Miss Universe India 2026

Miss Universe India 2026
Date23 August 2026
VenueZee Studios Jaipur, Rajasthan
BroadcasterYouTube
Entrants52
Placements20
WinnerKaziah Liz Mejo
Kerala

Miss Universe India 2026 was the third edition of the Miss Universe India pageant, held at the Zee Studios in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 23 August 2026.

At the end of the event, Manika Vishwakarma crowned Kaziah Liz Mejo as her successor. Mejo is set to represent India at Miss Universe 2026 to be held in November 2026 in Puerto Rico.[1][2]

Background

Location and date

On July 1 2026, the Miss Universe India organisation announced on their social media platforms that the final of the 2026 edition will held on 23 August 2026 in Zee Studios in Jaipur, Rajasthan, with the pageant's activities will held across four cities: Jaipur, Indore, Banglore and New Delhi.[3][4]

Selection of participants

A total of 52 contestants (31 states & union territories, 20 wildcards and 1 NRI) were selected for the competition.[5]

The applicants registered online and their applications were transferred to state directors for regional auditions and state pageants which held during March and June 2026.[6][7][8]

On 19 June 2026 the Miss Universe India organisation conducted a final audition for the state auditions of Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Odisha, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Union territory along with the wildcard and NRI entrants.[9]

Selection Committee

Results

Placements

Placement Contestant International Placement
Miss Universe India 2026
1st Runner-Up
2nd Runner-up
  • MUI. #8 – Anushri Satavlekar
3rd Runner-Up
  • MUI. #48 – Tejaswini Shrivastava
4th Runner-Up
  • MUI. #7 – Anubha Vashisth
Top 11
  • MUI. #5 – Anshika Choudhary
  • MUI. #13 – Dipali Riya
  • MUI. #15 – Harshita Sahu ∆
  • MUI. #25 – Pinky Basumatary
  • MUI. #31 – Riya Tirkey
  • MUI. #44 – Sritara Pasricha
Top 22
  • MUI. #20 – Lalrin Chhani §
  • MUI. #21 – Lekana Hegde
  • MUI. #27 – Pramiti Rana
  • MUI. #35 – Sanwaka Surong
  • MUI. #38 – Shreya Bediya
  • MUI. #39 – Simar Khaneja
  • MUI. #41 – Snehal Rawat
  • MUI. #42 – Spoorthi Shetty
  • MUI. #45 – Swati Nadiyal
  • MUI. #49 – Thadoi Yumnam
  • MUI. #51 – Umanga Kumawat

§ – Voted into the Top 20 by winning Miss Popular Award
∆ – Winner of Beauty with a Purpose Award

Appointment

The Miss Universe India pageant awards multiple international titles to its finalists. Alongside the main title of Miss Universe India, additional titles, including Miss International India, and Miss Charm India were awarded. The titleholders will represent India at the 2026 editions of their respective international pageants.[10]

Color keys
  •   The contestant won in an international pageant.
  •   The contestant was a finalist/runner-up in an international pageant.
  •   The contestant was a semi-finalist in an international pageant.
Title Contestant International Placement Ref.
Miss Charm India 2026 TBD Miss Charm 2026 TBD

Special Awards

Sub-title Awards

Awards Results Contestants
Best in Speech
Winner • Sneh Tiku
Top 5
  • Hasitha Narayanabhatta
  • Riya Tirkey
  • Spoorthi Shetty
  • Swati Nadiyal

Pre-pageant events

On August 16, 2026 public voting for the Miss Popular Vote Award was announced on social media platforms.

  •   Advanced to the Top 20 as Miss Popular Vote Awardee.
Placement Contestant
Winner Mizoram

Other events

Leading up to the final competition, a variety of events were held as part of the pageant. On July 19, the sashing ceremony was held in Jaipur. On July 24, a gala round was held in Jaipur.[11] On July 29, a swimsuit competition was held in Wonderla Resort, Banglore.[12] On August 8, a sufi night was organised in Unwind Resort, Indore.[13]

External videos
video icon Sashing Ceremony
video icon Swimsuit Competition

Contestants

52 contestants are competing for the title[5]

