India Shines With 7th Rank At International Mathematical Olympiad 2025

India continued its upward trajectory in international academic excellence by securing the 7th position at the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025 held in Sunshine Coast, Australia. Competing against 110 countries, the Indian team of six participants earned three gold, two silver, and one bronze medal, along with a national record score of 193 out of 252. This achievement underscores India’s growing global presence in mathematics education and talent development, as well as the effectiveness of its Olympiad training ecosystem.

Background: About the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)

The IMO is the most prestigious global competition in pre-university mathematics, organized annually since 1959. It tests students’ advanced understanding in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics through six challenging problems over two days. Countries nominate a six-member team, selected through rigorous national-level processes. India first participated in 1989, and the selection and training of Indian participants are managed by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under TIFR.

India’s Performance at IMO 2025

At IMO 2025, India’s team—comprising Kanav Talwar, Aarav Gupta, Adhitya Mangudy (Gold); Abel George Mathew, Aadish Jain (Silver); and Archit Manas (Bronze)—secured the country’s highest ever cumulative score of 193. This is the second time India has won three gold medals (first in 1998), and the third time the country has ranked 7th, after similar placements in 1998 and 2001. In 2024, India had achieved its best-ever rank of 4th, with four gold medals.

Significance and Trends

India’s performance in the last decade shows a consistent upward trend. From 2019 to 2025, Indian students have earned 12 gold medals, nine of which came in just the last three years (2023–2025). This reflects the growing quality of mathematics education, increasing access to specialized training, and the motivation of India’s young talents. Such rankings bolster India’s position as a rising academic power in STEM education globally.

Role of HBCSE and the Selection Process

The HBCSE, under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), oversees the National Olympiad Programme, including examinations, training camps, and international participation. Students are selected through a multi-stage exam system, including Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad (PRMO), Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO), INMO, and training camps at HBCSE. The delegation was led by Prof. Shanta Laishram (ISI Delhi) and Dr. Mainak Ghosh (ISI Bengaluru).