India’s four-member student team delivered an impressive performance at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025, held in Dubai from July 5 to 14. Competing against 354 students from 90 countries and five observer nations, the team clinched two gold and two silver medals, marking India’s 26th appearance at the prestigious event.
Gold and Silver Winners
Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, and Sandeep Kuchi from Hyderabad, Telangana, earned gold medals, while Debadatta Priyadarshi from Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, and Ujjwal Kesari from New Delhi secured silver. Their stellar showing placed India sixth in the overall medal tally, sharing the rank with Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Israel.
Rigorous Selection and Training
The students were selected through the National Olympiad Examinations conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai, the national nodal body under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). The multi-stage selection process involved challenging written exams and intensive training camps.
Before heading to Dubai, the team underwent a demanding training programme at HBCSE, focusing on advanced theoretical concepts and hands-on laboratory work. Mentorship came from Professor Ankush Gupta (Head Mentor, HBCSE), Professor Seema Gupta (Acharya Narendra Dev College, Delhi), and scientific observers Dr. Neeraja Dashaputre (IISER Pune) and Dr. Amrit Mitra (Government General Degree College, Singur).
Consistent Record of Excellence
India has maintained a strong track record at the Chemistry Olympiad 2025 since its debut. Official data show that Indian participants have historically won 30% gold, 53% silver, and 17% bronze medals. As reported by indiatoday.in, notably, in the last decade, gold medal wins have risen to 38%, while silver medals account for 58%, reflecting a steady upward trajectory in performance.
