India has achieved a remarkable performance at the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026, winning nine medals, including four gold, three silver and two bronze. The international competition was held in Italy from August 20 to 27, 2026, with students representing 39 countries.
The achievement was celebrated by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, who felicitated the members of the Indian contingent and congratulated them on their performance at the global-level competition.
According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the minister highlighted the importance of encouraging scientific curiosity among young students and providing them with opportunities to develop their interests in science. He also stressed the role of student-focused outreach initiatives in building scientific temperament among the youth.
India’s Nine-Medal Performance at IESO 2026
The Indian contingent secured a total of nine medals at the 19th IESO. The medal tally comprised:
- 4 Gold Medals
- 3 Silver Medals
- 2 Bronze Medals
The performance marks a significant achievement for Indian students in the field of Earth sciences and demonstrates the growing participation of young learners in international science competitions.
17,800 Students Appeared for National Earth Science Test
India’s participation in IESO 2026 followed a nationwide selection and training programme conducted under the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ outreach and awareness initiative.
Around 17,800 students appeared for the national-level Earth Science Olympiad examination, which was conducted across approximately 500 centres. Following the examination, the top 25 students were shortlisted for an intensive training programme.
The selection process provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and interest in Earth sciences before progressing to the national training stage.
Three-Week Training Camp Held in Vadodara
The shortlisted students participated in a three-week training camp in June 2026 at M S University, Vadodara, Gujarat. The programme was designed to strengthen their academic knowledge and provide focused practical exposure in Earth sciences.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences said the training camp was part of an effort to rotate the location of national training programmes across different regions of the country. Such initiatives are aimed at providing students with broader exposure and encouraging participation from different parts of India.
The training programme helped prepare the selected students for the challenges of the international Olympiad and strengthened their understanding of Earth science concepts through academic and practical learning.
Jitendra Singh Highlights Scientific Temperament Among Youth
While felicitating the winners, Jitendra Singh emphasised the government’s efforts to nurture scientific curiosity and create greater opportunities for students interested in science and technology.
He also highlighted the importance of outreach programmes that place students at the centre of scientific learning. Such initiatives can encourage young learners to explore scientific disciplines beyond the classroom and develop a stronger understanding of real-world scientific challenges.
IESO 2026 Success Highlights India’s Young Scientific Talent
India’s nine-medal haul at IESO 2026 reflects the achievements of students who progressed through a competitive national selection and specialised training process.
The success also highlights the importance of sustained investment in science education, practical exposure and international academic opportunities for school students. The Indian contingent’s performance at the global Olympiad demonstrates the potential of young Indian learners in Earth sciences and reinforces efforts to develop scientific talent from an early stage.
