Team India Wins 5 Medals at International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors 2026 in Thailand Indian Students Secure 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Medal NCSM Facilitates Participation through Specialised Training

Kolkata, November 11, 2026

Indian students have brought laurels to the country by winning 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Medal at the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.) 2026, held in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, from November 1 to 8, 2026. The event witnessed participation from 104 students representing 25 countries.

The Gold Medals were won by Siddharth Laxmisha of Aditya Vidyashram Residential School, Puducherry, and Swara Srujal Patel of School of Excellence, Gujarat. Aarna Chaplot of Maa Bharti Senior Secondary School, Kota, and Krish Bhaskar of KS International Academy, Bagar, Rajasthan, secured Silver Medals, while Akshara Gulab Ambone of Lords Public School, Maharashtra, won the Bronze Medal.

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is the Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization responsible for organising India's Junior Astronomy Olympiad Programme and facilitating the participation of the Indian team.

The team was selected through a five-stage process under the Indian National Junior Astronomy Olympiad (INJAO). As part of the preparation, 25 shortlisted students attended the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC-2026) at NCSM Headquarters from May 12 to 31, followed by specialised training for the five selected participants at the Pre-Departure Camp (PDC) from October 26 to 31, 2026.

Congratulating the winners, Shri K. S. Murali, Director General, NCSM, said that the achievement reflects the students' dedication, scientific aptitude and perseverance. He reaffirmed NCSM's commitment to nurturing young scientific talent through intensive training and mentorship.

NCSM also promotes astronomy education through its Astronomy Education Centres, planetariums, exhibitions, sky observations and educational programmes across its science centres.

The Indian contingent was accompanied by Ms. Jhuma Ghosh, Curator, National Science Centre, Guwahati, and Mr. M. M. Rout, DSO, DSC, Dhenkanal, as Team Leaders. Mr. Umesh Kumar Rustagi, DDG, NCSM, and Mr. Rajib Nath, Director (Hqrs.), NCSM, were also associated with the programme.

The achievement underscores India's commitment to promoting scientific excellence and encouraging young talent in astronomy and astrophysics.

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MSA