For millions of students across India, a low score in an entrance exam can feel like the end of the road. Every year, as JEE results are announced, countless aspirants wonder if one disappointing result defines their future. But the remarkable journey of V. Kamakoti, now Director of IIT Madras, tells a very different story.Long before he led one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutes — or even chaired the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) — Kamakoti was just another student dealing with failure. By his own account, he scored just one mark in Chemistry and couldn’t clear the JEE. Few could have imagined that the same student would one day head IIT Madras, receive the Padma Shri, and become one of India’s most respected voices in engineering, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
One exam didn’t decide his future
For many students, failing JEE feels like a permanent setback. Kamakoti’s story reminds us that it doesn’t have to be.Instead of letting one exam define him, he continued pursuing engineering through other opportunities, eventually finding his way to IIT Madras. There, he earned both his Master’s and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, laying the foundation for an academic career that would span more than two decades.In 2001, he joined IIT Madras as a faculty member. Over the years, he became known for his work in computer architecture, VLSI design, embedded systems and information security, leading several nationally significant technology initiatives funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.Ironically, the student who once couldn’t clear JEE would later serve as Chairman of JEE at IIT Madras, overseeing the very examination that had once rejected him.
From researcher to one of India’s most respected academic leaders
Kamakoti’s rise through the academic world has been marked by both research excellence and public service.In January 2022, he took charge as the Director of IIT Madras, his alma mater. By then, he had already led the institute’s Microprocessor Development Programme, headed national information security initiatives and served on the National Security Advisory Board. He also chaired the Artificial Intelligence Task Force constituted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.His contributions have earned him numerous honours, including the DRDO Academic Excellence Award, IBM Faculty Award, VASVIK Industrial Research Award, the Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship, and in 2026, the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.Yet, despite these achievements, Kamakoti has often spoken about something beyond rankings and awards—preparing students for the future.
Why he believes the future of engineering is changing
As Director of IIT Madras, Kamakoti has consistently advocated for engineering education that goes beyond textbooks.He has pushed for greater focus on Responsible Artificial Intelligence, arguing that as AI becomes more powerful, questions around ethics, accountability and bias become equally important.He has also championed the idea of Faculty of Practice, bringing experienced industry professionals into classrooms so students gain practical exposure alongside theoretical learning. Under his leadership, IIT Madras has expanded its interdisciplinary approach, strengthened startup and deep-tech research, and worked towards attracting more international students.For Kamakoti, engineering education isn’t just about producing graduates — it’s about creating innovators capable of solving real-world problems.
A lesson every JEE aspirant can take home
Every admission season brings stories of toppers, AIR 1 holders and perfect scores. They deserve to be celebrated.But stories like Kamakoti’s deserve equal attention.They remind students that success is rarely a straight line. A disappointing score, a failed entrance exam or even repeated setbacks do not determine the rest of a person’s life. What often matters more is the willingness to keep learning, adapt and seize the opportunities that come later.Years after failing to crack JEE, V. Kamakoti didn’t just walk through the gates of IIT Madras — he returned as its Director, helped shape the future of the very examination he once couldn’t clear, and went on to become one of India’s most respected academicians.Sometimes, life’s biggest success stories begin with a result that once felt like failure.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information about Dr. V. Kamakoti’s academic journey and professional career. The claims regarding his JEE attempt and Chemistry score should be read in the context of publicly reported accounts. Readers are advised to refer to official interviews or verified statements for complete details.
