19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026

• India delivered an outstanding performance at the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026, securing a total of nine medals.

• In this international competition, held in Turin, Italy, from August 20 to 27, 2026, Indian students achieved their best-ever performance by winning four gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

• India was represented in the competition by Sumik Mandal, Aaron Maiti, Riddhi Ranjan, and Mohammad Ehtesham Rizvi.

• These four students were selected from a pool of approximately 17,000 candidates. Prior to the competition, they underwent preparation through special training camps organized at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and Anna University, Chennai.

• Sumik Mandal’s performance was particularly remarkable; he won gold medals in the individual written and practical examinations.

• Additionally, he recorded the third-highest individual score in the 19-year history of the IESO.

• Sumik Mandal and Riddhi Ranjan won gold medals in the International Team Field Investigation, while Aaron Maiti contributed significantly to India's success by winning a gold medal in the Earth Science Project.

• This achievement by the Indian students has once again strongly showcased the country's talent and scientific prowess in the field of Earth Science on the international stage.