Indian students achieve five gold medals at Intern...

By Priya Nair — 13 July 2026 — 3 min read

Five Indian students secured gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, held in Bucaramanga, Colombia. This achievement led India to a joint first-place finish globally, alongside countries such as China, Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Taiwan. This marks only the second occasion in the competition’s history that all five members of the Indian team have each won a gold medal.

The students who represented India and earned gold medals are Kanishk Jain from Pune, Riddhesh Anant Bendale from Indore, Rishit Garg from Dwarka, Delhi, Shresth Suraiya from Mumbai, and Svarit Joshi from Ahmedabad. They competed against 381 students from over 85 countries during the event, which took place from July 5 to 12, 2026.

The International Physics Olympiad Challenge

The International Physics Olympiad is an annual global competition designed for secondary school students. It stands as one of the five International Science Olympiads and features both theoretical and experimental examinations. The competition is known for its rigorous demands, requiring participants to engage in advanced problem-solving.

Unlike typical entrance examinations that often focus on speed and familiarity with question formats, the IPhO emphasizes original thinking. Students spend five hours on theoretical physics problems, followed by another five-hour experimental examination. During the experimental phase, participants are expected to design experiments, analyze data, estimate errors, and draw scientific conclusions using unfamiliar laboratory equipment.

Malay Krishna, a product leader and former JEE Physics teacher, highlighted the unique nature of the IPhO. He noted that the competition requires a deep understanding of physics, stating that participants either comprehend the subject or struggle through the five-hour sessions. He also pointed out that while coaching institutes excel at preparing students for known question patterns, the Olympiad demands the ability to think through problems never encountered before, without relying on shortcuts or formula sheets.

The IPhO typically covers advanced concepts in various areas of physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics. The competition began in 1967 and has since served as a platform for young physicists to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills on an international stage.

India’s Olympiad Programme and Talent Nurturing

The success of the Indian team is attributed to the country’s robust Olympiad programme, which is coordinated by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). The HBCSE, a National Centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is responsible for identifying talented students, providing rigorous training, and mentoring them for international competitions.

The programme involves multiple stages of national-level examinations to select students, followed by intensive training camps. These camps prepare the final five-member team to compete at the highest international level. Prof. Anwesh Mazumdar of the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education and Prof. Leena Joshi of St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, led the Indian delegation at the 56th IPhO.

India’s consistent performance in the International Physics Olympiad supports the effectiveness of its publicly funded Olympiad ecosystem. This was India’s 27th appearance at the competition, and over the past decade, every Indian participant has returned with a medal, with a majority earning gold. This consistent success underscores India’s capability in identifying and training scientific talent.

However, the achievement also brings attention to the broader challenge of nurturing scientific talent within the country. While many Olympiad medallists pursue doctoral research, a significant number eventually build their careers abroad. Malay Krishna suggested that the next challenge for India is to create opportunities that encourage more of these talented individuals to continue their work within the country, fostering a stronger domestic scientific community. The 56th International Physics Olympiad was held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from July 5 to 12, 2026.