India Achieves Historic Nine Medals at 19th International Earth Science Olympiad 2026

Key Facts

• The 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) was held in Turin, Italy from August 20–27, 2026.
• India's four-member team won a total of nine medals: 4 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze.
• The Indian team members were Soumik Mandal, Aaron Maiti, Riddhi Ranjan, and Mohammed Ehtesham Rizvi.
• Soumik Mandal won two gold medals and one silver, ranking third highest individual score in IESO history.
• India's team was selected from around 17,800 national applicants through a rigorous process including training camps at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and Anna University, Chennai.
• The Indian contingent was felicitated by Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi on September 4, 2026.
• IESO is an annual international competition involving theory, practical, team field investigations, and earth science projects in subjects including geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy.

Background & Context

The International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) is organized by the International Geoscience Education Organisation (IGEO) and sponsored by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). Started in 2007, it aims to promote Earth science education worldwide and encourage interest among secondary school students while fostering international cooperation.

The competition tests students in Earth system science disciplines such as the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The Olympic events include individual written and practical examinations, an International Team Field Investigation (unique among science Olympiads), and project-based assessments.

India's medal haul at IESO 2026 reflects the strengthening of Earth science education and student outreach by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and affiliated bodies like the Geological Society of India, which facilitate selection and training.

Why This Matters for Exams

Questions related to India’s achievements at international Olympiads including IESO are increasingly featured in competitive state and national exams in India, especially in the science & current affairs sections. Understanding the medal tally, Indian team members’ names, host location, and organizational bodies involved can be important for aspirants.

Furthermore, awareness about the objectives and structure of IESO is relevant for students pursuing Earth science or environmental science streams, interdisciplinary studies, and those preparing for exams involving science olympiads.

Points to Remember

• IESO 2026 was held in Turin, Italy from August 20 to 27, 2026.
• India won 9 medals: 4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze, the country’s best-ever tally in IESO.
• Soumik Mandal secured two golds and one silver, ranking third highest individual scorer in IESO history.
• Indian students underwent a rigorous selection from approximately 17,800 candidates and training camps at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and Anna University, Chennai.
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh felicitated the medal winners at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi on September 4, 2026.
• IESO competitions include individual written/practical exams, international team field investigations, and earth science projects covering geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, and Earth system sciences.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

1. Where was the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad held in 2026?
2. A) New Delhi, India
3. B) Turin, Italy
4. C) Tokyo, Japan
5. D) Paris, France

Answer: B) Turin, Italy

Question 2

1. What was the total medal count of India at the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad 2026?
2. A) 5
3. B) 7
4. C) 9
5. D) 11

Answer: C) 9

Question 3

1. Which Indian student secured two gold medals and one silver medal at IESO 2026?
2. A) Aaron Maiti
3. B) Riddhi Ranjan
4. C) Soumik Mandal
5. D) Mohammed Ehtesham Rizvi

Answer: C) Soumik Mandal