A student who allegedly hacked the official websites of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and IIT Madras after being denied admission to IIT Kanpur's newly introduced Bachelor of Cyber Security programme may now get another opportunity to join the institute.
Instead of initiating legal proceedings, IIT Kanpur is considering assessing the student's technical skills and, if found competent, allowing him to apply through the next admission cycle. The development was confirmed by the institute's director, PTI reported.
Student allegedly hacked IIT websites after admission rejection
The incident surfaced earlier this week after the student claimed on social media that he had gained access to the websites of IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras following his rejection from the undergraduate cybersecurity programme.
He later posted screenshots of the alleged breach on X and Reddit, saying his intention was not to cause damage but to showcase his technical abilities.
The student reportedly left a message on the IIT Kanpur website that read: "Site is hacked. All I need is just a fair chance."
Student says he was not shortlisted despite completing application
According to his social media posts, the student said he had completed the admission process by submitting the application form, paying the required fee, uploading all necessary documents and providing evidence of his cybersecurity work.
However, he claimed he was not shortlisted and was therefore unable to participate in the hackathon, which formed part of the selection process for the programme.
IIT Kanpur director says admission not possible this year
Speaking to PTI, IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal said the student was not shortlisted because he did not have sufficient prior experience in cybersecurity.
"The admission process for this academic session has already concluded, so admission is not possible now. However, we will invite the student to the institute, assess his technical skills through a proper test and, if he proves his competence, give him an opportunity in the next admission cycle," Agrawal said.
He also confirmed that the student had gained access to certain sections of the official websites of IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras.
IIT Kanpur to counsel student instead of pursuing immediate legal action
Agrawal said senior faculty members and engineers have been directed to interact with the student and explain that unauthorised access to computer systems is illegal.
"Senior faculty members and engineers will interact with the student and counsel him that unauthorised access to computer systems is illegal and should never be repeated," he said, according to PTI.
IIT Kanpur had considered filing an FIR
An IIT Kanpur official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told PTI that the institute had initially considered lodging an FIR over the alleged hacking incident.
However, it decided to first verify the student's claims and evaluate his technical abilities before deciding on any legal action.
The official also noted that IIT Kanpur has previously recognised promising cybersecurity talent. Earlier this year, the institute offered a position at its C3iHub to a young cybersecurity enthusiast who had identified vulnerabilities in the CBSE online screen-marking portal.
IIT Kanpur's new cyber security programme
The Bachelor of Cyber Security programme is one of IIT Kanpur's newest undergraduate offerings, aimed at developing skilled professionals in cybersecurity.
Inputs from agencies
