At a young age, Sumant Gupta has already made his mark on the international stage by winning a Gold Medal at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2026. His journey, which began with a curiosity about space in Class 9, has evolved into years of dedication, learning and perseverance.
Having previously won a silver medal in 2025, Sumant returned this year with a stronger approach and the determination to push his limits. Representing India among participants from 64 countries, his achievement reflects not only his academic excellence but also his passion for exploring the mysteries of the universe.
In this conversation with Youth Incorporated, Sumant talks about his preparation journey, the experience of competing internationally, his fascination with astrophysics and what aspiring young scientists can learn from his journey.
Q. When did your fascination with astronomy and astrophysics begin?
Ans: My interest in astronomy started around Class 9, when I participated in the Junior Science and Astronomy Olympiads. As I began preparing, I became more curious about space and wanted to understand what we don't normally learn in school. I was also inspired by the movie Interstellar, which made me think about space, time and the universe differently. Over time, this curiosity grew into a genuine interest in astronomy and astrophysics.
Q. Preparing for an international Olympiad requires immense dedication. What did your preparation journey look like, and how did you balance it with school and other commitments?
Ans. I started preparing for Olympiads around Class 9, so it has been a journey of a few years. I didn't follow a very strict schedule every day, but I would usually spend around four to five hours on self-study along with school, depending on what I had going on. This year, I did most of my Olympiad preparation through PW Vidyapeeth, which helped me follow a more structured approach.
Balancing school, JEE preparation and Olympiads was definitely challenging at times. I tried to prioritise what needed more attention instead of trying to do everything at once. My parents and teachers also supported me a lot, which made it easier to manage everything.
Q. Representing India on an international platform is a huge responsibility. How was your experience interacting and competing with students from across the world?
Ans. It was a really exciting experience. Knowing that I was representing India at an international competition was special, and competing with students from 64 countries gave me a chance to learn a lot. One thing I noticed was that every country has a different way of selecting and preparing students, so everyone had their own approach to solving problems.
What I enjoyed just as much was meeting students who shared the same interest in astronomy. We would talk, hang out and discuss things beyond academics whenever we got the chance. The competition was intense, but the friendships I made and the opportunity to learn from other students made the experience even more memorable.
Q. Beyond academic knowledge, what skills do you think helped you perform well at IOAA 2026? Did you have to develop a different approach to problem-solving?
Ans. I think time management and being able to stay calm while solving problems helped me a lot. After winning silver last year, I was more aware of the mistakes I had made and what I needed to improve. This year, I tried to solve the questions I was more comfortable with first and then return to the difficult ones. Along with this, my teacher at PW Vidyapeeth helped a lot in learning how to manage my time better, which eventually helped me to solve questions in time.
I also learnt that knowing a concept is not always enough. You need to understand it well enough to apply it to a problem you may have never seen before. I think being patient, thinking logically and learning from my mistakes helped me improve this year.
Q. Many students in India are interested in science but are unsure how to explore fields like astronomy and astrophysics. What resources, competitions, or learning opportunities would you recommend to them?
Ans. I would suggest starting with the basics and exploring the subject beyond what is taught in school. Students can begin by reading about astronomy, watching educational videos and trying to understand the science behind things they find interesting. They can also look into opportunities like the Junior Science and Astronomy Olympiads to explore the subject further.
For me, participating in Olympiads was one of the things that helped turn my curiosity into a serious interest. Students can also look for guidance from teachers and use online resources whenever they get stuck. You don't need to understand everything at once. Start with what interests you, keep asking questions and gradually build your understanding.
Q. With increasing interest in space exploration, from India's lunar missions to the search for life beyond Earth, which developments in astronomy or astrophysics excite you the most?
Ans. I find the search for life beyond Earth really fascinating. The idea that there could be life somewhere else in the universe is something that makes me curious, especially because we still have so much to understand about space.
I am also interested in cosmology and questions about how the universe began and how it has evolved. India's space missions are exciting because they help us learn more about the Moon and other parts of space. What I find most interesting is that every discovery seems to lead to more questions, and there is still so much left to explore.
Q. Winning an international gold medal is a significant milestone. How do you envision your academic and professional journey from here? Are you considering research, space science, or a career in academia?
Ans. Right now, my main focus is on doing well in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I am interested in Physics and am also considering research as a possible path. Astronomy and astrophysics are definitely fields I would like to explore further, but I haven't made a final decision about my career yet. I want to give myself time to learn more about different areas before choosing what I want to pursue. Winning this medal has encouraged me to keep exploring my interests and challenging myself, but I also know there is still a lot for me to learn.
Q. What would you say to students who dream of achieving something similar but feel intimidated by the competition or believe they aren't academically strong enough to make it?
Ans. I would tell them not to decide that they cannot do something before even trying it. When you first start preparing, some concepts and problems can seem very difficult, and that is completely normal. I have also struggled with questions and made mistakes during my preparation.
I think Olympiads are a great way to build confidence and believe in yourself. They also give you the opportunity to meet other students who share similar interests, learn from them and develop your problem-solving skills. You don't have to be perfect from the beginning. Start with curiosity, be consistent, ask questions and learn from your mistakes. Focus on improving yourself rather than comparing yourself with others.
Rapid-Fire Questions
Q. What is your dream job?
Ans. I haven't decided on one particular job yet, but I would like to explore Physics and possibly research. I want to pursue something that keeps me curious and gives me opportunities to keep learning.
Q. The one space mystery you would love to solve?
Ans. Whether life exists beyond Earth. I think discovering an answer to that would completely change how we look at our place in the universe.
Q. Your role model?
Ans. My parents and especially my grandfather, who himself is an IITian, have been a big source of inspiration for me. They not only supported me throughout, but they also encouraged me to pursue my interests.
Q. If you could travel anywhere in the universe, where would you go?
Ans. I would love to visit a black hole from a safe distance and understand it better. Black holes are fascinating because there is still so much we don't know about them. It would be incredible to see one up close, even though that is obviously not possible with our current technology!
Conclusion
From being inspired by Interstellar to winning gold at one of the world's most prestigious astronomy Olympiads, Sumant Gupta's journey is a reminder that extraordinary achievements often begin with simple curiosity. While he is still exploring the possibilities that lie ahead, his passion for physics, willingness to learn from mistakes and enthusiasm for discovering the unknown set an inspiring example for young science enthusiasts.
His advice to students is simple yet meaningful: start with curiosity, stay consistent and don't be afraid of difficult questions. As Sumant continues his academic journey, one thing is certain - his quest to understand the universe is only just beginning.
