For millions of students across India, a low score in an entrance exam can feel like the end of the road. Every year, as the JEE results are announced, countless aspirants wonder if a disappointing result will define their future. But the remarkable journey of V. Kamakoti, now Director of IIT Madras, tells a very different story.Long before leading one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutes – or even chairing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) – Kamakoti was just another student dealing with failure. By his own account, he scored only one mark in Chemistry and could not 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.
An examination did not decide his future
For many students, JEE failure 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 to pursue engineering through other opportunities, eventually finding his way to IIT Madras. There, he earned his Master’s and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, laying the foundations 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 has become known for his work in computer architecture, VLSI design, integrated systems and information security, leading several nationally significant technological initiatives funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.Ironically, the student who once failed to clear JEE would later serve as JEE chairman at IIT Madras, overseeing the very exam that had failed him.
From researcher to one of India’s most respected academic leaders
Kamakoti’s rise in the academic world has been marked by excellence in research and public service.In January 2022, he took over as the Director of IIT Madras, his alma mater. By then, he had already led the institute’s Microprocessor Development Program, led national information security initiatives and served on the National Security Advisory Council. He also chaired the Artificial Intelligence Task Force established by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.His contributions have earned him numerous honors, 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 honor.Yet despite these achievements, Kamakoti often spoke about something beyond rankings and awards – preparing students for the future.
Because I believe the future of engineering has changed
As Director of IIT Madras, Kamakoti has always advocated for engineering education that goes beyond textbooks.He pushed for a greater focus on Responsible Artificial Intelligence, arguing that as AI becomes more powerful, questions around ethics, liability and bias become equally important.He also championed the idea of ​​Faculty of Practice, bringing experienced industry professionals into classrooms so that students gain practical exposure alongside theoretical learning. Under his leadership, IIT Madras expanded its interdisciplinary approach, strengthened startups and deep-tech research, and worked to attract 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 deserve the same attention.They remind students that success is rarely a straight line. A disappointing score, a failed entrance exam or even repeated setbacks does not determine the rest of a person’s life. What often matters most is the willingness to keep learning, adapting and seizing the next opportunity.Years after failing to crack JEE, V. Kamakoti didn’t just walk through the gates of IIT Madras – he returned as its Director, he helped to shape the future of the examination that he could not crack once, and went on to become one of the most respected academics in India.Sometimes life’s greatest successes begin with a result that once felt like failure.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information about the academic journey and professional career of Dr. V. Kamakoti. The claims regarding his JEE attempt and Chemistry score should be read in the context of the publicly reported accounts. Readers are advised to refer to official interviews or verified statements for full details.
