For millions of students across India, low results in entrance exams can seem like the end of the road. Every year, when the JEE results are declared, many aspirants wonder if a 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 headed one of India’s top engineering schools – or even chaired the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) – Kamakoti was just another failed student. By his own account, he scored only one mark in Chemistry and could not clear JEE. Few would have imagined that the same student would one day lead IIT Madras, receive the Padma Shri, and become one of India’s most respected voices in engineering, artificial intelligence and cyber security.
One test did not decide his fate
For many students, failure in JEE is like an eternal setback. Kamakoti’s story reminds us that it doesn’t have to.Instead of letting one exam define him, he pursued engineering through other opportunities, eventually finding his way to IIT Madras. There, he earned his Masters and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, laying the foundation for an academic career spanning more than two decades.In 2001, he joined IIT Madras as a faculty member. Over the years, he has been known for his work in computer architecture, VLSI design, embedded systems and information security, leading a number of high-tech projects supported by the Ministry of Energy and Technology.Ironically, the student who failed to clear the JEE would later become the JEE Chairman at IIT Madras, overseeing the exam he had rejected.
From a researcher to one of the respected academic leaders in India
Kamakoti’s rise through higher education 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. At that time, he had already led the Microprocessor Development Program, led the national information security strategy and served on the National Security Advisory Board. He also chaired the Artificial Intelligence Task Force set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.His contributions have earned him many honors, including the DRDO Academic Excellence Award, the IBM Faculty Award, the VASVIK Industrial Research Award, the Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship, and in 2026, the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest honor.However, despite this success, Kamakoti often talks about things beyond rankings and awards, preparing future students.
Why he believes the future of engineering is changing
As Director of IIT Madras, Kamakoti has been promoting engineering education that goes beyond literature.He has pushed for a focus on Responsible Artificial Intelligence, saying that as AI becomes more powerful, questions about ethics, accountability and bias become equally important.He also promoted the idea of a Faculty of Practice, bringing experienced professionals into the classroom so that students can be exposed to practical training. Under his leadership, IIT Madras has expanded its interdisciplinary approach, fostered innovation and innovative research, and strived to attract more international students.For Kamakoti, engineering education is not just about producing graduates – it’s about producing professionals who can tackle real-world challenges.
Study every JEE aspirant can go home
Every admissions season brings news of toppers, with AIR 1 and best scores. They should be celebrated.But stories like Kamakoti’s are worth considering.He reminds students that success is often a straight line. Disappointing grades, failing entrance exams or repeated setbacks do not guarantee a person’s whole life. What is important is the willingness to continue learning, to change and to take advantage of the opportunities that come later.Years after failing to crack the JEE, V. Kamakoti didn’t just walk through the gates of IIT Madras – he returned as its Director, helped shape the future of the exam he couldn’t decipher, and became one of India’s most respected scholars.Sometimes, life’s greatest stories begin with results that at first seemed like failures.Disclaimer: This article is based on what many people know about Dr. V. Kamakoti and his professional work. The claims about his JEE test and Chemistry score should be read according to the accounts reported in the public. Readers are advised to consult government interviews or certified statements for more information.