India’s clean sweep of five gold medals and its joint World No. 1 ranking at the International Physics Olympiad 2026 highlights the country’s growing global leadership in science education and the strength of its long-standing Olympiad programme.
India delivered a flawless performance at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 in Bucaramanga, Colombia, on July 12, with all five members of its contingent winning gold medals and the country securing the joint World No. 1 rank among 381 students from 87 participating countries.
India shared the top position with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan, reflecting its growing strength in science education and international academic competitions.
The five Indian gold medalists are:
- Kanishk Jain – Pune, Maharashtra
- Riddhesh Anant Bendale – Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Rishit Garg – Dwarka, New Delhi
- Shresth Suraiya – Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Svarit Joshi – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the achievement extends India’s impressive record at the International Physics Olympiad, with every Indian participant over the past decade finishing on the podium.
The success has been attributed to the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and an aided institution under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). HBCSE serves as the nodal agency for India’s Science Olympiad programme, identifying and mentoring talented pre-university students through a rigorous multi-stage selection process, orientation camps, and intensive training.
Congratulating the students, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, described the result as a landmark achievement for Indian science education.
“This phenomenal achievement by our young physicists is a matter of immense pride for the nation. Securing five Gold Medals and jointly attaining the World No. 1 rank at the International Physics Olympiad is a testament to the talent, dedication and scientific temperament of our students, as well as the unwavering commitment of the HBCSE-TIFR Olympiad programme,” he said.
He also congratulated the students’ parents, teachers, and mentors, adding that their success would inspire future generations to pursue excellence in science.
The Department of Atomic Energy also acknowledged the contributions of the Indian team leaders, Prof. Anwesh Mazumdar of HBCSE-TIFR and Dr. Leena Joshi of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, along with scientific observers Prof. Ananda Dasgupta of IISER Kolkata and Ms. Nisha Kelkar of Gogate-Joglekar College, Ratnagiri, and the broader mentor pool involved in preparing the team.
HBCSE Director Prof. Arnab Bhattacharya said India’s consistent success in international Science and Mathematical Olympiads is the result of decades of sustained mentoring and institutional support.
He noted that while exceptional students and dedicated mentors have always existed, the continued backing of the Department of Atomic Energy has enabled India to achieve its current level of excellence on the global stage.
The performance at IPhO 2026 further underscores India’s growing reputation in international science competitions and highlights the country’s continued investment in nurturing young scientific talent.
