Indian Team Triumphs with Two Golds and Four Silvers in Russia

The Indian team achieved remarkable success at the 22nd International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO), securing two gold medals and four silver medals during the competition held in Sirius, Russia from November 22 to December 1, 2025. The event saw participation from twenty-four countries, with approximately 140 students showcasing their scientific acumen.

Among the six-member Indian contingent, Aadish Jain from Haryana and Anmol Kumar from Punjab each earned a gold medal. The silver medals were awarded to Asmi Inamdar from Maharashtra, Sai Sravan Muvvala from Telangana, Ruhan Mohanty from Bhubaneswar, and Tejas S. V. from Tamil Nadu. The team was supported by a group of experienced leaders, including Shirish Pathare, a scientist at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Prof. Vedavyasa, a retired professor from St. Joseph’s College, Aravinda S from the Tata Institute of Science, and scientific observer Geetha R.S., a retired professor from Vijaya College in Bangalore.

The IJSO competition included two theoretical examinations and one experimental exam, each lasting three hours. The selection process for the Indian team was rigorous and comprised three stages, mirroring the approach taken for other Olympiads. The initial stage involved a nationwide examination in the Junior Science Olympiad, which attracted over 50,000 participants across approximately 1,200 centers in India, organized by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).

Following the nationwide examination, candidates underwent a series of challenging theoretical and practical tests. The pre-departure camp for the IJSO took place at the Vidyavardhaka Sangh IAPT-JSO-VVS Centre in Bangalore, where participants received training and preparation for the competition.

The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), serves as the nodal center for all Science Olympiads in India, encompassing subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and Junior Science. The Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) coordinates the Junior Science Olympiad with support from HBCSE, overseeing the selection and training of teams representing India at international competitions.

The Indian efforts in the IJSO are bolstered by the support of various government bodies, including the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) of the Government of India. This collaborative approach not only highlights the nation’s commitment to nurturing scientific talent but also enhances India’s profile on the global stage in the field of education and research.