No. Contestants Age[a] State/Territory[b] Audition Category Notes
1 Aarya Mardikar[9] — Maharashtra Wildcard
  • 2nd Runner-up at Miss Universe Maharashtra 2026
2 Aditi Prabhu[9] — Maharashtra Wildcard
  • Top 8 State Finalist at Miss Universe Kerala 2026
3 Ahina Datta[9] 30 Tripura State
4 Annie Sharma[14] — Delhi Wildcard
  • 1st Runner-up at Miss Universe Delhi 2026[15]
5 Anshika Choudhary[16] 22 Rajasthan State
6 Anshula Baruah[17] 19 Assam Wildcard
7 Anubha Vashisht[18] 29 Uttarakhand State
8 Anushri Satavlekar[19] 25 Gujarat State
9 Chandrima Das[20] 22 West Bengal State
10 Devu Suresh[9] — Kerala Wildcard
11 Diksha Jangra[5] 25 Haryana

(United States of America)

NRI
12 Diksha Panday[21] — Uttarakhand Wildcard
13 Dipali Riya[22] 27 Jharkhand State
14 Fasiha Nauman[24] — Andhra Pradesh State
15 Harshita Sahu[25] 23 Madhya Pradesh Wildcard
16 Hasitha Narayanabhatta[26] 19 Telangana State
17 Karishma Mehra[27] 19 Chhattisgarh State
18 Kaziah Liz Mejo[28] 19 Kerala State
19 Kumari Nikita[31] — Jharkhand Wildcard
  • 1st Runner-up at Miss Universe Bihar 2026
20 Lalrin Chhani[32] 23 Mizoram State
21 Lekana Hegde[33] 25 Karnataka State
22 Liz Jaimon Jacob[9] — Kerala Wildcard
  • 2nd Runner-up at Miss Universe Kerala 2026
23 Mannat Sharma[36] 25 Punjab State
24 Pema Choden Bhutiya[38] 25 Sikkim State
25 Pinky Basumatary[40] 21 Assam State
26 Poonam Maharana[41] 22 Odisha State
27 Pramiti Rana[42] 20 Delhi State
28 Preeti Yadav[43] 24 Goa State
29 Pura Sumpi[5] 21 Arunachal Pradesh State
30 Rithambara[9] — Rajasthan Wildcard
  • 2nd Runner-up at Miss Universe Haryana 2026[15]
  • 2nd Runner-up at Miss Universe Rajasthan 2026[16]
31 Riya Tirkey[44] 28 Jharkhand Wildcard
32 Roshni Ghosh Roy[9] — Delhi Wildcard
33 Rupali Bhushan[45] 26 Bihar State
34 Sakshi Wadaskar[9] — Maharashtra Wildcard
35 Sanwaka Surong[48] 26 Meghalaya State
36 Sanya Singhal[9] — Delhi Wildcard
37 Sezer Pathania[9] — Himachal Pradesh Wildcard
  • 1st Runner-up at Miss Universe Himachal Pradesh 2026
38 Shreya Bediya[50] — Madhya Pradesh Wildcard
39 Simar Khaneja[9] 24 Union territory State
40 Sneh Ticku[9] 26 Jammu and Kashmir State
41 Snehal Rawat[51] 21 Himachal Pradesh State
  • Top 5 finalist at Miss Universe Himachal Pradesh 2025
42 Spoorthi Shetty[52] — Karnataka Wildcard
43 Srishti Kaninde[9] — Telangana Wildcard
  • 1st Runner-up at Miss Universe Telangana 2026
44 Sritara Pasricha[53] 19 Haryana State
  • 2nd Runner-up at Miss Teen of the Universe 2025
45 Swati Nadiyal[9] — Himachal Pradesh Wildcard
46 Tanishka Sharma[54] 21 Uttar Pradesh State
47 Tejasvi Soni[9] — Maharashtra Wildcard
  • 1st Runner-up at Miss Universe Gujarat 2026
48 Tejaswini Shrivastava[9] 24 Maharashtra State
49 Thadoi Yumnam[57] 21 Manipur State
50 Tsurila Jankhiungru[9] 28 Nagaland State
51 Umanga Kumawat[59] — Madhya Pradesh State
52 Vaishnavi Ganesh[60] 25 Tamil Nadu State
  1. ↑ Ages at the time of the pageant.
  2. ↑ State winner of Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Odisha, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Union territory were each selected through a final audition conducted by Miss Universe India organisation.

