Mahesh Kakde Wins Ramanujan Prize 2026
Professor Mahesh Kakde of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been awarded the 2026 Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians from Developing Countries for his important contributions to algebraic number theory. The award was announced jointly by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU). IISc announced the honour on 7 October 2026.
What is the Ramanujan Prize?
The Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians from Developing Countries has been awarded annually since 2005. It is jointly administered by ICTP and IMU. The prize recognises researchers who:
- Are under 45 years of age on 31 December of the award year.
- Are from a developing country.
- Conduct outstanding mathematical research in a developing country.
- Make significant contributions despite challenging research conditions.
The prize carries a US$10,000 cash award and is open to researchers working in any branch of the mathematical sciences.
Mahesh Kakde’s Contribution to Mathematics
Mahesh Kakde is a professor in the Department of Mathematics at IISc Bengaluru. His principal field of research is algebraic number theory, which applies algebraic structures such as fields and groups to problems concerning integers and their generalisations. His recognised contributions include:
Noncommutative Iwasawa Theory
Kakde has obtained fundamental results in noncommutative Iwasawa theory, an important area connecting number theory with algebraic structures and infinite extensions.
Gross-Stark and Brumer-Stark Conjectures
His research also includes important work on the Gross-Stark and Brumer-Stark conjectures. These results have implications for Hilbert’s 12th problem, one of the famous 23 mathematical problems presented by German mathematician David Hilbert in 1900.
Education and Career
Mahesh Kakde completed his Bachelor of Mathematics from the Indian Statistical Institute, Bengaluru. He subsequently obtained a Master of Mathematics and PhD in pure mathematics from the University of Cambridge, completing his doctorate in 2008. He worked at Princeton University, University College London and King’s College London before joining IISc as a professor in 2019. Kakde has previously received several major recognitions, including the Infosys Prize in Mathematical Sciences in 2022 and the London Mathematical Society Whitehead Prize in 2023.
Ramanujan Prize 2026: Important Facts for Exams
- 2026 Ramanujan Prize: Mahesh Kakde.
- Institution: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
- Field: Algebraic number theory.
- Administered by: ICTP and International Mathematical Union (IMU).
- Prize established: 2005.
- Prize amount: US$10,000.
- Eligibility: Researcher below 45 years of age from a developing country.
- Key research: Noncommutative Iwasawa theory, Gross-Stark and Brumer-Stark conjectures.
- Related mathematical problem: Hilbert’s 12th problem.
- Srinivasa Ramanujan: Indian mathematician after whom the prize is named.
- Previous Indian recipient: Neena Gupta received the prize in 2021.
