India Wins 9 Medals At International Earth Science Olympiad 2026

Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, congratulated Indian school students for their outstanding performance at the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026, where they won nine medals, including four gold.

The Indian contingent competed against students from 39 countries at the IESO, held in Turin, Italy, from August 20 to 27, 2026. The team secured a total of nine medals - four gold, three silver, and two bronze - across various categories, including Written and Practical Examinations, the International Team Field Investigation (ITFI), and Earth Science Project (ESP).

Among the standout performers was Soumik Mandal of DAV Model School, Durgapur, West Bengal, who won two gold and one silver medal and finished third in the overall global ranking. Other medal winners included Aaron Maiti, Riddhi Ranjan, and Md Ehtesham Rizwi.

Dr Jitendra Singh expressed pride in the students' achievement and praised their dedication and performance on the international platform. He also congratulated the parents and schools of the medal winners, noting their role in supporting and nurturing the students.

The minister said the Ministry of Earth Sciences remains committed to empowering young people through student-centric outreach programmes, developing scientific temperament at an early stage, and encouraging students to explore Earth System Science. Dr T. Srinivasa Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, also commended the students and mentors for achieving India's highest-ever medal tally at the IESO.

The achievement followed a structured national selection and training programme supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under its Outreach and Awareness programme. The selection process began with an all-India Earth Science test facilitated by the Geological Society of India (GSI), where around 17,800 students appeared.

The special appreciation and motivation meeting was held at Prithvi Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, where the minister congratulated the young achievers, their parents, and schools for bringing international recognition to India.

This performance marks India's highest-ever medal tally in the history of the international competition, and it is a testament to the country's growing prowess in Earth Science. The Ministry of Earth Sciences' efforts to promote Earth Science education and encourage young people to pursue careers in this field are bearing fruit, and this achievement is a significant milestone in that journey.

The success of the Indian team at the IESO 2026 is a matter of pride for the country, and it highlights the importance of investing in science education and promoting scientific research and innovation. As India continues to grow and develop, it is essential to nurture and support young talent in science and technology, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences is playing a crucial role in this endeavor.

In conclusion, the Indian team's performance at the IESO 2026 is a significant achievement that reflects the country's growing strength in Earth Science. The Ministry of Earth Sciences' commitment to promoting Earth Science education and encouraging young people to pursue careers in this field is commendable, and it is essential to continue supporting and nurturing young talent in science and technology.