References

  1. ↑ Adina, Armin P. (September 24, 2025). "Puerto Rico to host 75th Miss Universe pageant next year". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Puerto Rico to Host the 75th Anniversary of Miss Universe in November 2026". Miss Universe. September 23, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
  3. ↑ Pulkit Mittal (July 25, 2026). "राजस्थान के जयपुर में सजा 'मिस यूनिवर्स इंडिया 2026' का मंच, गाला राउंड में 52 सुंदरियों ने बिखेरा जलवा, जानें कब होगा ग्रैंड फिनाले" [The stage of 'Miss Universe India 2026' was decorated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, 52 beauties spread their magic in the gala round, know when the grand finale will be held]. NDTV Rajasthan. Archived from the original on August 16, 2026. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Miss Universe India 2026: Sufi Night held in Indore as finalists prepare for grand finale". India Gazette. August 9, 2026. Archived from the original on August 16, 2026. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "The Grand Gala: Meet the crown contenders for Miss Universe India 2026". First India. July 26, 2026. Archived from the original on August 16, 2026. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Sambhrant City & Citykart Presents Miss Universe Bihar 2026 and Miss Teen Bihar 2026 Grand Finale". First India. April 15, 2026. Archived from the original on May 7, 2026. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Miss Universe Meghalaya & Miss Teen Meghalaya 2026 audition from March". Meghalaya Monitor. February 15, 2026. Archived from the original on March 7, 2026. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Miss Universe Karnataka 2026 Grand Finale Held in Bengaluru". Bangalore News Network. April 7, 2026. Archived from the original on May 7, 2026. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Bhavika Khunteta (June 22, 2026). "Miss Universe India 2026 auditions conclude in New Delhi after an intense selection process". First India. p. 3. Archived from the original on June 25, 2026. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Manika Vishwakarma crowned Miss Universe India 2025 — and yes, Dubai had its own queen in the mix too". Manjusha Radhakrishnan. Gulf News. August 19, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Miss Universe India 2026 contestants shine at gala round". ANI News. July 24, 2026. Archived from the original on August 15, 2026. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Miss Universe India: 52 finalists wow judges in swimsuit round". The New Indian Express. July 30, 2026. Archived from the original on August 15, 2026. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Sufi Night in Indore sets the stage for Miss Universe India 2026 Finale". The Shilong Times. August 10, 2026. Archived from the original on August 15, 2026. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  14. ↑ Priyambada Yadav (June 22, 2026). "एक्टर, क्रिएटर, मॉडल, कथक डांसर और अब Miss Universe 2026 Finalist: पढ़ें एनी शर्मा का अनुशासन और जुनून से भरा प्रेरणादायक सफर" [Actor, Creator, Model, Kathak Dancer and now Miss Universe 2026 Finalist: Read Annie Sharma's inspiring journey full of discipline and passion]. Patrika (in Hindi). Archived from the original on June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  15. 1 2 Mitali Dushad (June 20, 2026). "Crowns, Confidence and Charisma, Delhi and Haryana Celebrate Their New Miss Universe 2026 Queens". First India. Archived from the original on June 21, 2026. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  16. 1 2 Bhavika Khunteta (June 5, 2026). "Miss Universe Rajasthan 2026 Finale Crowns New Queens Amid Glamour And Celebration". First India. Archived from the original on June 7, 2026. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  17. ↑ Kabita Pathak (July 18, 2026). "Assam: Guwahati's Anshulaa Baruah Heads to Miss Universe India". The Sentinel Assam. Archived from the original on July 20, 2026. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  18. ↑ Neel Achary (July 15, 2026). "Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Honours Miss Universe Uttarakhand 2026 Anubha Vashisth". Business News This Week. Archived from the original on July 15, 2026. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
  19. ↑ Gagan Singh (April 18, 2026). "Anushri Satavlekar crowned Miss Universe Gujarat 2026". Pristine Magazine. Archived from the original on May 6, 2026. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
