The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is set to launch a pioneering undergraduate programme in cybersecurity, the Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B Cyber), from the 2026-27 academic session. This innovative programme will be the first of its kind in the IIT system and aims to create a pipeline of high-quality cyber-security experts for the country.
The course, which will have 60 seats, will be offered by the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems at the institute. Students enrolled in the programme will undergo rigorous coursework and laboratory training for two years, followed by a two-year internship phase in various government security organisations.
The programme is designed to tap into the talent of young ethical hackers who may not clear the traditional Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced. The institute plans to hold a hackathon in the first week of July to identify such talent.
IIT Kanpur director Prof Manindra Agrawal said that future conflicts will be fought as much in cyberspace as in the physical world, and there is an urgent need to develop a cadre of highly trained experts capable of safeguarding national digital systems.
