India Wins Gold and Three Silver Medals at 37th International Biology Olympiad 2026

India has delivered another outstanding performance on the global academic stage by winning one gold medal and three silver medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026, held in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Leading the Indian contingent was Bhavyaa Gunwal from Mahendragarh, Haryana, who secured the country's only gold medal. The remaining three members of the Indian team also returned with medals, highlighting India's continued excellence in international science competitions.

The achievement comes shortly after India's successful performances at the International Physics Olympiad and the International Chemistry Olympiad, reinforcing the country's growing reputation in global science Olympiads.

India's Medal Winners at IBO 2026

The Indian team secured four medals:

• ???? Bhavyaa Gunwal – Mahendragarh, Haryana (Gold)
• ???? Soumil Maity – Howrah, West Bengal (Silver)
• ???? Nishit Kalani – Pali, Rajasthan (Silver)
• ???? Anmol Kumar – Mansa, Punjab (Silver)

Every member of the Indian delegation won a medal, making it another successful campaign for the country.

About the International Biology Olympiad 2026

The 37th International Biology Olympiad was conducted in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 12 to July 19, 2026.

The competition witnessed participation from:

• 307 students
• 78 countries

Participants competed in two rigorous six-hour examinations:

• Practical Examination
• Theory Examination

The practical assessment covered areas such as:

• Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
• Animal Physiology
• Animal Morphology and Systematics
• Plant Computational Biology

The theory examination focused on advanced biological concepts and research-based problem-solving.

According to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE):

• 31 Gold Medals
• 61 Silver Medals
• 91 Bronze Medals

were awarded during this edition of the Olympiad.

India's Strong Record at the Biology Olympiad

The 2026 edition marked India's 26th participation in the International Biology Olympiad.

Since joining the competition, India has built an impressive record:

• 104 students have represented the country.
• 17 Gold Medals
• 69 Silver Medals
• 17 Bronze Medals
• 1 Honourable Mention

The consistent performance reflects the strength of India's science education and Olympiad training programmes.

Team Mentors and Support

The Indian team was mentored by:

• Dr. Anupama Ronad of the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)-TIFR
• Dr. Rekha Vartak, former faculty member of HBCSE-TIFR

India's National Olympiad Programme is jointly supported by:

• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
• Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Ministry of Education

The programme prepares talented students to represent India in prestigious international science competitions.

Key Highlights

• India won one gold and three silver medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad 2026.
• Bhavyaa Gunwal from Haryana secured India's only gold medal.
• Silver medals were won by students from West Bengal, Rajasthan and Punjab.
• The Olympiad was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, with 307 participants from 78 countries.
• India has now won 17 gold medals in the history of the International Biology Olympiad.

FAQs

Who won India's gold medal at the International Biology Olympiad 2026?

Bhavyaa Gunwal from Mahendragarh, Haryana, won India's only gold medal at the 37th International Biology Olympiad.

How many medals did India win at IBO 2026?

India won a total of four medals—one gold and three silver.

Where was the International Biology Olympiad 2026 held?

The competition was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 12 to July 19, 2026.

How many countries participated in IBO 2026?

A total of 78 countries participated, with 307 students competing.

Who organises India's participation in the Biology Olympiad?

India's Olympiad programme is coordinated by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)-TIFR with support from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Education.