  20. ↑ Mitali Dushad (May 9, 2026). "Kolkata celebrates Grace, Glamour and Empowerment at Miss Universe India-West Bengal 2026". First India. p. 11. Archived from the original on May 11, 2026. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  21. ↑ "दीक्षा पांडे मिस यूनिवर्स इंडिया 2026 की फाइनलिस्ट:राष्ट्रीय मंच पर करेंगी उत्तराखंड का प्रतिनिधित्व" [Deeksha Pandey finalist of Miss Universe India 2026: Will represent Uttarakhand on the national stage]. Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). June 21, 2026. Archived from the original on June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  22. ↑ "बोकारो की दीपाली रिया बनीं 'मिस यूनिवर्स झारखंड 2026' के विजेता" [Bokaro's Dipali Riya became the winner of Miss Universe Jharkhand 2026]. Swadesh Today (in Hindi). March 30, 2026. Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Introducing Femina Miss India 2024 East Zone finalists". Femina. August 12, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Meet Hyderabad's Fasiha Nauman, new mom chasing Miss Universe 2026". Siasat. July 6, 2026. Archived from the original on July 11, 2026. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
  25. ↑ "Harshita Sahu to represent Madhya Pradesh at Miss Universe India 2026". The News Mill. June 22, 2026. Archived from the original on June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  26. ↑ "IIT Madras student wins Miss Universe Telangana 2026, eyes national crown". India Today. July 15, 2026. Archived from the original on July 15, 2026. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Miss Universe 2026 : मिस यूनिवर्स कॉम्पिटिशन में छत्तीसगढ़ का प्रतिनिधित्व करेंगी रायगढ़ की बेटी करिश्मा" [Miss Universe 2026: Raigarh's daughter Karishma will represent Chhattisgarh in the Miss Universe competition]. Kelo Pravah News (in Hindi). June 24, 2026. Archived from the original on June 25, 2026. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  28. ↑ Supriya (June 5, 2026). "'I was insecure about my looks, personality... almost everything, ' says Miss Universe Kerala 2026 winner Kaziah Liz Mejo". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on June 6, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Who is Kaziah Liz Mejo? The winner of Miss Teen Diva 2024". First India. April 29, 2024. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Spain's Lorena Ruiz Crowned Miss Teen International 2025; Participants from 24 Countries Competed". First India. September 1, 2025. Archived from the original on May 27, 2026. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
  31. ↑ "निकिता बनीं मिस यूनिवर्स इंडिया 2026 की अधिकारिक प्रतिभागी:उपलिब्ध बोकारो टीटीपीएस ललपनिया की बेटी ने झारखंड का बढ़ाया मान" [Nikita becomes official participant of Miss Universe India 2026: Available Bokaro TTPS Lalpania's daughter brought glory to Jharkhand]. Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). June 23, 2026. Archived from the original on June 23, 2026. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  32. ↑ "Miss Universe Mizoram 2026 atan Siaha nula Lalrinchhani thlang" [Lalrinchhani selected as Miss Universe Mizoram 2026]. Explore Mizoram. April 22, 2026. Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved April 23, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Lekana Hegde crowned Miss Universe Karnataka 2026 in a star-studded grand finale". This Week India. April 6, 2026. Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  34. ↑ Mitali Dusad (June 20, 2025). "Stars in Making, Miss Universe India 2025 Final Auditions". First India. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 19, 2025. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
  35. 1 2 "Introducing Femina Miss India 2023 South Zone Finalists". Femina. January 25, 2023. Archived from the original on May 30, 2026. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  36. ↑ Mitali Dushad (May 22, 2026). "Punjab's New Queens Rise As Miss Universe Punjab 2026 Grand Finale Celebrates Beauty, Culture and Grace". First India. p. 12. Archived from the original on May 25, 2026. Retrieved May 25, 2026.
  37. ↑ "Introducing Femina Miss India 2023 North Zone Finalists". Femina. February 2, 2023. Archived from the original on May 30, 2026. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  38. ↑ "Pema Choden Bhutia Crowned Miss Universe Sikkim 2026 At Yangang Grand Finale". Northeast Today. June 15, 2026. Archived from the original on June 15, 2026. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  39. 1 2 "Priyan Sain and Praveena Aanjna Win Big as Divine Miss Earth India 2023". Business Standard. August 29, 2023. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  40. ↑ "Miss Universe Assam 2026 ৰ খিতাপ অৰ্জন পিংকি বসুমতাৰীৰ" [Pinky Basumatary wins the title of Miss Universe Assam 2026]. Asomiya Pratidin (in Assamese). April 26, 2026. Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved April 29, 2026.
