India’s five-member team won gold medals in all categories at the 56th International Physics Olympiad 2026 in Bucaramanga, Colombia, earning a joint World No. 1 ranking and marking India’s second complete gold sweep in IPhO history.
New Delhi: In a remarkable achievement for Indian science education, all five members of India’s team won gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026. The competition was held in
Bucaramanga ,Colombia, from July 4 to 12, 2026. With this clean sweep, India secured a joint World No. 1 ranking alongside leading nations such as China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan. The achievement reflects the country’s growing strength in identifying and training talented students in physics.
India’s Golden Performance
The Indian team consisted of five students, and each of them returned with a gold medal. This is only the second time that India has achieved a complete gold sweep at the IPhO, the first being in 2018.
The gold medal winners are:
- Kanishk Jain – Pune, Maharashtra
- Riddhesh Anant Bendale – Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Rishit Garg – Dwarka, New Delhi
- Shresth Suraiya – Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Svarit Joshi – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
These students represented India after successfully clearing a rigorous national selection and training process.
Prestigious Global Competition
The International Physics Olympiad is one of the world’s most respected science competitions for pre-university students. The 2026 edition brought together 381 students from approximately 85–87 countries.
The competition tests students through:
- Theoretical examinations that require deep understanding of physics concepts.
- Experimental problems that assess practical laboratory skills and scientific reasoning.
- Advanced problem-solving tasks designed to challenge the brightest young minds in physics.
At IPhO 2026, a total of 51 gold medals, 80 silver medals, and 97 bronze medals were awarded.
Mentors Behind the Success
The Indian team was guided by experienced educators and scientists who played a key role in preparing the students for the international stage.
Team Leaders
- Prof. Anwesh Mazumdar, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE–TIFR), Mumbai
- Dr. Leena Joshi, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
Scientific Observers
- Prof. Ananda Dasgupta, IISER Kolkata
- Ms. Nisha Kelkar, Gogate-Joglekar College, Ratnagiri
The team’s preparation was coordinated by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a national centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research under the Department of Atomic Energy.
How India Selects and Trains Olympiad Students
HBCSE runs the National Olympiad Programme, which identifies talented school students through a multi-stage selection process. Students go through:
- National-level examinations to test their understanding of physics.
- Orientation-cum-selection camps where top performers receive advanced training.
- Intensive preparation sessions focusing on theoretical and experimental physics.
- Final selection of the national team representing India at the IPhO.
This structured training system has consistently helped India produce strong performances in international science Olympiads.
Official Recognition and National Pride
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty , Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, congratulated the team and described the achievement as “a matter of immense national pride.”
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and other government bodies also extended congratulations to the students, mentors, and institutions involved in the Olympiad ecosystem.
Why This Achievement Matters
India’s clean sweep at IPhO 2026 is significant for several reasons:
- It demonstrates the high standard of science education and training available to talented students in India.
- It highlights the dedication and hard work of the students, mentors, and parents involved.
- It strengthens India’s reputation as a country capable of producing world-class scientific talent.
- It continues a decade-long trend in which every Indian participant at the IPhO has won at least a silver or gold medal.
Bright Future for Indian Science
The success of these five students is not only a personal milestone for them but also a source of inspiration for young learners across India. Their achievement shows that with proper guidance, rigorous training, and determination, Indian students can compete successfully with the best minds in the world.
India’s performance at the 56th International Physics Olympiad 2026 is a proud moment for the nation and a reminder of the importance of investing in science education and talent development.
The Indian team’s complete gold medal sweep at IPhO 2026 marks one of the most memorable achievements in the country’s Olympiad history. By winning five gold medals and earning a joint World No. 1 ranking, these students have brought great honor to India.
