Introduction
For the 2026 admission cycle, several IITs, IIMs, IISc, and IIITs have introduced new BTech and BS programs with updated eligibility pathways through JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or JoSAA counselling. This article lists newly announced standalone undergraduate programs with details on curriculum focus and admission routes.
1. IIT Kanpur – Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B.Cyber)
- IIT Kanpur introduces a dedicated undergraduate degree in cybersecurity, one of the first standalone UG programs of its kind in an IIT. Unlike traditional CSE tracks, this program is structured around offensive and defensive security, cryptography, digital forensics, and system-level security engineering. A distinctive feature is its practice-heavy model, including laboratory-based security training and a mandatory internship phase with government or security organizations, reflecting rising national demand for cyber-skilled professionals.
- Admission Route: JEE Main screening, cybersecurity portfolio, followed by in-person hackathon-based selection at IIT Kanpur.
2. IIT Jammu – B.Tech in Unified Engineering
- This interdisciplinary program is designed as a systems-level engineering degree, combining AI, robotics, energy systems, intelligent mobility, and sustainability. Unlike traditional branch-based engineering, Unified Engineering is structured to train students in cross-domain problem solving for complex modern engineering systems, reflecting industry demand for multi-skilled engineers.
- Admission Route: JEE Advanced via JoSAA counselling.
3. IIT Indore – New B.Tech & BS Programs (Biomedical Engineering and Data Science, Environmental Economics and Sustainable Engineering, Applied and Industrial Chemistry)
- IIT Indore has introduced three new undergraduate programs under its 2026–27 intake expansion, marking a major push into interdisciplinary science and sustainability-focused engineering. The programs are structured under newly created academic verticals and reflect the institute’s shift toward healthcare technology, climate systems, and applied chemical sciences with data integration.
- Admission Route: JEE Advanced.
4. IIT Jodhpur – BS in Mathematics & Computing
- This program is designed to address the growing demand for graduates who can operate at the intersection of pure mathematics and computational systems. It combines rigorous theoretical mathematics (analysis, algebra, probability, optimization) with core computing areas such as algorithms, machine learning, and data systems, making it highly relevant for AI, finance, and research careers.
- Admission Route: JEE Advanced via JoSAA counselling.
5. IIT Mandi – New BTech Programs
- IIT Mandi has launched three new engineering programs aimed at emerging technology domains. The Quantum Science and Engineering program is particularly notable as one of India’s first dedicated UG degrees in quantum technologies, covering quantum computing, sensing, communication, and advanced materials. The other two programs integrate agriculture and chemical engineering with AI, IoT, and data analytics, reflecting the growing push toward AI-enabled sustainability and process innovation.
- Admission Route: JEE Advanced.
6. IIT Madras – BS (Mathematics)
- The BS Mathematics program is structured as a flexible, research-oriented degree with strong theoretical foundations and industry-relevant electives. It is unique for allowing students to progress toward a dual BS-MS pathway, and offers specialization tracks in cryptography, financial engineering, actuarial science, and AI-enabled manufacturing. The program reflects growing demand for mathematically trained professionals in data science and finance.
- Admission Route: JEE Advanced or Olympiad Admission Mode (OAM).
7. IIM Lucknow – B.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence & Business Analytics
- This is a flagship four-year undergraduate program integrating AI, data science, and business analytics within a residential learning ecosystem. Positioned within a strong innovation hub, the program is designed to produce graduates who can operate at the intersection of AI systems, analytics, and strategic business decision-making, reflecting increasing demand for AI-literate management professionals.
- Admission Route: JEE Advanced.
8. IIM Mumbai – BS in Digital Science and Business Management
- This program integrates digital technologies with business management, focusing on data systems, computational thinking, and managerial decision-making frameworks. It reflects the increasing convergence of technology and business disciplines, particularly in digital transformation roles across industries.
- Admission Route: JEE Main followed by personal interview.
9. IISc Bengaluru – New BTech Programs (Aerospace Engineering, Mechanics and Computing, Materials Science and Engineering)
- IISc introduces new BTech programs which mark a significant expansion of IISc’s undergraduate offerings, with a strong emphasis on research-led engineering education, laboratory exposure, and deep scientific foundations, supported by Bengaluru’s innovation ecosystem.
- Admission Route: JEE Advanced via JoSAA counselling.
10. IIIT Dharwad – BTech in AI & Computing
- This program is designed around the complete AI lifecycle, from model development to deployment on high-performance computing infrastructure. It goes beyond traditional AI coursework by emphasizing systems-level understanding of large-scale computing environments that support AI applications, aligning with industry needs in cloud computing and AI deployment.
- Admission Route: JEE Main via JoSAA counselling.
Conclusion
The 2026 undergraduate admissions cycle reflects a structural shift toward interdisciplinary and technology-driven education in India. IITs and IISc are expanding into deep-tech engineering domains via JEE Advanced, while IIITs and IIMs are strengthening applied computing and business-tech programs through JEE Main and hybrid admission routes. Together, these programs signal a transition toward specialized, industry-aligned undergraduate education.
