Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Launch India’s First B.Cyber Undergraduate Programme for 2026 Intake

IIT Madras, formally the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, has introduced B.Cyber 2026. It represents the country’s first undergraduate degree focused on cybersecurity.

IIT Madras, formally the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, has introduced B.Cyber 2026. It represents the country’s first undergraduate degree focused on cybersecurity. IIT Kanpur, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, is serving as the delivery partner. The four-year course begins with the academic term starting in July 2026. Teaching will be conducted at IIT Kanpur within the Wadhwani School of AI. The school’s complete name is Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems. Applicants can use the official admissions page at iitk.ac.in/wsais/b-cyber.php. For this round, JEE Advanced is not required. Applicants are shortlisted using their top JEE Main score from 2025 or 2026. Those who make the shortlist then sit for a separate admissions test conducted at IIT Kanpur. The admissions test takes place today, July 5 2026. Candidates must report at 9:00 AM without delay. Access stops at 9:45 AM at the New Core Lab.

B.Cyber 2026 Key Dates

The complete schedule for admissions for the inaugural cohort is provided below.

Who Can Apply for B.Cyber 2026?

Eligibility follows the usual IIT admissions framework. The core requirements are set out below.

1. Candidates must have cleared Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
2. A minimum of five subjects must have been taken in Class 12.
3. For the general category, date of birth must be on or after October 1 2001.
4. For SC, ST, and PwD categories, date of birth must be on or after October 1 1996.
5. Only Indian citizens can apply.
6. Applicants must not have been admitted earlier to any IIT programme.
7. At most two applications are allowed in successive years.
8. Students from NIOS are eligible as well.

How Are Candidates Chosen for B.Cyber 2026?

1. The process proceeds in two straightforward steps.
2.  First comes shortlisting, followed by a hackathon-format admissions test.
3. Shortlisting is based on the highest JEE Main score from either 2025 or 2026.
4. Having earlier cybersecurity-related work can also improve the application. Only those shortlisted are invited to the admissions test.
5. The admissions test evaluates analytical ability and security aptitude. 
6. Topics include web security, APIs, OSINT, reverse engineering, and malware analysis.
7. It is structured as a hands-on hackathon instead of a written exam.

What Is the Structure of the Four-Year B.Cyber Programme?

The cybersecurity bachelor’s degree is built around substantial practical work. The first two years focus on classes at IIT Kanpur. The final two years consist of full-time internships. Every internship semester is worth 54 credits.

 A stipend may be provided depending on the organisation hosting the internship. On successful completion, students earn the B.Cyber degree and receive IIT Kanpur alumni status. Leaving early is possible through exit awards such as a Cybersecurity Certificate or Diploma.

B.Cyber 2026 Application Fee

The fee paid for applying cannot be refunded or transferred. Fees by category are provided below.

Tuition and related charges follow IIT Kanpur’s standard fee structure. Admitted students pay the same amount as other regular IITK undergraduate students.

Plan of Action for Candidates

1. Arrive at IIT Kanpur’s New Core Lab by 9:00 AM today.
2. Remember that entry will stop at 9:45 AM exactly.
3. Bring a valid photo ID along with the printed admit card you downloaded.
4. Check results on July 8 2026 at iitk.ac.in.
5. Those selected must finish on-campus reporting by July 21 2026.