IIT graduate once failed to clear JEE. Today, he is the director of IIT Madras. Who is V Kamakoti?

Although he currently serves as the Director of IIT Madras and also oversees the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) as its Chairman, V. Kamakoti's academic journey began with a major setback. As reported by The Better India, he was unable to clear the JEE in 1985, a result that could have discouraged many students from pursuing their ambitions.

Instead of allowing that disappointment to define his future, Kamakoti remained determined and continued working toward his goals. His perseverance eventually led him to earn both a Master's degree and a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Madras. He became a faculty member at the institute in 2001 and, after years of academic and administrative contributions, assumed the role of Director in January 2022.

Over the course of his career, Kamakoti has built expertise in computer architecture, information security, and VLSI design. He leads IIT Madras' Microprocessor Development Programme and the Information Security Education and Awareness Programme, both supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. In addition to his work at the institute, he serves on the National Security Advisory Board and previously chaired the Artificial Intelligence Task Force established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Within IIT Madras, he has also held key leadership positions, including Chairman of JEE and Associate Dean for Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research.


His contributions to research, technology, and higher education have earned him several prestigious honours. Among these are the DRDO Academic Excellence Award, the Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association's Techno Visionary Award, the Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship, the ACCS Lifetime Achievement Award, the IBM Faculty Award, and the VASVIK Industrial Research Award, recognising his impact on India's scientific and technological landscape.