- India won record 9 medals at IESO 2026.
- Four gold, three silver, and two bronze medals secured.
- Saumik Mandal achieved historic individual gold.
The four-member Indian student contingent achieved a historic milestone at the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) held in Turin, Italy, from August 20 to August 27, 2026. India delivered its best-ever performance on the global stage, bringing home a total of nine medals, including four gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.
Heartiest congratulations to Team India for their best-ever performance at the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO-2026), held in Turin, Italy, from 20–27 August 2026.
— MoES GoI (@moesgoi) August 27, 2026
Competing among teams from 39 countries, India won an impressive 9 medals — 4 Gold, 3 Silver and 2… pic.twitter.com/XGiHQS28I9
The successful Indian team was composed of Saumik Mandal, Aaron Maiti, Riddhi Ranjan, and Md Ehtesham Rizwi. Selected through a rigorous national screening process involving nearly 17,000 applicants, the students underwent an intensive three-week residential training program at the Department of Geology, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, before competing internationally.
Complete Domination Across Academic Categories
The 19th edition of the International Earth Science Olympiad tested young scholars across a broad array of disciplines, including geology, geophysics, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science. Indian students showcased exceptional skill in individual theoretical and practical exams, as well as collaborative events like the International Team Field Investigation and Earth Science Project challenges.
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Record-Breaking Medals and Individual Distinction
Out of the nine medals won, student Saumik Mandal scripted history by claiming a gold medal in the individual written and practical exams, securing the third-highest individual score in the 19-year history of the Olympiad. The team excelled further in multi-nation field research challenges, where Riddhi Ranjan, Saumik Mandal, and Aaron Maiti added additional gold and silver medals to the national tally.
Surpassing Previous Milestones on the World Stage
This remarkable nine-medal haul marks a significant progression over India’s 2025 performance, where the national team captured seven medals. By competing against top students from over 40 participating countries, the young scholars have reinforced India's growing reputation as a powerhouse for scientific talent and academic excellence in foundational Earth sciences.