Cracking the Code of Physics : IISc Students Make History with Sixth Place Finish at Prestigious Physics Competition

Physics has always been a fascinating field, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding. The pursuit of excellence in physics is a journey that requires dedication, creativity, and a deep passion for problem-solving. Recently, a team of undergraduate students from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, made history by ranking sixth in the 12th edition of Physics League Across Numerous Countries for Kick-ass Students (PLANCKS) 2025. This achievement marks the highest ranking ever achieved by an Indian team, showcasing the exceptional talent and aptitude of IISc students.The PLANCKS Tournament: A Global Physics ShowdownPLANCKS is a prestigious international physics competition that attracts talented students from around the world. Organized by the Royal Spanish Society of Physics and the International Association of Physics Students (IAPS), the tournament tests participants' problem-solving skills, creativity, and depth in various domains of physics. The competition is designed to challenge students, pushing them to think critically and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.The IISc Team: A Story of SuccessThe IISc team that is ( Indian Institute Of Science in Bengaluru) consisted of four exceptional students: Simar Narula, Ritabrata Ghosh, Susmit Roy, and Avik Das. Under the guidance of IISc's undergraduate programs, these students developed a strong foundation in physics, which enabled them to excel in the competition. Their achievement is proof of the institute's commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation.The Competition: A Test of SkillsThe PLANCKS 2025 competition was held in Barcelona, Spain, and consisted of a 4-hour closed-book examination. Students were presented with complex problems that required creative thinking and in-depth knowledge of physics. One of the questions asked was about the time of birth of the universe, which required students to apply their understanding of field equations, densities of matter, dark matter, and cosmological constants. The team's ability to solve these problems demonstrates their exceptional problem-solving skills and depth of knowledge in physics. The PLANCKS competition follows a rigorous format, ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation process. The competition is divided into a series of challenges, each designed to test specific skills and knowledge. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of various physics concepts, including theoretical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.The Importance of PLANCKSPLANCKS is an esteemed competition that provides a platform for students to showcase their talents and compete with peers from around the world. The tournament's global recognition and reputation make it an excellent opportunity for students to gain international exposure and build their academic profiles. By participating in PLANCKS, students can develop essential skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are valuable in their future careers.IISc's Achievement: A Historic FeatThe IISc team's sixth-place ranking is a historic achievement, marking the highest ranking ever achieved by an Indian team in PLANCKS. This feat demonstrates the institute's commitment to academic excellence and its ability to nurture talented students. The team's success is a reflection of the power of dedication, hard work, and creativity in achieving academic excellence. The IISc team's achievement has inspired others, including their classmates and professors. The team's success has encouraged others to pursue similar opportunities, creating a culture of academic excellence and innovation within the institute. As Simar Narula said, “All of them were proud about this, and they encouraged us to do more things like this.”