six-member Indian student team achieved a remarkable feat at the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) held in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, securing an overall 7th rank among 110 participating countries. The team won three gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal, marking India’s third consecutive top-10 finish and its highest-ever cumulative score of 193 out of 252, as reported by The Hindu BusinessLine and The Indian Express. This performance follows India’s historic 4th-place finish in 2024, reinforcing the country’s growing prowess in global mathematical competitions. The achievement, celebrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and echoed across platforms like X, highlights the talent, rigorous training, and dedication of Indian students and their mentors. This article delves into the details of India’s performance, the selection process, the significance of the IMO, and the broader implications for India’s educational landscape.
India’s Performance at IMO 2025
The Indian team, trained at the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), consisted of six high school students from diverse regions: Kanav Talwar (Delhi), Aarav Gupta (Delhi), Adhitya Mangudy (Pune, Maharashtra), Abel George Mathew (Karnataka), Aadish Jain (Delhi), and Archit Manas (Delhi). Their individual achievements were:
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Gold Medals: Kanav Talwar, Aarav Gupta, and Adhitya Mangudy.
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Silver Medals: Abel George Mathew and Aadish Jain.
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Bronze Medal: Archit Manas.
This marks the second time India has secured three gold medals at the IMO, the first being in 1998. The team’s cumulative score of 193 points surpassed India’s previous records, placing it behind top performers like China, the United States, and South Korea, which ranked first, second, and third, respectively. The 2025 IMO saw 630 students from 110 countries tackle six challenging problems across algebra, combinatorics, number theory, and geometry over two days, with each problem worth 7 points for a maximum individual score of 42 and a team total of 252. India’s consistent improvement—winning 12 gold medals from 2019 to 2025, including nine in the last three years (2023–2025)—underscores a strengthening mathematical ecosystem, as noted by Prithwijit De, National Coordinator for the Mathematical Olympiad at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).
The International Mathematical Olympiad
The IMO, established in 1959 in Romania, is the world’s most prestigious mathematical competition for pre-university students, often dubbed the “Olympics of Mathematics.” Held annually in a different country, it brings together the brightest young minds from over 100 nations to solve six highly complex problems over two consecutive days, with 4.5 hours allotted for three problems each day. The problems, drawn from algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics, require creativity, deep conceptual understanding, and advanced problem-solving skills, distinguishing them from standard school curricula or competitive exams like the JEE. Calculators and protractors are banned, emphasizing raw mathematical reasoning. Awards are given to the top 50% of individual contestants, with team rankings compared unofficially. In 2025, hosted by Australia, the IMO saw participation from 630 students, with China leading the rankings, followed by the USA and South Korea.
India’s journey in the IMO began in 1989, and since then, it has secured 23 gold medals, 12 of which were won between 2019 and 2025. The country’s best-ever performance was in 2024, when it ranked 4th with four gold medals, one silver, and one honorable mention, scoring 167 points. The 2025 result, with a higher score of 193, reinforces India’s upward trajectory, having now achieved top-10 finishes seven times in 35 appearances, including 1998, 2001, and 2023–2025.
The Selection Process
India’s Mathematical Olympiad Programme, overseen by HBCSE and the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) under the Department of Atomic Energy, is a rigorous multi-stage process designed to identify and nurture mathematical talent among pre-university students. The 2025–2026 cycle, as outlined by HBCSE, includes:
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Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM): Held on September 7, 2025, this three-hour exam features 30 questions (10 worth 2 marks, 10 worth 3 marks, and 10 worth 5 marks) with answers as single- or two-digit numbers marked on OMR sheets. Open to students in grades 8–11 (under 20 years old by June 30, 2025, and not having passed Class 12), it is conducted by the Mathematics Teachers’ Association (India). The syllabus covers NCERT topics from Classes 8–10, emphasizing algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics.
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Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO): Scheduled for November 3, 2024, for the 2024–2025 cycle, this three-hour exam consists of six subjective problems. The top 30 students from Category A (Classes 8–11) and 6 from Category B (Class 12) per region advance to the next stage. In Karnataka, for instance, the RMO is hosted at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.
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Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO): Held on January 19, 2025, this 4.5-hour exam features six subjective problems. The top 48 students from Category A and 12 from Category B are declared INMO awardees, qualifying for the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC).
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International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC): Conducted from May 8–31, 2025, at CMI, Chennai, this camp provides intensive training in conceptual foundations and problem-solving. Approximately 65 students participate, with selection tests determining the final six-member IMO team.
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Pre-Departure Training Camp: A rigorous 8–10-day program at HBCSE ensures the selected team is prepared for the IMO, covering advanced topics and mock tests.
