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Nandan Nilekani Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth2 June 1955

Age69 Years

BirthplaceBengaluru, Karnataka, India

ProfessionEntrepreneur, Bureaucrat, Politician

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseRohini Nilekani

FamilySon - Nihar Nilekani; Daughter - Jahnavi Nilekani

Nandan Nilekani Biography

Nandan Mohan Nilekani is an Indian entrepreneur, public servant and politician known for co-founding Infosys, leading the Aadhaar initiative, and his works

Early life and background

Nandan Mohan Nilekani was born on 2 June 1955 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He grew up in a family where his father worked in the textile industry. Nilekani attended Bishop Cotton Boys' School and later St. Joseph's High School in Dharwad before enrolling at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, where he completed a B.Tech in electrical engineering.

Career

Nilekani’s career in technology began after an early job interview in 1978 that led to his first position at Patni Computer Systems. In 1981 he joined six others in founding Infosys, a company that would grow into one of India’s leading IT firms. Over the years he played multiple leadership roles at Infosys, serving as CEO from 2002 to 2007 and subsequently as co-chairman of the board.

During his tenure as CEO he presided over a period of recovery and growth following an early-2000s recession, and by 2006 the company had reached significant milestones. He also helped establish industry bodies and entrepreneurial networks, including co-founding NASSCOM and the Bangalore chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE).

Public service and politics

Nilekani stepped away from the co-chairmanship of Infosys in 2009 to accept a cabinet-ranking appointment as chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the agency responsible for the Aadhaar program. His role in that initiative earned him the informal epithet "Aadhaar Man." In 2014 he resigned as UIDAI chairman and entered active politics by joining the Indian National Congress. He contested the Lok Sabha election from Bengaluru that year.

Beyond formal office, Nilekani has advised successive governments on digital matters. In late 2016, in the aftermath of a national currency reform, he was appointed as a digital advisor to the central government.

Philanthropy and initiatives

Nilekani has been active in philanthropy, contributing to water infrastructure, micro-credit, social research, education and healthcare. In 2015 he co-founded EkStep, a not-for-profit platform aimed at expanding learning opportunities for children through collaborative digital content.

In June 2023 he announced a major gift to his alma mater, IIT Bombay, pledging a donation of Rs. 315 crores. This gift followed an earlier contribution, bringing his total donations to the institute to Rs. 400 crores.

Recognition

Nilekani’s contributions to business and public life have been recognized with national and international honors. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2006. That year Forbes Asia named him Businessman of the Year, and Time magazine included him on its list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2006 and again in 2009.

He is the author of a book titled Imagining India: The Idea of a Renewed Nation, published in 2008, which was a finalist for the Financial Times–Goldman Sachs book award in 2009.

Public profile

Nilekani is married to Rohini Nilekani, who is known for her philanthropic work. They have two children, a son and a daughter. His family retains a notable shareholding in Infosys.

Latest updates

In August 2017 Nilekani returned to Infosys as non-executive, non-independent chairman of the company’s board. In June 2023 he made a substantial donation to IIT Bombay to mark half a century since he first joined the institute.

Personal details

Nilekani is reported to be approximately 175 cm tall and to have dark brown eyes and black hair. He lists reading, poetry, music and philosophy among his interests. His mother tongue is Konkani and he identifies with Hinduism.

Overall profile

Across entrepreneurship, government service and philanthropy, Nilekani’s career spans the private, public and social sectors. He remains a prominent figure in discussions about technology, governance and education in India.
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Recent Work

EkStep

Co-founded a not-for-profit platform in 2015 to expand learning opportunities for children through collaborative digital content.

2015
Donation to IIT Bombay

Announced a donation of Rs. 315 crores in June 2023, bringing his total contributions to the institute to Rs. 400 crores.

2023
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Career Highlights

  1. Co-founder of Infosys (1981)
  2. CEO of Infosys (2002–2007)
  3. Co-chairman of Infosys
  4. Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) — Aadhaar
  5. Co-founder of NASSCOM and the Bangalore chapter of TiE
  6. Co-founder of EkStep (2015)
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Nandan Nilekani born?

2 June 1955

What is Nandan Nilekani known for?

Entrepreneur, Bureaucrat, Politician

What is Nandan Nilekani’s marital status?

Married

Who is Nandan Nilekani married to?

Rohini Nilekani