Why this matters now
Kalam is among the most-tested figures in UPSC across GS-3 (S&T, defence) and GS-2 (governance, his presidency). His Pokhran-II role, IGMDP missiles (Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Trishul, Nag), books (Wings of Fire, India 2020), and his death on the IIM Shillong stage are all heavily tested.
Early career: DRDO, ISRO, SLV-3 (1958-82)
Born in Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) to a boat-owner father, Kalam graduated in aeronautical engineering from Madras Institute of Technology (1957). Joined DRDO Defence Research & Development Organisation (1958), then moved to ISRO (1969). He led the SLV-3 project — India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicle — which successfully launched Rohini RS-1 on 18 July 1980, making India the 6th nation with independent orbital capability.
IGMDP (1982-94) — five missile families
Returned to DRDO in 1982 as Director of DRDL Hyderabad, Kalam authored the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) which produced five missile families:
| Missile | Role | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Prithvi | SSM (surface to surface) | 150-350 km |
| Agni | IRBM/ICBM family | 700-5,500 km |
| Akash | SAM (medium-range surface-to-air) | 25-45 km |
| Trishul | SAM (short-range) | 9 km |
| Nag | Anti-tank guided missile | 4-7 km |
Pokhran-II (Operation Shakti, May 1998)
As Chief Scientific Adviser to the Vajpayee Government and Secretary DRDO, Kalam (with R. Chidambaram of DAE) was the chief organiser of Operation Shakti — the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 11-13 May 1998: 5 tests including a thermonuclear device. India was formally declared a nuclear weapon state. Kalam was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997 (in anticipation, as recognition of his missile contributions).
11th President (2002-07) and IIM Shillong (2015)
Kalam was elected the 11th President of India on 25 July 2002 with NDA support and Congress concurrence — the “People’s President” era. He focused on energy security, the PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas) model, and made the Rashtrapati Bhavan accessible to schoolchildren. After his term he continued teaching at IIM Shillong, IIM Indore, and Indian Institute of Space Science Technology Thiruvananthapuram.
He collapsed and died on stage at IIM Shillong on 27 July 2015 while delivering a lecture on “Creating a Liveable Planet Earth”. Aged 83. Books: Wings of Fire (autobiography), India 2020, Ignited Minds, Turning Points. His birthday 15 October is observed as World Students’ Day by UN since 2010.
UPSC angle
Know APJ Abdul Kalam — born Rameswaram, MIT (1957 aeronautical), DRDO 1958 → ISRO 1969 led SLV-3 (Rohini RS-1, 18 July 1980, India 6th orbital), DRDO 1982 led IGMDP (Prithvi/Agni/Akash/Trishul/Nag), Bharat Ratna 1997, Chief Scientific Adviser & Secretary DRDO during Pokhran-II Operation Shakti (11-13 May 1998, with R. Chidambaram); 11th President of India (25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007); PURA model; died on stage IIM Shillong 27 July 2015; UN World Students’ Day 15 October from 2010.
Frequently asked questions
Why is APJ Abdul Kalam called the Missile Man of India?
He led DRDL Hyderabad and authored the IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme) producing Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul and Nag missile families.
What was Kalam’s role in Pokhran-II?
As Chief Scientific Adviser and Secretary DRDO under PM Vajpayee, he co-led (with R. Chidambaram) Operation Shakti — the 11-13 May 1998 nuclear tests.
When did Kalam serve as President?
He was the 11th President of India from 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007.
How did Kalam die?
He collapsed and died on stage at IIM Shillong on 27 July 2015 while delivering a lecture.