The intellectual energy was palpable in Bengaluru on Tuesday as the city hosted a fiercely competitive edition of the IndianOil Science Quiz 3.0. A remarkable 142 school teams gathered at the Good Shepherd Auditorium, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for scientific knowledge among the youth.
A Stage Set for Scientific Brilliance
Now in its third successful year, the national-level quiz, organized by The Times of India, saw its Bengaluru chapter attract massive participation. The event commenced with a written preliminary round that set a high bar for competition. The contest was so close that merely a few points decided which teams would advance, with the top eight scorers separated by a narrow margin.
From this intense written test, six elite teams earned their spot in the electrifying stage finale. The proceedings were masterfully guided by the renowned quizmaster Kunal Savarkar, often called the "architect of questions." He challenged the young minds with a diverse array of questions spanning physics, chemistry, biology, geology, environmental science, sustainability, technology, and astronomy, all rooted in core scientific principles.
A Nail-Biting Finale and Worthy Winners
Content curator and co-quizmaster Seema Chari praised the participants, noting how confidently the students tackled the multi-format quiz, which she said showcased "the talent in the next generation." The on-stage finale lived up to its promise, delivering a nail-biting contest among the six finalist teams.
After a thrilling battle, the duo of Pranav Sastha Menon and Sai Kulkarni from Mitra Academy, Arekere, emerged victorious, claiming the Bengaluru city championship. The runners-up position was secured by Sanjay Prakash and Aadhira Singh from Greenwood High, Sarjapur. They narrowly edged out the team from Vibgyor High School, Jakkur, comprising Juhi Goyal and Ayushi Pani, who finished a commendable third.
The top three teams were awarded trophies, plaques, certificates of merit, and cash prizes. In a special recognition of their guidance, the teacher mentors were also honoured with certificates of appreciation, with the mentors from the top three schools receiving cash awards.
Expanding the Horizon of Scientific Inquiry
Siddharth Agarwal, Executive Director and State Head (Karnataka State Office) of IndianOil Corporation Limited, commended all participants for their profound knowledge and evident passion for science. The IndianOil Science Quiz 3.0 is being conducted across eight major Indian cities this year.
While it continues in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, the quiz has expanded its reach to four new locations: Lucknow, Guwahati, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. All these city rounds will build towards a grand national finale, scheduled to be held in Mumbai in January 2026.
