Mohali, June 11, 2025: The prestigious Astronomy Olympiad Orientation Cum Selection Camp (OCSC) 2025 concluded today at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, marking a major milestone in India’s science outreach calendar. The event aimed to nurture and evaluate some of the country’s brightest young minds in the field of astronomy, and culminated with the announcement of the five-member Indian team set to participate in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025, to be held in Mumbai this August.
Out of nearly 500 students who competed nationwide through the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad, 54 were shortlisted for the OCSC based on their ranks and academic levels. Ultimately, 37 students attended the camp, which featured rigorous academic training and assessments across theory, data analysis, and observational astronomy.
The intensive two-week camp included lectures, problem-solving tutorials, telescope handling sessions, and guided night-sky observations. While traditionally hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE-TIFR), this year’s OCSC was conducted at IISER Mohali, as HBCSE prepares to host the IOAA itself.
A collaborative team of astronomers from reputed institutes, such as the Central University of Haryana, IIT Kanpur, Ashoka University, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and others, contributed to the training and mentorship. Esteemed resource persons also joined from premier research institutions, including the Raman Research Institute and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The valedictory function, held on June 11, featured a keynote address by Professor Dipankar Bhattacharya of Ashoka University on “Imaging in Different Wavebands in Astronomy.” Medals were awarded by Professor Kulinder Pal Singh of IISER Mohali, and certificates by Professor Bhattacharya, under the auspices of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).
The five students selected to represent India at IOAA 2025 are:
- Aarush Mishra – Winner of the C.L. Bhat Memorial Award for overall best performance
- Sumant Gupta – Recognized for best performance in observational tests
- Banibrata Majee
- Panini
- Akshat Srivastava – Winner in both theory and data analysis
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The Indian team will be guided at IOAA by veteran leaders Professor Jasjeet Singh Bagla and Dr. Harvinder Kaur Jassal. Accompanying scientific observers will include Dr. Kinjalk Lochan, Dr. Pankaj Kushwaha, Dr. Jaswant Yadav, and Dr. Mamta Gulati.
With the successful conclusion of OCSC 2025, India gears up with renewed vigor and high hopes for an inspiring performance on the international stage.
