New Delhi: India recorded its best-ever performance at the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026, winning nine medals at the 19th edition of the global competition held in Turin, Italy.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh felicitated and interacted with the Indian school students who represented the country at the Olympiad during a special appreciation and motivation meeting at Prithvi Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
The Indian contingent won four gold, three silver and two bronze medals across the Written and Practical examinations, International Team Field Investigation and Earth Science Project categories.
The 19th IESO was held from August 20 to 27 under the aegis of the International Geoscience Organisation. Indian students competed against participants from 39 countries and achieved the highest medal tally in the country’s history at the competition.
West Bengal student Soumik Mandal of DAV Model School, Durgapur, emerged as India’s top performer. He won two gold and one silver medal and secured third place in the overall global ranking among participants from 39 countries, according to an official statement.
Aaron Maiti of DAV Model School, IIT-KGP, West Bengal, won one gold and one bronze medal. Riddhi Ranjan of Gyan Asthali International School, Patna, Bihar, secured one gold and one silver.
Md Ehtesham Rizwi of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bihar, won one silver and one bronze medal.
Congratulating the students, their parents and schools, Dr Jitendra Singh said the achievement reflected the country’s growing focus on developing scientific temperament among young people.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to student-centric outreach programmes and encouraging students to explore Earth System Science.
Dr T. Srinivasa Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, also congratulated the Indian contingent. He praised the students and mentors for securing India’s highest-ever medal tally in the history of the IESO.
The achievement followed a structured national selection and training programme supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences under its Outreach and Awareness programme.
The selection process began with an all-India test facilitated by the Geological Society of India. Around 17,800 students appeared for the examination across 500 centres nationwide.
The top 25 students were then selected for an intensive three-week training camp held in June 2026 at M.S. University, Vadodara, Gujarat.
The training camp was organised as part of an effort to rotate the venue across different regions of the country, in line with the Union Minister’s direction.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences continues to use initiatives such as the IESO to promote scientific awareness and encourage students to pursue careers in Earth sciences.
The ministry is also implementing major national initiatives including the Deep Ocean Mission, Mission Mausam and PRITHVI, aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities and public engagement in Earth System Science.