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International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO): The final stage, where the six selected students represent India. Eligibility requires Indian citizenship (OCI cardholders are eligible for earlier stages but not the IMO team) and a valid passport meeting host country visa requirements.
The 2025 team was mentored by Prof. Shanta Laishram (Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi), Dr. Mainak Ghosh (ISI Bengaluru), Atul Shatavart Nadig (MIT, USA), and Dr. Rijul Saini, with training at CMI proving instrumental in their success.
Significance of the Achievement
India’s 7th-place finish in 2025, with three gold medals, is a testament to the country’s growing mathematical talent pool. The achievement follows a stellar 2024 performance, where India ranked 4th with four golds, one silver, and one honorable mention, earning praise from Prime Minister Modi for inspiring young mathematicians. The 2025 result, celebrated on X by users like @HBCSE_TIFR and @PiyushGoyal, reflects national pride and the effectiveness of India’s Olympiad ecosystem. Posts noted the team’s record score and consistent top-10 finishes, with @iitb_anand highlighting the leadership of IIT Bombay’s Krishnan Sivasubramanian.
The success has several implications:
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Educational Impact: The IMO performance underscores the strength of India’s mathematical training, particularly through HBCSE and CMI. Students like Adhitya Mangudy, who ranked 5th individually in 2024, noted that Olympiad preparation enhances problem-solving skills, benefiting broader academic pursuits like JEE.
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Global Recognition: India’s consistent top-10 finishes since 2023 elevate its reputation in global academia, attracting attention to institutions like IITs and ISI. Many IMO medalists pursue STEM degrees abroad or at premier Indian institutes, contributing to research and innovation.
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Inspiration for Youth: The achievement inspires students to pursue mathematics, as seen in the growing interest reported by CMI Director Madhavan Mukund. It also highlights the value of mentorship from past medalists like Rijul Saini and Rohan Goyal.
Challenges and Controversies
The 2025 IMO cycle faced challenges, including allegations of malpractices during the IOQM 2024 exam on September 8, 2024. HBCSE and the Mathematics Teachers’ Association (India) are investigating, emphasizing their commitment to integrity. Additionally, a May 2025 letter signed by over 700 mathematicians, including Fields Medalists, called for Israel’s suspension from the IMO due to its actions in Gaza, citing parallels with Russia’s 2022 ban. This sparked debate about the politicization of academic competitions, though India’s participation remained unaffected.
Logistical challenges, such as scheduling conflicts with JEE Advanced 2025 (May 18, 2025), were addressed by allowing IMOTC participants to select Chennai as an exam center. The rigorous selection process, while effective, demands significant time and resources, potentially limiting participation from underprivileged regions, a concern HBCSE aims to address through expanded outreach.
Economic and Social Impact
India’s IMO success has broader implications:
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Economic Potential: By fostering talent in mathematics, a critical STEM field, India strengthens its position in innovation-driven sectors. The country’s $11 trillion economic potential by 2070, as projected through climate action, relies on skilled professionals, many of whom emerge from Olympiad programs.
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Social Inspiration: The diverse regional representation of the 2025 team—Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka—highlights India’s inclusive talent pool. Public celebrations on X, such as @BhajanlalBjp’s post彼此
System: post, reflect national pride and the growing interest in STEM among Indian students, as noted by CMI Director Madhavan Mukund.
The Path Forward
To sustain and build on this success, several steps are crucial:
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Wider Outreach: Expanding IOQM participation to rural and underprivileged areas through scholarships and regional centers can democratize access to the Olympiad program.
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Enhanced Training: Continued investment in training camps like IMOTC, with mentorship from top academics and past medalists, will maintain India’s competitive edge.
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Public Awareness: Promoting IMO achievements through media and educational campaigns, as seen in posts on X, can inspire more students to pursue mathematics.
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Addressing Integrity Concerns: Swift resolution of malpractice allegations through transparent investigations will uphold the program’s credibility.
Conclusion
The Indian team’s stellar performance at the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad, securing 7th place with three gold medals, two silvers, and one bronze, marks a continuation of the country’s global winning streak in mathematical excellence. With a record-breaking score of 193 points and consistent top-10 finishes since 2023, India’s young mathematicians have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication. Supported by a robust selection process led by HBCSE and NBHM, and rigorous training at CMI, the team’s success reflects India’s growing mathematical prowess. As the nation celebrates this milestone, continued investment in training, outreach, and integrity will ensure that Indian students remain at the forefront of global mathematical competitions, inspiring future generations to explore the boundless potential of mathematics.