  41. ↑ "Odia Girl Poonam Maharana Crowned Miss Universe Odisha 2026". Ommcom News. June 22, 2026. Archived from the original on June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  42. ↑ Shashi Thakur (July 6, 2026). "20 साल की उम्र में केबिन क्रू, पायलट ट्रेनिंग और अब मिस यूनिवर्स इंडिया की रेस में दिल्ली के द्वारका की बेटी" [At the age of 20, the daughter of Delhi's Dwarka did cabin crew, pilot training and now in the Miss Universe India race.]. Jagran (in Hindi). Archived from the original on July 29, 2026. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  43. ↑ Mitali Dushad (May 1, 2026). "Glamour and Grace take centre stage at Miss Universe Goa 2026 Grand Finale in a star-stubbed celebration". First India. p. 12. Archived from the original on May 11, 2026. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  44. ↑ "Two Tribal Beauties Put Jharkhand on Beauty Pageant Map of India". Jharkhand State News. July 28, 2026. Archived from the original on July 29, 2026. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  45. ↑ Krishan Ballabh Narayan (April 12, 2026). "बिहार की रूपाली भूषण के सिर सजा मिस यूनिवर्स बिहार 2026 का ताज" [Rupali Bhushan crowned Miss Universe Bihar 2026]. Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Archived from the original on April 13, 2026. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  46. ↑ "From Madhubani to the Universe: Dr Shambhavi Jha to Represent Bihar in Miss Universe India". Patna Press. May 4, 2026. Archived from the original on May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  47. ↑ "Introducing the Top 15 State Winner – Rupali Bhushan". Femina. January 22, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2026.
  48. ↑ "Sanwaka Surong clinches Miss Universe Meghalaya 2026 title". Meghalaya Post. May 2, 2026. Archived from the original on May 3, 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  49. ↑ "Introducing Femina Miss India 2023 North East Zone Finalists". Femina. January 23, 2023. Archived from the original on August 23, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  50. ↑ "इंदौर: वाइल्ड कार्ड से फाइनल तक पहुंचीं श्रेया बेड़िया, बोलीं-सपनों की उड़ान मेहनत और आत्मविश्वास से मिलती है" [Indore: Shreya Bedia reached the final from wild card, said - the flight of dreams comes with hard work and confidence]. Peoples Update (in Hindi). June 24, 2026. Archived from the original on June 25, 2026. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  51. ↑ Krishna Singh (June 12, 2026). "उपलब्धि: शिमला की स्नेहल रावत बनीं मिस यूनिवर्स हिमाचल, एरिन को मिस टीन" [Achievement: Shimla's Snehal Rawat becomes Miss Universe Himachal, Erin gets Miss Teen]. Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Archived from the original on June 13, 2026. Retrieved June 13, 2026.
  52. ↑ "Udupi's Spoorthi Shetty set to shine on the Miss Universe India stage". Daijiworld. July 16, 2026. Archived from the original on July 16, 2026. Retrieved July 16, 2026.
  53. ↑ "करनाल की बेटी ने जीता 'मिस यूनिवर्स हरियाणा-2026' का ताज:दर्द से जूझते हुए मंच पर उतरीं श्रीतारा पासरीचा, मानसिक स्वास्थ्य का दिया संदेश" [Karnal's daughter won the crown of 'Miss Universe Haryana-2026': Sritara Pasricha came on stage battling pain, gave the message of mental health]. Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). June 23, 2026. Archived from the original on June 23, 2026. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  54. ↑ Sajid Baqar (April 11, 2026). "राजधानी की तनिष्का शर्मा के सिर सजा मिस यूनिवर्स उत्तर प्रदेश 2026 का ताज" [Tanishka Sharma of the capital was crowned Miss Universe Uttar Pradesh 2026]. Citizen Voice (in Hindi). Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved April 11, 2026.
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  56. ↑ "Introducing Femina Miss India 2023 West Zone Finalists". Femina. February 7, 2023. Archived from the original on January 25, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  57. ↑ "Thadoi Yumnam wins Miss Universe Manipur, advances to national pageant". India Today NE. June 22, 2026. Archived from the original on June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  58. ↑ Youngtsula Chang (July 24, 2025). "Tsurila Jankhiungru makes history as first naga women to become Miss Grand India finalist". Nagaland Tribune. Archived from the original on August 6, 2025. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  59. ↑ "भोपाल की उमंगा कुमावत के सिर पर सजा मिस यूनिवर्स मध्य प्रदेश 2026 का ताज, आने वाले मिस यूनिवर्स इंडिया में करेंगे एमपी का प्रतिनिधित्व" [Bhopal's Umanga Kumawat crowned Miss Universe Madhya Pradesh 2026, will represent MP in the upcoming Miss Universe India]. ETV Bharat (in Hindi). July 14, 2026. Archived from the original on July 15, 2026. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
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  61. ↑ "Exclusive: Here's the TOP 10 Finalists of LIVA Miss Diva 2020". Femina. February 23, 2020. Archived from the original on May 30, 2026. Retrieved May 30, 2026.