Bengaluru: The Indian Space Science Olympiad (ISSO) 2025, a prestigious national-level academic initiative organised by Edu Mithra Intellectual Services Pvt. Ltd., concluded successfully after a three-day Final Level programme held from 27 to 29 December 2025 at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
The Final Level comprised an intensive offline workshop and a competitive examination, bringing together some of the brightest young minds in space science from across the country. Out of more than 5,000 students who appeared for the Preliminary Examination from all Indian states, 350 students were shortlisted to participate in the Final Level. The programme offered in-depth academic sessions on space science, along with astronomical observations, sky-watching activities, and hands-on telescope training, providing students with immersive and practical exposure to astronomy.
The prize distribution and valedictory ceremony, attended by over 850 participants, was held at the J. N. Tata Auditorium, IISc. India’s celebrated “Rocket Woman”, Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, Distinguished Scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), presented the winners with Newtonian parabolic mirror telescopes, symbolising scientific curiosity and inspiring students to pursue deeper engagement with astronomy and space science.
Eminent Dignitaries on the Dias
The inaugural, academic, and award ceremonies were graced by several eminent scientists, academicians, and science communicators, including:
Ritu Karidhal Srivastava – Distinguished Scientist, ISRO; Former Deputy Mission Director, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan); Mission Director, Chandrayaan-2
Umamaheswaran R – Distinguished Scientist, ISRO; Former Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO
B R Gururaj Prasad – Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru; Former Associate Director (Media & Public Relations), ISRO Headquarters
N Shaji – Adjunct Faculty, Department of Physics, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT); Former Principal, T. M. Jacob Memorial Government College
H N Suresh Kumar – Former Deputy Director, U. R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO
Manosh T M – Cosmologist and Science Communicator; PhD Scholar, CUSAT
Sruthi R T – Relativistic Astrophysicist and Science Communicator
Sarath Prabhavu – Science Communicator, Writer, and Astrophotographer
Athul R T – Data Scientist and Researcher
Saneesh C K – Managing Director, Edu Mithra Intellectual Services Pvt. Ltd.
Unnimaya E S – Director, Edu Mithra Intellectual Services Pvt. Ltd.
Methil Komalankutty – Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Edu Mithra – UAE Chapter
Category-wise National Rank Holders
Junior Category (Classes 5–7)
Rank 1: Amrutanshu Panda – Chhattisgarh
Rank 2: Astitva Uniyal – Rajasthan
Rank 3: Aditya Chakravarthula – Telangana
Senior Category (Classes 8–10)
Rank 1: Sharvin Malkhede – Karnataka
Rank 2: Mritunjay Ramkumar – Tamil Nadu
Rank 3: Bhavy Bhartiya – Gujarat
Super Senior Category (Classes 11–12)
Rank 1: Ryhan Ibn Irshad – Jammu & Kashmir
Rank 2: Aaditya Mirkar – Maharashtra
Rank 3: V. Bagyasri – Tamil Nadu
Addressing the students, the dignitaries highlighted the importance of scientific temper, curiosity-driven learning, and early exposure to advanced scientific disciplines. The leadership of Edu Mithra reaffirmed that ISSO is envisioned as a national platform to identify, nurture, and mentor future scientists, engineers, and innovators, thereby strengthening India’s scientific ecosystem from the school level onward.
The Indian Space Science Olympiad 2025 concluded as a landmark academic event, inspiring young learners across the country to look beyond classrooms and explore the vast frontiers of space science, astronomy, and space technology.
