The 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025, held in the picturesque Sunshine Coast of Australia, proved to be a moment of immense pride for India. With 630 brilliant young minds from 110 countries competing over six intellectually demanding problems, India’s stellar performance reaffirmed its status as a growing mathematical powerhouse on the global stage.
What Is the IMO?
The IMO is the most prestigious mathematics competition for high-school students worldwide. Each year, it features six challenging problems drawn from various branches of mathematics – Algebra, Combinatorics, Number Theory, and Geometry. These problems are handpicked by a Problem Selection Committee established by the host nation in consultation with the IMO Board.
Participating countries are permitted to propose up to six problems and may send a team of up to six students. The maximum score an individual can achieve is 42, resulting in a total team score cap of 252. The competition is not only a test of skill but also of persistence, precision, and deep mathematical understanding.
India’s Participation and Coordination
In India, the selection and training of students for the IMO is overseen by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). HBCSE is the nodal agency responsible for conducting National Olympiad examinations in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Astronomy.
Over the years, India has steadily strengthened its presence at the IMO. The 2025 edition marked the third time that India secured the 7th position globally, matching its performances from 1998 and 2001. This also marked the seventh instance of India finishing in the top ten since its debut at the IMO in 1989, a testament to the country’s growing intellectual influence.
A Record-Breaking Performance
India’s IMO 2025 team returned home with an impressive haul of six medals: three golds, two silvers, and one bronze. In addition to the medals, the team set a new national record with a cumulative score of 193 out of 252 – the highest ever by India at the IMO.
The team members who contributed to this landmark achievement were:
Kanav Talwar (Gold)
Aarav Gupta (Gold)
Adhitya Mangudy (Gold)
Abel George Mathew (Silver)
Aadish Jain (Silver)
Archit Manas (Bronze)
The participants hailed from different regions of the country, with four of them based in Delhi. Their success showcased not only individual brilliance but also the strength of collaborative preparation and national academic infrastructure.
Beyond Medals: Celebrating Intellectual Excellence
While medals and rankings are significant, the IMO is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of intellectual exploration, creativity, and perseverance. It instils in students a lifelong love for mathematics and encourages them to approach complex problems with curiosity and confidence.
India’s outstanding performance in 2025 is not only a credit to the students but also to their teachers, mentors, families, and the institutions that supported them. This achievement is a reflection of what focused guidance, passion, and academic rigour can accomplish.
A Formula for Future Success
As India continues to make strides in international academic arenas, platforms like the IMO play a vital role. They highlight the importance of identifying and nurturing talent from a young age, and investing in a strong educational ecosystem that encourages inquiry and innovation.
Congratulations to the Indian team at the IMO 2025. You have not only brought honour to the nation but also inspired a new generation of students to believe in the transformative power of mathematics.
The Momma Clan 
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