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PTC Web Desk:  In an unusual move, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has decided to give a second chance to a student who hacked its official website after failing to secure admission to its BTech Cyber Security programme.

Instead of immediately taking legal action, the institute is considering offering the student an internship at its cybersecurity research centre, C3iHub. However, IIT Kanpur has made it clear that hacking institutional systems is not an acceptable way to prove one's talent.

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The incident came to light after the student gained unauthorised access to the institute's website and displayed the message: "Site is Hacked. All I Need Is Just a Fair Chance."

The student later shared screenshots of the hacked website on social media platforms, including X and Reddit, claiming responsibility for the breach.

According to the student, the intention was not to damage the website but to demonstrate cybersecurity skills after being denied admission to the programme.

Speaking on the incident, IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal said the admission process had already been completed, making it impossible to offer the student a seat due to legal and procedural reasons.

However, he said the institute did not want to negatively affect the student's future and is therefore considering offering an internship at C3iHub. The student can also apply for admission again next year.

The institute said applicants to the BTech Cyber Security programme already get several opportunities to showcase their technical abilities during the admission process, including participation in hackathons and other assessments.

According to IIT Kanpur, the student was unable to demonstrate the required skills during the selection process despite these opportunities.

Officials initially considered registering an FIR over the cyberattack but later decided against it. The institute said it wants to encourage talented students while also making it clear that illegal access to computer systems cannot be accepted.

The director stressed that students should always follow legal and ethical methods to build their careers and prove their abilities.

IIT Kanpur also announced that skilled cybersecurity enthusiasts can send their CVs for internship and job opportunities at C3iHub, the institute's cybersecurity technology and innovation centre.

The institute said deserving candidates will be considered based on their skills, but they must follow the proper and lawful process.