India tops International Physics Olympiad 2026 with 5 gold medals

India achieved a remarkable feat at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 in Bucaramanga, Colombia,as all five members of its contingent won gold medals, helping the country secure the joint World No. 1 position alongside China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan.
According to media reports,the achievement came in a competition that saw participation from 381 students representing 87 countries, highlighting India's growing strength in science education and its sustained excellence in global academic competitions.The five Indian students who brought home gold medals are 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.

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All 5 Indian students win GOLD at the 56 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 in Bucaramanga, Colombia -placing India at Rank #1 in the world (jointly with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea & Taiwan) among 381 students from 87 countries 1/5 pic.twitter.com/aIgP3lhY10

— HBCSE (@HBCSE_TIFR) July 12, 2026

The latest success extends India's remarkable record at the International Physics Olympiad, with every Indian participant over the past decade securing a podium finish.The achievement reflects the strength of the National Olympiad Programme conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). HBCSE serves as India's nodal centre for the Olympiad programme, identifying, mentoring and training talented pre-university students in science and mathematics through a rigorous multi-stage selection process, orientation camps and intensive coaching.
Congratulating the students, DAE Secretary and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty described the achievement as a matter of immense pride for the nation.He said winning five gold medals and jointly attaining the World No. 1 rank at the International Physics Olympiad reflected the talent, dedication and scientific temperament of India's students, as well as the sustained efforts of the HBCSE-TIFR Olympiad programme. He also congratulated the students' parents, teachers and mentors, saying their success would inspire many more young minds to pursue excellence in science and strengthen India's position in scientific education and innovation.
The DAE also congratulated 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 Nisha Kelkar of Gogate-Joglekar College, Ratnagiri, as well as the Physics Olympiad mentor pool at HBCSE for preparing the team for the global competition.
HBCSE Director Prof. Arnab Bhattacharya said India's consistent success in international science and mathematics Olympiads is the result of decades of sustained mentoring, institutional support and the dedication of teachers and students. He noted that the DAE's continued support over the years has played a crucial role in enabling Indian teams to achieve global recognition.