India achieved a remarkable feat by winning four gold medals and one silver at the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025 held in Mumbai from August 11 to 21.
The event featured 300 students from 64 countries competing in advanced theoretical and practical astronomy challenges. Indian students Aarush Mishra, Banibrata Majee, Panini, and Akshat Srivastava won gold medals, while Sumant Gupta secured silver.
Under the expert guidance of IISER Mohali mentors, India reaffirmed its position as a leading science education nation. Officials, including Dr. Anil Kakodkar, praised the young talents and encouraged their dedication to scientific inquiry.
India’s Stellar Performance and Medalists
In a showcase of brilliance and perseverance, India’s national team shone brightly against stiff global competition, securing second place jointly with the UK. The gold-medal-winning students, Aarush Mishra from Bengaluru, Banibrata Majee from Delhi, Panini from Patna, and Akshat Srivastava from Kolkata, alongside silver medalist Sumant Gupta from Gurugram, exemplified academic dedication and mastery of astronomy and astrophysics.
Their performance came after an intensive selection and training process that began with 54 shortlisted students evaluated through an orientation camp at IISER Mohali, eventually selecting a final team of five through rigorous practice and mentorship by Professor Jasjeet Singh Bagla and Dr. Harvinder Kaur Jassal.
The Olympiad tested participants on theoretical knowledge, practical data analysis, and observational astronomy, making this achievement especially noteworthy.
India’s Rigorous Training and Selection Process
India’s journey to winning four gold medals and one silver at IOAA 2025 was paved by an intense and highly competitive preparation process. The journey began with national-level exams that shortlisted 54 of the brightest astronomy students from across India.
These students participated in an Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) held at IISER Mohali, which included intensive lectures, hands-on telescope training, observational sessions, and rigorous theoretical tests. The camp brought together expert mentors from top Indian research institutes and universities. After this demanding evaluation, a final team of five students was selected to represent India at the international Olympiad in Mumbai.
This thorough and resource-rich training ensured that the Indian team was exceptionally well-prepared to compete on the global stage, resulting in their stellar performance and medal wins. This preparation highlights India’s commitment to nurturing scientific talent through expert guidance and challenging learning experiences, empowering the young participants to excel at international levels
Context and Significance of IOAA 2025
The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, established in 2007, is a prestigious global platform for high school students passionate about space sciences. In 2025, for the first time, India hosted the event, which drew a record 300 participants from 64 countries, including 12 debutant nations, marking an unprecedented scale and diversity.
The Olympiad not only challenges students academically but fosters international scientific cooperation and cultural exchange. This year’s event also saw increased female participation and highlighted India’s growing investments in astronomy and astrophysics education.
Alongside India’s impressive haul of medals, Iran was the top-performing country, winning five gold medals, while other countries like Australia, Hong Kong, and Italy also celebrated successes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s outstanding success at IOAA 2025 is a powerful testament to the impact of sustained mentorship, rigorous training, and a nurturing environment for scientific aspirations.
It reflects not only academic excellence but also the careful cultivation of curiosity, empathy, and a spirit of peaceful global collaboration. As The Logical Indian, we celebrate these young scientists who inspire a generation to embrace knowledge and cooperation rather than conflict.
This accomplishment underscores the vital need for continued investment in STEM education that promotes harmony through shared exploration and innovation.
Congratulations Team India and mentors for securing 4 Golds 🥇🥇🥇🥇 and 1 Silver 🥈in 18th International International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.
— IISER Mohali (@IiserMohali) August 21, 2025
Proud that we hosted their training camp and provided mentorship.@ioaa_2025 @hkjassal @jsbagla @EduMinOfIndia pic.twitter.com/4nphbMzHVA
