The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has once again reaffirmed its enduring commitment to nurturing India's scientific talent, as the students trained under the National Olympiad Programme delivered one of the country's finest-ever performances at the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics Olympiads 2026. The achievements underscore the extraordinary potential of India's youth and reflect the strength of a national ecosystem painstakingly built over decades to identify, mentor and inspire the nation's brightest young minds. The remarkable success of the Olympiad teams is a powerful reflection of India's Yuva Shakti and of the country's sustained investment in creating opportunities for talented young students to realise their full potential on the global stage.

The 2026 Olympiad season stands out as a landmark chapter in India's performance at the International Olympiads. Across the four Olympiads, the Indian contingent won an impressive 12 Gold, 7 Silver, including historic Golden Sweeps in Physics and Chemistry, besides outstanding performances in Biology and Mathematics. Competing against the world's finest young minds, Indian students demonstrated exceptional scientific aptitude, perseverance and innovation, bringing immense pride to the nation and reaffirming India's emergence as a global force in science and mathematics.

Congratulating the students on their exceptional accomplishments, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, said, “The outstanding performances of Indian students at the International Olympiads are a matter of immense national pride and a celebration of India's scientific spirit. These achievements reflect the dedication of the students, the invaluable guidance of mentors and teachers, and the strength of the institutional ecosystem painstakingly built over decades.”

At the heart of this success is the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), an aided institution under the Department of Atomic Energy. As the national nodal centre for India's Science and Mathematical Olympiad Programmes, HBCSE conducts a rigorous, multi-stage process of talent identification, orientation, advanced training and mentoring, preparing the country's brightest pre-university students to compete at the highest international level. The programme has evolved into one of the world's most respected Olympiad ecosystems through DAE's sustained institutional support and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence.

Acknowledging the unstinting support extended by DAE in nurturing India's Olympiad programme, Prof. Arnab Bhattacharya, Centre Director, HBCSE said, "We are deeply grateful to the Department of Atomic Energy for its invaluable support to HBCSE and for its long-standing commitment to nurturing scientific talent in the country. The outstanding performances of our students reaffirm our mission of identifying, nurturing and inspiring the next generation of young scholars, while fostering a culture of excellence in science and mathematics across the country."

The Department of Atomic Energy's contribution to the Olympiad movement extends well beyond sponsorship. Through its support to TIFR and HBCSE, DAE has helped create an enduring national ecosystem that brings together scientists, teachers, academic institutions and subject experts from across the country in a shared mission to nurture scientific talent. This collaborative framework has consistently produced generations of Olympians who have gone on to distinguish themselves in higher education, research, innovation and scientific leadership, both in India and abroad.

The Department of Atomic Energy congratulates all the medal winners, team leaders, mentors, scientific observers, the Olympiad Cells at HBCSE, teacher organisations and the nationwide network of resource persons whose dedication has made these achievements possible. DAE also acknowledges the continued partnership of the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Space, and the Ministry of Education, Government of India, whose support has further strengthened India's National Olympiad Programme.

The achievements of India's Olympiad teams in 2026 reaffirm the transformative impact of sustained investment in scientific education and talent nurture. As the nation advances towards becoming a global knowledge economy, the Department of Atomic Energy remains steadfast in its commitment to inspiring young scientific minds, strengthening institutions of excellence, and building a future powered by science, innovation and human potential.

Indian Team at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, held in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Indian Team at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Indian Team at the 37th International Biology Olympiad 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania

Indian Team at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad in Shanghai, China

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NKR/AK/NM