IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur have launched a new four-year Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B.Cyber.) program. This is India's first practice-oriented cybersecurity degree. The program aims to address the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
Program Overview
Students will complete the first two years of study at the IIT Madras campus. The remaining program duration will involve deployment in government organizations. Participants may receive fellowships during this phase. Graduates will receive an IIT Madras Bachelor degree and alumnus status.
Curriculum Details
The B.Cyber. program covers key cybersecurity topics. These include hacking, penetration testing, cloud security, digital forensics, and critical infrastructure security. The curriculum focuses on practical skills for current cybersecurity challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have passed Class 12. Required subjects are Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. Candidates must be born before October 1, 2001. Age relaxation of up to five years is available for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates. Students from the National Institute of Open Schooling are also eligible.
Application and Fees
Eligibility and fee structures follow IIT Kanpur guidelines. Application fees are Rs. 1,600 for female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Other categories pay Rs. 3,200. Candidates can apply a maximum of two times. Applications must be submitted in two consecutive years.
Program Fees
| Category | Fee (INR) |
| General and OBC | 1,57,166 |
| SC, ST, PwD, MEB | 57,166 |
| OEB | 90,499 |
Selection Process
Shortlisting is based on Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) scores. Evidence of prior cybersecurity work is also considered. JEE scores from 2025 or 2026 are accepted. Younger candidates receive preference in case of score ties.
Evaluation of Cybersecurity Work (100 Marks Total)
- Cybersecurity Exposure: 20 Marks
- Competitive Cybersecurity Experience: 20 Marks
- Technical Learning & Certifications: 15 Marks
- Security Research & Responsible Disclosure: 20 Marks
- Technical Portfolio: 15 Marks
- Cybersecurity Community & Online Platforms: 10 Marks
This joint initiative prepares students for the industry through a two-year field deployment project.
