India Achieves Historic Clean Sweep at IPhO 2026 with Five Gold Medals

By Surya Prakash Josyula

India scripted a remarkable achievement at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 held in Colombia, with all five members of its national team winning gold medals.

The competition brought together 381 of the world’s brightest high school physics students from 85 countries. India finished as a joint overall topper alongside traditional powerhouses such as China, Russia, and South Korea.

This is only the second time in IPhO history that India has achieved a clean sweep by winning five gold medals. The first such feat came in 2018.

India’s Gold Medal Winners
Kanishk Jain – Pune, Maharashtra
Riddhesh Anant Bendale – Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Rishit Garg – Dwarka, New Delhi
Shreshth Suraiya – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Swarit Joshi – Ahmedabad, Gujarat

The team was trained by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai, India’s nodal institution for Olympiad training. Four of the five medalists also received coaching from ALLEN.

What is the International Physics Olympiad?

The International Physics Olympiad is one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for high school students. Unlike entrance examinations, it is designed to assess deep conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and experimental skills in physics.

Each participant completes:

A 5-hour theoretical examination
A 5-hour experimental examination

The practical test requires students to perform laboratory experiments and analyze results, while the theory paper presents complex problems that demand original scientific reasoning.

Why This Achievement Matters

Winning a medal at the IPhO is regarded as one of the highest academic distinctions for school students. It significantly strengthens applications for admissions and scholarships at leading universities around the world.

Many former Olympiad medalists have gone on to become internationally recognized scientists and researchers.

Key Facts
India achieved its second-ever five-gold clean sweep at the IPhO.
The 2026 edition featured 381 participants from 85 countries.
Each participating country can send a maximum of five students.
Every contestant must complete both a 5-hour theory exam and a 5-hour experimental exam.
India’s Selection Process

Representing India at the IPhO involves a rigorous multi-stage selection process.

Students first appear for the National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP).
Successful candidates qualify for the Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO).
The top performers are invited to the HBCSE Olympiad Orientation Camp in Mumbai for intensive training.
Based on their performance at the camp, only five students are selected to represent India at the International Physics Olympiad.

The achievement of the 2026 team reflects years of preparation, advanced scientific training, and exceptional academic performance.

Beyond the medals, India’s success reinforces its growing reputation in global science education and highlights the country’s ability to produce world-class young scientific talent.