V. A. Shiva Ayyadurai was born in Bombay, India to Tamil parents.

Ayyadurai's family immigrated to the United States when he was seven years old. This move would profoundly shape his future access to educational opportunities.

While in high school, Ayyadurai worked at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he developed a software system called 'EMAIL'. This is the basis for his later claims regarding the invention of email.

Completed his secondary education at Livingston High School in New Jersey. This provided him with the foundation to pursue higher education.

Ayyadurai earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This marked a significant step in his formal technical education.

Continued his studies at MIT, obtaining a Master of Science degree in Visual Studies from the MIT Media Laboratory. This suggests a broadening of his academic interests beyond purely technical fields.

Culminating his extensive academic journey at MIT, Ayyadurai earned a PhD in Biological Engineering. This interdisciplinary degree signifies his interest in applying engineering principles to biological systems.