Indian school students achieved their best-ever performance at the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026, held in Turin, Italy, by securing nine medals. Competing against participants from 39 countries in the event held from August 20 to 27, India won 4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze medals.
On Friday, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, met and felicitated the students of the Indian team at Prithvi Bhavan in New Delhi to mark this achievement. Congratulating the students, their parents, and the schools, he stated that the government is promoting student-centric programs to foster a scientific mindset among the youth and connect them with Earth System Science.
Saumik Mandal delivered the best performance within the Indian contingent. The student from DAV Model School, Durgapur, 2 Gold medals and 1 Silver medal, securing the third position in the overall global rankings among 39 countries. Aaron Maiti won 1 Gold and 1 Bronze medal, while Riddhi Ranjan from Gyan Asthali International School, Patna, won 1 Gold and 1 silver medal.
MD Ehtesham Rizvi from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bihar, won 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. In addition to written and practical examinations, the Indian students also participated in the International Team Field Investigation (ITFI) and the Earth Science Project (ESP). Dr. T. Srinivas Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, commended the performance of the students and mentors.
Prior to this international achievement, an extensive selection and training process was conducted across the country. Approximately 17,800 students participated in an all-India examination held at 500 centers, organized by the Geological Society of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences. From among them, the top 25 students underwent three weeks of intensive training at M.S. University, Vadodara (Gujarat), in June 2026.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is emphasizing the promotion of interest in earth sciences and scientific awareness among school students through initiatives like IESO. Key programs of the Ministry—such as the Deep Ocean Mission, Mission Mausam, and PRITHVI—also aim to strengthen scientific awareness and encourage young people to become future earth science experts and researchers.
(PIB)
