The AKS primality test, developed by Manindra Agrawal alongside Neeraj Kayal and Nitin Saxena, established the first unconditional deterministic algorithm capable of determining the primality of an n-digit number within polynomial time. This achievement shifted computational number theory, providing a definitive mathematical procedure for identifying prime numbers that maintains efficiency regardless of the input size.
Academic Foundation and Affiliation
Born in 1966 in Prayagraj, India, Manindra Agrawal completed his education at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Throughout his career, he has maintained a deep professional link with the institution, serving as a professor within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Beyond his instructional duties, he held the position of Deputy Director from 2017 to 2021 before his appointment as the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur on 19 April 2024.
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Take the IQ test →Contributions to Computational Mathematics
Agrawal's primary field of work centers on number theory. His most significant output, the AKS primality test, addressed a long-standing challenge in computer science by proving that primality testing could be executed deterministically in polynomial time. This research earned him global recognition and a series of high-level distinctions within the mathematics and engineering communities, cementing his status as a researcher addressing fundamental algorithmic constraints.
Professional Recognition
His work has received extensive validation through numerous international and national awards. In 2002, he received the Clay Research Award, followed by the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology in 2003. Further honors include the 2006 Fulkerson Prize and the 2006 Gödel Prize for his algorithmic contributions. In 2008, he became the inaugural recipient of the Infosys Prize for Mathematics. His career trajectory continued with the G.D. Birla Award for Scientific Research in 2009, the TWAS Prize for Mathematics in 2010, and the H K Firodia awards in 2011. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 and named an Asian Scientist 100 honoree in 2016. In 2026, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Prayagraj
- Citizenship: India
- Education: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
- Key Algorithm: AKS primality test
- Fellow of the Royal Society: 2026
- Current Position: Director of Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
- Fields: Computer science, mathematics, number theory
Questions readers ask
What is the primary significance of the AKS primality test?
It provided the first unconditional deterministic algorithm for testing the primality of an n-digit number in polynomial time.
What is Manindra Agrawal's current leadership role?
He has served as the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur since 19 April 2024.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
- Educated at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
- Worked as mathematician, computer scientist and university teacher
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