Indian Students Shine at International Earth Science Olympiad
In a grand celebration of talent and dedication, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh recognized Team India’s remarkable achievement at the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026 during a special event at Prithvi Bhawan in New Delhi. The young winners, who demonstrated exceptional prowess in Earth sciences, were honored for bringing home an impressive collection of medals from this prestigious competition held in Turin, Italy.
Expressing his pride, Dr. Singh congratulated the young scientists, their supportive parents, and the schools that nurtured their talents. He emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing youth through various outreach programs designed to inspire scientific inquiry, particularly in Earth System Science.
Team India achieved its best performance yet at the IESO, competing against student delegates from 39 countries. This year, they secured an outstanding total of nine medals—four golds, three silvers, and two bronzes—in various competitions, which included written and practical examinations as well as field investigations and projects.
Celebrating the Medal Winners
The standout performers included Soumik Mandal from DAV Model School, Durgapur, who earned two gold medals and one silver, achieving an impressive third place overall among participants from 39 nations. Aaron Maiti, also from DAV Model School, secured a gold and a bronze medal, while Riddhi Ranjan from Gyan Asthali International School claimed a gold and a silver. Md Ehtesham Rizwi from JNV achieved one silver and one bronze medal, showcasing the depth of talent among the young participants.
Strong Foundations for Success
Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), praised the students and their mentors for their exemplary performance, marking a historic moment for Indian participation in the IESO. Prior to the Olympiad, the students underwent rigorous training as part of a national selection process. This included an all-India test organized by the Geological Society of India, which saw participation from around 17,800 students at 500 centers across the country.
The top 25 students were selected to participate in a comprehensive three-week training camp at M.S. University in Vadodara, Gujarat, which highlighted the government’s effort to provide an equitable training opportunity across different regions of the country.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences continues to build a strong scientific community among youth through initiatives like the IESO, alongside other major programs such as the Deep Ocean Mission and Mission Mausam. These initiatives are designed to enhance public scientific awareness and motivate the next generation of geoscientists.
As India celebrates these young achievers, their success underscores the incredible potential inherent in fostering scientific education and empowering students to excel on international platforms.
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