Student hacks IIT Kanpur, Madras websites after being denied admission

A student who hacked the websites of the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-K) and IIT Madras after being denied admission in IIT-K’s newly launched Bachelor of Cyber Security programme may get another chance to join the institute, which is considering assessing his technical skills instead of pursuing legal action.

The student allegedly left a message on the IIT-K website reading, “Site is hacked. All I need is just a fair chance.” The incident came to light earlier this week after the student claimed on social media that he had breached the websites of IIT-K and IIT Madras following his rejection from the undergraduate



cybersecurity programme.

He later shared screenshots of the alleged intrusion on X and Reddit, saying his objective was not to cause harm but to demonstrate his capabilities.

According to his posts, he had completed the application process, paid the prescribed fee, uploaded all required documents and submitted proof of his cyber security work. However, he claimed he was not shortlisted and was denied the opportunity to participate in the hackathon that formed part of the admission process.

IIT-K Director Manindra Agrawal said the student was not shortlisted because he lacked prior experience in cyber security.