first be screened based on JEE Main performance.
Cybersecurity Work Review
Prior cybersecurity-related work, projects or experience will be assessed.
On-Campus Hackathon
Shortlisted candidates will participate in a hackathon expected in the first week of July.
Course Structure: First Two Years At IIT Kanpur Campus
The Bachelor of Cybersecurity programme follows a four-year structure. During the first two years, students will study at the IIT Kanpur campus and complete coursework designed to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity.
The curriculum will combine theoretical concepts, technical subjects and laboratory-based training. This phase is expected to help students understand the fundamentals of computing, networks, security principles, system protection and hands-on cybersecurity tools.
| Course Phase | Focus Area | Expected Learning Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Foundation learning and core technical subjects | Build basic understanding of computing, programming and security concepts |
| Year 2 | Cybersecurity coursework and lab-based exposure | Develop practical skills through controlled lab training and technical modules |
| Campus Training | IIT Kanpur academic environment | Prepare students for advanced cybersecurity work and real-world projects |
Final Two Years To Focus On Internships
The final two years of the programme will focus on internships with government security organisations. This practical phase is designed to give students exposure to real-world cybersecurity challenges.
During internships, students will work on cybersecurity projects and gain hands-on experience in areas such as digital threat analysis, secure infrastructure, security operations, vulnerability assessment and cyber incident response.
Government Security Internships
Students will gain exposure through internships with government security organisations.
Real-World Projects
The programme will include practical work on cybersecurity challenges and digital security systems.
Professional Training
Internships will help students build job-ready cybersecurity skills and applied experience.
Why IIT Kanpur Introduced This Programme
Cybersecurity has become one of the most important areas in technology because of increasing cyber threats, data breaches, digital fraud, online infrastructure attacks and national security concerns. IIT Kanpur’s programme has been designed to create trained professionals who can address these challenges.
The programme also reflects a shift toward specialized undergraduate education in emerging technology fields. By combining academic coursework, hackathon-based selection and practical internships, IIT Kanpur aims to identify students with real interest and potential in cybersecurity.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The programme may be suitable for students who are interested in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, network security, digital forensics, secure software systems, cyber defense and technology-driven national security areas.
- Students with strong interest in cybersecurity
- Candidates with JEE Main performance
- Students with ethical hacking experience
- Learners with cybersecurity projects or portfolios
- Students interested in government security internships
- Candidates who enjoy hackathon-based problem solving
- Students aiming for digital security careers
- Aspirants looking for a specialized IIT undergraduate programme
Possible Career Areas After Bachelor Of Cybersecurity
Students graduating from the programme may explore careers in cybersecurity engineering, cyber defense, digital forensics, ethical hacking, security operations, threat intelligence, secure software development and risk management.
| Career Area | Possible Role Focus |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Engineering | Designing and securing digital systems and networks |
| Ethical Hacking | Testing systems for vulnerabilities and security weaknesses |
| Digital Forensics | Investigating cyber incidents and digital evidence |
| Security Operations | Monitoring, detecting and responding to cyber threats |
| Threat Intelligence | Studying attack patterns and emerging cyber risks |
| Government Security | Working on digital security projects linked to public systems and national infrastructure |
IIT Kanpur Bachelor Of Cybersecurity Timeline
What Students Should Do Now
Students interested in the Bachelor of Cybersecurity programme should keep track of IIT Kanpur’s dedicated admissions webpage once it is launched. They should also prepare documentation related to JEE Main performance and cybersecurity work, if applicable.
- Check IIT Kanpur’s official updates for the dedicated programme webpage.
- Keep JEE Main score and application details ready.
- Prepare a record of cybersecurity projects, competitions or related work.
- Revise basic cybersecurity, programming and problem-solving concepts.
- Prepare for the expected on-campus hackathon.
- Read eligibility and application guidelines once released.
- Submit the application within the official deadline after the portal opens.
FAQs On IIT Kanpur Bachelor Of Cybersecurity
What new programme has IIT Kanpur announced?
IIT Kanpur has announced a new undergraduate programme called Bachelor of Cybersecurity, also referred to as B Cyber.
When will IIT Kanpur Bachelor of Cybersecurity begin?
The programme will begin from the 2026-27 academic session starting in July 2026.
How many seats are available in the programme?
IIT Kanpur has announced 60 seats for the Bachelor of Cybersecurity programme.
Will admission be based on JEE Advanced?
No. Admission to this programme will not be based on JEE Advanced scores.
How will candidates be selected?
Candidates will be selected through JEE Main screening, assessment of prior cybersecurity work and an on-campus hackathon.
When is the hackathon expected?
The on-campus hackathon is expected to be conducted in the first week of July 2026.
What is the course structure?
The first two years will involve coursework and labs at IIT Kanpur, while the final two years will focus on internships with government security organisations.
