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Student hacks IIT websites, institute considers future admission
Published : Thursday, 30 July, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Observer Online Report
A student, who failed to secure admission to the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur), hacked the websites of two IIT institutions.
Instead of taking legal action, IIT-Kanpur is considering evaluating his technical skills for potential admission.
IIT-Kanpur recently launched a Bachelor of Cybersecurity program. The student had applied for this program. However, he was not selected during the preliminary screening.
Following this, he hacked the websites of IIT-Kanpur and IIT-Madras. He left a message on the IIT-Kanpur website reading: "Site is hacked. All I need is just a fair chance."
The hacking incident came to light this week. In posts on X and Reddit, the student claimed he accessed both websites after his application was rejected. He also shared screenshots of his unauthorized access.
The student claimed his intention was not to cause harm. He did it merely to prove his technical skills.
In his social media posts, the student stated that he had completed all steps of the application process. He submitted all required documents and fees. He also submitted proof of his cyber-security work.
However, he was not shortlisted. As a result, he missed the chance to participate in the selection hackathon.
IIT-Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal explained that the student was not shortlisted due to a lack of prior experience in cyber-security. Admissions for the current academic year have already ended. Therefore, admitting him now is not possible.
However, the student will be called to the campus to formally test his skills. If he proves his competence, he will be given a chance to enroll with the next batch.
Manindra Agrawal confirmed that the student managed to access parts of the official websites of IIT-Kanpur and IIT-Madras. He added that senior faculty and engineers have been instructed to talk to the student. They will explain that unauthorized access to any computer system is illegal and must not be repeated.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an IIT-Kanpur official said the institute initially considered filing an FIR against the student. However, they later decided to verify his claims and evaluate his technical abilities before taking further steps.
IIT-Kanpur has a precedent of encouraging young talent. Earlier this year, a youth who identified security flaws in CBSE's online marking portal was offered an opportunity at the institute's C3iHub.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
