India Linguistics Olympiad 2026 performance has brought another major achievement for Indian school students, with the country winning one gold medal, three bronze medals and an honourable mention at the International Linguistics Olympiad in Romania. The competition featured students from more than 40 countries. Shrilakshmi Venkatraman won the gold medal, while Aarav Anil Rao, Nishanth Shankar Lakshmanan and Advay Misra secured bronze medals. Soham Amit Pednekar received an honourable mention. The International Linguistics Olympiad tests students on unfamiliar languages, requiring them to identify patterns and solve problems using logic and reasoning. Prior formal study of linguistics is not required. India’s team was selected through the Panini Linguistics Olympiad. This year’s selection process began with 525 registered students, followed by qualifying tests, a 10-day residential camp at IIIT Hyderabad and further training. The skills developed through the competition can also support careers in artificial intelligence, natural language processing and language technology. India has now won 37 medals at the International Linguistics Olympiad, including six gold, nine silver and 22 bronze medals.
India Linguistics Olympiad 2026: 1 Gold, 3 Bronze Medals
