PM Modi Hails India's Stellar Performance at Biology, Chemistry Olympiads

India's remarkable showing at two of the world's most prestigious science Olympiads has drawn praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the country's young scholars securing an impressive medal haul in Biology and delivering a historic clean sweep in Chemistry. The achievements underscore India's growing prominence in global scientific education and its continued investment in nurturing young research talent.

Congratulating the winners in separate posts on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India's "Yuva Shakti" continues to make a mark globally through excellence in science. He described the students' accomplishments as a source of national pride and expressed confidence that they would inspire more youngsters to pursue careers in research and innovation.

At the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) held in Vilnius, Lithuania, all four Indian participants returned with medals, including one Gold and three Silver medals. Bhavyaa Gunwal won the Gold Medal, while Soumil Maity, Nishit Kalani and Anmol Kumar secured Silver Medals. Modi praised the students for demonstrating exceptional knowledge in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Animal Physiology, Animal Morphology and Systematics, and Plant Computational Biology.

India also scripted history at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), where Debadatta Priyadarshi, Harshit Singhal, Kabeer Chhillar and Sandeep Kuchi each won Gold Medals, marking India's best-ever performance at the prestigious global competition. The Prime Minister said the team's brilliance, dedication and passion for science had made the nation proud and would motivate countless young minds to excel in chemistry.

The International Biology Olympiad, established in 1990, is among the world's premier competitions for pre-university students, bringing together participants from over 75 countries. Contestants are tested through demanding theoretical and laboratory examinations covering advanced topics such as genetics, ecology, biotechnology, cell and molecular biology, evolution, and plant and animal physiology.

India's representatives are selected through a rigorous multi-stage process coordinated by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Students qualify through the National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) and the Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO) before undergoing intensive training at the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC), from which the final four-member team is chosen.

The latest results continue India's strong run in international science Olympiads. The country had secured two Gold and two Silver medals at the 2025 International Biology Olympiad, while the all-Gold finish in the 2026 International Chemistry Olympiad reflects the growing strength of India's Olympiad ecosystem. Experts say such achievements not only showcase the country's expanding pool of scientific talent but also encourage greater participation in STEM education, helping build the next generation of researchers, innovators and technology leaders.