India wins one gold and three silver medals at International Biology Olympiad

New Delhi: India won one gold and three silver medals at the International Biology Olympiad 2026, with all four members of the national team finishing on the podium in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The 37th International Biology Olympiad took place from July 12 to July 19. A total of 307 students from 78 countries participated in this year’s competition.

Bhavyaa Gunwal from Mahendragarh, Haryana, won the gold medal. Meanwhile, Soumil Maity from Howrah, West Bengal, Nishit Kalani from Pali, Rajasthan, and Anmol Kumar from Mansa, Punjab, secured silver medals.

Prof. Rekha Vartak and Dr. Anupama Ronad led the Indian team. In addition, Dr. Ranjithsinh Devkar and Dr. Siddhesh Ghag served as scientific observers.

International Biology Olympiad tests advanced biology skills

The competition included six hours of practical examinations and six hours of theory tests. Students completed laboratory tasks in molecular biology, biochemistry, animal physiology, animal morphology and plant computational biology.

The theory examination featured 100 questions based on research data and field studies. Moreover, it tested problem-solving skills in genetics, evolution, ecology, biosystematics, plant science and animal science.

The organisers awarded 31 gold, 61 silver and 91 bronze medals during the competition. Furthermore, the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education trained the Indian team through orientation and pre-departure camps.

This marked India’s 26th appearance at the International Biology Olympiad. So far, Indian students have won 17 gold, 69 silver, 17 bronze medals and one honourable mention since joining the competition.