HighLights
  1. Rejected IIT aspirant hacked IIT Kanpur and Madras systems
  2. .Left message seeking fair chance in cybersecurity program.
  3. Act sparked social media debate on skill recognition.

A viral social media post claimed that an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) aspirant hacked the online systems of IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras to prove his abilities after he got rejected for a bachelor's programme in cybersecurity. However, the individual did not cause any damage; instead, he wrote a heartfelt message explaining that all he needed was a single chance to prove his abilities.

Sharing a post on X, Aditya said, “This guy got rejected from an IIT cybersecurity programme. After months of getting ignored, he broke into IITM & IITK systems just to leave a message explaining why he deserved a shot. didn’t ask for money, didn’t deface it for clout."

Sharing a follow-up comment, Aditya added, “I wish he had gone down the bug bounty or startup route instead. Someone with that level of skill could’ve unlocked some amazing opportunities without crossing that line," while also posting another screenshot showing a “502 Bad Gateway" error. 

X User Shares Screenshot

The screenshots shared by Aditya said that the individual who conducted the act was initiated to draw the attention of the authorities to the cybersecurity matter and “no harm was intended". Among the shared screenshots, one claimed the regular visitors were instructed to use the system as usual while the administrators were requested to spend five minutes reading the note. At the centre, the note read, "All I need is just a fair chance."

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The anonymous individual further claimed that despite submitting the application, paying the fees, and uploading all the required documents, they received no confirmation. He was not selected for the cybersecurity programme, nor was he able to participate in the hackathon.

The message also pointed out the repercussions of aspiring to study a cybersecurity programme; parents often force children to opt for engineering entrance examinations such as JEE. The individual claimed to have been coding since the age of 13 and said academic grades suffered because of the time devoted to cybersecurity, leading to family pressure.

The note then questioned the selection process. The applicant claimed that he  possessed stronger cybersecurity skills than many of those selected. He stated that several programme seats remained vacant because shortlisted candidates allegedly struggled with Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, while deserving applicants were overlooked.

Additionally, the individual also claimed that he repeatedly contacted IIT Kanpur’s administration, reporting multiple security vulnerabilities, and attempted to schedule a discussion after allegedly receiving an email from a faculty member. According to the note, none of those who messaged received a response, ultimately prompting the alleged website hack in an attempt to attract attention. 

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The screenshots also contained detailed claims about the extent of the alleged access obtained on IITK and IITM systems, including references to administrative servers, payment-related systems, databases, source code, API keys, applicant information, and confidential documents. However, these claims have not been independently verified.

How Did The Netizens React?

The post quickly drew multiple reactions on social media. A user said, "Well, that is satisfying. Hope he gets in eventually.” A second user commented, “He deserves this truly; this programme is definitely for people like him. What a crazy dude.”

A third netizen added, “did same with one of the lab of IIITH, and I was offered internship but because of NOC issues from college I didn't joined.


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