Team India Wins 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Medal at the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors 2026 in Thailand
NCSM Facilitates the Participation of Indian Students in this International Olympiad
Indian students have achieved remarkable success at the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.) 2026, held in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, from November 1–8, 2026, winning 2 Gold Medals, 2 Silver Medals and 1 Bronze Medal. Siddharth Laxmisha of Aditya Vidyashram Residential School, Poraiyur, Puducherry, and Swara Srujal Patel of School of Excellence, Wadhwan, Gujarat, secured Gold Medals; Aarna Chaplot of Maa Bharti Senior Secondary School, Kota, Rajasthan, and Krish Bhaskar of KS International Academy, Bagar, Rajasthan, won Silver Medals; while Akshara Gulab Ambone of Lords Public School, Maharashtra, secured a Bronze Medal.
The event was graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 2nd November 2026 at the Ubon University Campus, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. This year’s Olympiad brought together 104 participants from 25 countries. 53 team leaders and observers accompanied them.
The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors is an annual competition in Astronomy and Astrophysics for junior high school students (under 16 years of age). This year’s Olympiad was jointly hosted by the Promotion of Academic Olympiad and Development of Science Education Foundation (POSN) under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, together with Ubon Ratchathani Province, Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU), and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT).
The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is the Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization (ANRAO) responsible for organising the Junior Astronomy Olympiad Programme in India. Through the Indian National Junior Astronomy Olympiad (INJAO), NCSM undertakes the selection and preparation of the Indian team for the international competition. The programme follows a five-stage selection process, beginning with the National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS), conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), followed by the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO), Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC), specialised training, and the final international Olympiad.
The Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC-2026) was held at NCSM Headquarters from May 12–31, 2026, where 25 students selected through the first two levels received specialised training in theoretical and observational astronomy, focusing on conceptual understanding, problem-solving and night-sky observation. Following examinations and a rigorous selection process, five students were selected to represent India at the international Olympiad. Subsequently, the Pre-Departure Camp (PDC) was organised at NCSM Headquarters from October 26–31, 2026, to provide the team with intensive final preparation. The structured training programme, spanning OCSC to PDC, equips students with the knowledge and skills required to excel at the international level.
Shri K. S. Murali, Director General, National Council of Science Museums, said, “We are immensely proud of the outstanding performance of our young Indian participants at the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.) 2026. Winning 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Medal at this prestigious international event reflects their dedication, scientific aptitude and perseverance. Every year, NCSM facilitates the participation of Indian students in this Olympiad by providing intensive training and mentorship through the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC-2026) and Pre-Departure Camp (PDC).”
NCSM has established Astronomy Education Centres across its science centres to promote awareness of India’s rich astronomical heritage and inspire students and the public to explore astronomy. These centres feature planetariums, exhibitions on India’s astronomical heritage, and programmes such as sky observations and lectures. Through the Astronomy Olympiad Programme and other educational initiatives, NCSM nurtures scientific curiosity, observation and analytical skills among young learners. The Indian team’s achievement at IOAA-Jr. 2026 further highlights the importance of encouraging young talent and fostering a passion for science and astronomy.
The programme was attended by Ms. Jhuma Ghosh, Curator, National Science Centre, Guwahati, and Mr. M. M. Rout, DSO, DSC, Dhenkanal, both serving as Team Leaders of the Indian contingent, along with Mr. Umesh Kumar Rustagi, DDG, NCSM, and Mr. Rajib Nath, Director (Hqrs.), NCSM.
