India's young physicists delivered an outstanding performance at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) held from July 5 to July 12, 2026, in Bucaramanga, Colombia. The Indian team made history by winning five gold medals, with every member of the five-student squad earning the highest honor in this prestigious global competition.
What Is the International Physics Olympiad?
The International Physics Olympiad is an annual competition that brings together the brightest high school physics students from around the world. It tests their theoretical knowledge and experimental skills through challenging exams. This year, 381 students from 85 countries participated, making it one of the largest gatherings of young physics talent globally. The event aims to foster scientific excellence and international collaboration among future scientists.
Details of India’s Achievement at IPhO 2026
The Indian team consisted of Kanishk Jain from Pune, Maharashtra; Riddhesh Anant Bendale from Indore, Madhya Pradesh; Rishit Garg from Dwarka, New Delhi; Shresth Suraiya from Mumbai, Maharashtra; and Svarit Joshi from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Each of these students secured a gold medal, a feat that marks one of India’s best performances at the Olympiad.
- India shared the top position with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan.
- A South Korean student won the special prize, while an Iranian participant received the best experimental performance award.
- Medals awarded at the event included 51 gold, 80 silver, and 97 bronze.
- The competition involved two demanding five-hour tests: a theoretical exam covering topics like paramagnetic cooling and photoionization of ozone, and an experimental round focused on thermodynamics and heat transfer.
Why This Victory Matters for India
This is the second time India has won five gold medals at the IPhO, the first being in 2018. Over the past decade, Indian participants have consistently earned gold or silver medals, showcasing the country’s growing strength in physics education. The success reflects the effectiveness of the multi-stage selection and training process organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and the Department of Atomic Energy.
Ajit Kumar Mohanty, secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, praised the young scientists for their remarkable achievement, calling it a source of immense national pride. The accomplishment highlights India’s commitment to nurturing scientific talent and competing at the highest international levels.
India’s strong track record at the IPhO includes participation in 27 editions, with nearly 44% of Indian students winning gold medals and 41% earning silver. The continued support from government agencies and educational organizations plays a crucial role in sustaining this success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the International Physics Olympiad?
A: The IPhO is an annual global competition for high school students that tests their physics knowledge and experimental skills through challenging theoretical and practical exams.
Q: How did India perform at the 56th IPhO?
A: India won five gold medals, with all five team members receiving gold, securing a joint first place among 85 participating countries.
Q: Who organizes the Indian team’s preparation for the IPhO?
A: The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and the Department of Atomic Energy, conducts the selection and training process for Indian participants.
