India has delivered another impressive performance on the global academic stage by winning one gold medal and three silver medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026. Leading the country’s medal tally was Bhavyaa Gunwal from Haryana, who secured India’s only gold medal at this year’s competition.

The remaining three members of the Indian team also returned with silver medals, ensuring that every participant brought home an award and placing India among the top-performing nations in the prestigious international event.

Haryana’s Bhavyaa Gunwal Brings Home Gold

Bhavyaa Gunwal, a student from Mahendragarh district in Haryana, emerged as India’s top performer by winning the country’s lone gold medal at the Olympiad.

Her achievement adds another milestone to India’s growing success in international science competitions and highlights the strength of young Indian talent in biology.

Three Indian Students Win Silver Medals

India’s medal tally was further strengthened by three silver medal winners:

• Soumil Maity from Howrah, West Bengal
• Nishit Kalani from Pali, Rajasthan
• Anmol Kumar from Mansa, Punjab

With medals won by all four participants, India maintained its consistent record of excellence at the International Biology Olympiad.

Biology Olympiad Held in Lithuania

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

This year’s competition attracted 307 students from 78 countries, bringing together some of the world’s brightest young biology students.

Participants competed in two rigorous examinations lasting six hours each:

• A practical examination
• A theory examination

The event tested both conceptual understanding and practical laboratory skills across multiple branches of biological sciences.

Competition Covered Advanced Biology Topics

The practical examination evaluated participants in areas including:

• 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, challenging students to apply scientific reasoning in complex situations.

India’s Strong Record at the Biology Olympiad

The 2026 edition marked India’s 26th appearance at the International Biology Olympiad.

Since its debut, 104 Indian students have represented the country at the competition.

India’s overall medal record now includes:

• 17 Gold Medals
• 69 Silver Medals
• 17 Bronze Medals
• 1 Honourable Mention

The consistent medal haul reflects India’s growing strength in international science education and academic competitions.

National Olympiad Programme Supports Young Talent

The Indian team was mentored by experienced faculty members associated with the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE-TIFR).

India’s National Olympiad Programme receives support from several government institutions, including:

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

These organisations help identify, train, and prepare talented students to compete at international academic Olympiads.

India Continues Strong Run in International Science Olympiads

The latest success comes shortly after India’s impressive performances at other major international science competitions.

In recent weeks, Indian students have also secured gold medals at the International Physics Olympiad and the International Chemistry Olympiad, highlighting the country’s continued excellence across multiple STEM disciplines.

The achievements underline the growing global competitiveness of Indian students in science education.

Conclusion

India’s performance at the 37th International Biology Olympiad 2026 once again showcases the country’s academic excellence on the world stage. With one gold medal and three silver medals, the Indian team delivered a flawless campaign, continuing a remarkable run of success in international science Olympiads. The achievement is expected to inspire more students to pursue scientific research and represent India in future global competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won India’s gold medal at the International Biology Olympiad 2026?

Bhavyaa Gunwal from Mahendragarh, Haryana, won India’s only gold medal.

2. How many medals did India win at IBO 2026?

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

3. Who won the silver medals for India?

Soumil Maity (West Bengal), Nishit Kalani (Rajasthan), and Anmol Kumar (Punjab) won silver medals.

4. Where was the International Biology Olympiad 2026 held?

The competition was held in Vilnius, Lithuania.

5. How many countries participated in IBO 2026?

Students from 78 countries took part in the Olympiad.

6. How many students participated in this year’s competition?

A total of 307 students competed at the 37th International Biology Olympiad.

7. What subjects were covered in the practical examination?

The practical exam included Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Animal Physiology, Animal Morphology and Systematics, and Plant Computational Biology.

8. How many times has India participated in the International Biology Olympiad?

India has participated 26 times in the competition.

9. What is India’s overall medal tally at the International Biology Olympiad?

India has won 17 gold, 69 silver, 17 bronze medals, and one honourable mention.

10. Which organisations support India’s National Olympiad Programme?

The programme is supported by the Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE-TIFR).