Archive · 25 Aug 2026
IITs Launch India’s First Practice-Oriented Four-Year Cybersecurity Degree
IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur have created a new four-year degree for cybersecurity students.
Cybersecurity means protecting computers, networks, and important digital systems.
The first two years focus on classroom learning at IIT Madras.
Students study subjects such as ethical hacking, cryptography, Linux, data science, and computer networks.
In the final two years, they work on practical projects in selected government organisations.
These projects can involve areas such as cloud security, malware analysis, and critical infrastructure security.
Some students may also receive fellowships during their field deployments.
Students who finish the course receive a bachelor’s degree from IIT Madras and become IIT Madras alumni.
IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur have launched India’s first practice-oriented four-year Bachelor of Cybersecurity programme.
The programme began in the academic year starting July 2026 to address demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Students spend the first two years studying coursework at IIT Madras.
The following two years involve field deployments with selected government organisations, potentially including fellowships.
Graduates receive a bachelor’s degree from IIT Madras and IIT Madras alumnus status.
- Who
- The Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, along with students admitted to the programme.
- What
- They launched a practice-oriented four-year Bachelor of Cybersecurity programme.
- When
- The programme commenced in the academic year beginning July 2026.
- Where
- The first two years are conducted at IIT Madras, followed by field deployments in selected government organisations.
- Why
- To help meet India’s growing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals and protect its expanding digital infrastructure and strategic sectors.
- Programme
- Four-year Bachelor of Cybersecurity, or BCyber
- Institutions
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
- Academic start
- Academic year beginning July 2026
- First two years
- Coursework conducted at IIT Madras
- Final two years
- Field deployments involving practical cybersecurity projects
- Degree and alumni status
- Graduates receive a bachelor’s degree from IIT Madras and IIT Madras alumnus status
- Fieldwork areas
- Security operations, offensive security, malware analysis, cloud security, and critical infrastructure security