Chennai, March 9: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has honored six exceptional school teachers with the First Principles Teachers Award 2026. This prestigious award was presented on Monday, March 9, 2026, by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, on the institute’s campus.
These teachers were recognized for their contributions to fostering curiosity and a strong foundational understanding in students across physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Their efforts have sparked a passion for learning and created remarkable experiences, laying a solid groundwork for students’ future in engineering.
This edition marks the second iteration of the award. It highlights the crucial role of school teachers in shaping students’ academic journeys and guiding them towards higher education in science and engineering. The award acknowledges those educators who assist students in developing ‘first principles’ understanding, enabling them to cultivate analytical thinking and excel in engineering education.
Prof. V. Kamakoti congratulated the teachers, stating, “We believe that school teachers play the most influential role in shaping students’ careers. They can instill the right mindset and learning techniques in children from an early age. This contribution often goes unnoticed. At IIT Madras, we aim to recognize it through this small initiative. We hope it will positively impact other teachers in India and ensure quality school education for all, as outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.”
Prof. Prateep Haridoss added, “Students with a strong foundational knowledge at the school level perform better at IIT and achieve success in their future careers. The study of science and engineering can become more engaging if students are guided correctly from the start.”
The selection process began with IIT Madras undergraduate students nominating their pre-university teachers who had the most significant impact on their learning. A team of experts interviewed these nominated teachers to select the winners. Shortlisted teachers were also encouraged to express support and vote for their current students.
The six honored teachers in the 2026 edition hail from various schools across the country and were chosen for their excellence in core science subjects. The winners of the First Principles Teachers Award 2026 include Sanjay Kumar from Maharashtra, Asheshanand Acharya from Karnataka, Kapil Birathare from Madhya Pradesh, C. Chitti Babu and Samudrala Vijay Kumar from Andhra Pradesh, and Nishant Sharma from Rajasthan.
This year, teachers from numerous cities and towns across the country submitted nominations, reflecting the widespread impact of inspiring science educators.
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