India Shines at International Physics Olympiad 2025 with 3 Gold and 2 Silver Medals
In a remarkable achievement on the global academic stage, India secured three gold and two silver medals at the 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2025, held in Paris, France from July 18 to 24. This outstanding performance not only reflects the country's growing strength in physics education but also marks another proud milestone in India’s long-standing tradition of excellence at international science olympiads.
The performance earned India the fifth position in the overall country-wise medal tally, sharing the spot with Taiwan, Japan, and Russia (which participated under the Olympiad flag).
Meet the Champions: India’s 2025 IPhO Medal Winners
The Indian contingent featured five of the country's brightest young minds, all of whom returned with medals:
Gold Medalists
- Kanishk Jain – Pune, Maharashtra
- Snehil Jha – Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Riddhesh Anant Bendale – Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Silver Medalists
- Aagam Jignesh Shah – Surat, Gujarat
- Rajit Gupta – Kota, Rajasthan
These five students outperformed hundreds of peers from around the world in rigorous theoretical and experimental physics challenges, solidifying India's position among the global elite in science education.
A Prestigious Global Platform
The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is considered one of the most prestigious competitions for pre-university students worldwide. It rigorously tests participants in both theoretical problem-solving and experimental physics, challenging not only their conceptual understanding but also their analytical and practical skills.
This year’s Olympiad was one of the largest ever, with:
- 415 students from 87 countries officially participating
- 5 additional countries attending as observers
- A strong showing by nations known for science excellence, including the USA, China, South Korea, and Japan
Global Rankings: Where India Stands
In the country-wise rankings, the United States claimed the top position with all five of its participants winning gold medals.
The second spot was jointly held by South Korea, China, and Hong Kong, each with 4 golds and 1 silver.
India, alongside Taiwan, Japan, and Russia, secured the fifth position with 3 gold and 2 silver medals, marking an exceptionally strong performance.
Leadership and Mentorship Behind India’s Success
The Indian team was led by:
- Prof. Sitikantha Das, faculty at IIT Kharagpur
- Vinayak Katdare, retired faculty from DG Ruparel College, Mumbai
They were supported by two scientific observers:
- Dr. Amruta Sadhu, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Dr. Vivek Lohani, Robert Bosch GmbH, Germany
Their guidance and mentorship were instrumental in preparing the team for the highly competitive Olympiad environment.
India’s Legacy at the IPhO
India has participated in the IPhO 26 times since its first appearance, and its track record is among the most consistent globally.
Cumulative Medal Statistics:
- 42% Gold
- 42% Silver
- 11% Bronze
- 5% Honourable Mentions
In the past decade alone, every Indian participant has returned with a medal:
- 58% gold
- 42% silver
This speaks volumes about the quality of the national Olympiad training process, as well as the academic calibre of Indian students.
Olympiad Season Success: India’s Broader Achievements in 2025
India’s triumph at the Physics Olympiad is just one highlight of what has been a highly successful international Olympiad season for Indian students across disciplines.
International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025
Held in Sunshine Coast, Australia, India finished 7th among 110 countries with a full medal tally:
- 3 Golds
- 2 Silvers
- 1 Bronze
With a total score of 193 out of 252, this was India’s highest-ever IMO score, setting a new national benchmark.
International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025
Held in Dubai from July 5 to 14, the Indian team won:
- 2 Golds
- 2 Silvers
India ranked 6th overall among 90 participating countries.
These achievements underscore the growing depth and competitiveness of Indian talent in STEM fields, especially at the pre-university level.
Training and Selection: The Role of HBCSE-TIFR
The selection, training, and mentorship of the Indian Olympiad teams across disciplines is coordinated by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
HBCSE is the national nodal centre for conducting Olympiad programmes in:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Astronomy
The multi-stage selection process includes national-level Olympiad exams, rigorous training camps, and intensive mentoring, ensuring that only the most prepared and capable students represent India on the international stage.
Conclusion: A Year of Inspiration and Excellence
India’s performance at the 55th International Physics Olympiad 2025 is a shining example of what focused training, world-class mentorship, and academic passion can achieve. With 3 gold and 2 silver medals, the Indian team has not only brought home pride but also reinforced the country’s status as a rising global force in science education.
Combined with stellar performances in the IMO and IChO, 2025 has proven to be a landmark year for India in international Olympiad competitions. As India continues to invest in nurturing young scientific minds, the future of Indian science looks brighter than ever.
