Excitement buids as the 30 State Winners of the 61st Femina Miss India, co-powered by Rajnigandha Pearls, arrive for the final days of competition. Stepping into the arena that leads to the grand stage of their aspirations, these young women come together, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. 

Femina Miss India 2026 marks the 61st edition of the prestigious national festival, scheduled to take place on April 18, 2026, at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. A total of 30 contestants are taking part, representing 29 states, including the National Capital Territory of Delhi, along with one combined representative for the Union Territories.

Reigning Femina Miss India World, Nikita Porwal, will crown her successor and is yet to represent India at the 73rd Miss World, set to take place on September 5, 2026, in Vietnam, as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of Miss World.

In line with the current cycle, this year’s winner will go on to represent India at the following edition of the Miss World Festival, in 2027. 

India holds a record six Miss World titles and has produced winners who have gone on to excel as global and national stars, doctors, engineers, and media personalities. Many have distinguished themselves through impactful Beauty With a Purpose projects, leaving a lasting legacy both nationally and internationally.

It’s time to meet the remarkable women who have made it this far, each vying for the coveted title and the opportunities that come with it. 

Yashika Sharma (Punjab)

Yashika Sharma, representing Punjab, has demonstrated excellence from an early age. A school topper and Student of the Year, she is also a nationally recognized painter. Honored by the Prime Minister at Pariksha Pe Charcha, she began her modeling journey at just 13 and has since won 24 out of 26 pageants, along with walking in over 100 shows. 

Dr Sree Advaita G (Union Territory)

Dr Sree Advaita G, 24, is a medical practitioner, dancer, and model with Tamil–Telugu roots, raised in Jammu. An army child, she values autonomy and integrity. She has performed in over 600 Bharatanatyam and other dance recitals, showcasing her deep commitment to the arts. Recognized as a junior scientist in 2016 for developing eco-friendly sanitary napkins and leading menstrual hygiene awareness initiatives, she later overcame a severe spinal injury and went on to found the “Aanya Foundation,” dedicated to advancing women’s health.

Shreya Thakur (Himachal Pradesh)

Shreya Thakur, from a small village in Himachal Pradesh, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in English. With a deep passion for dance, yoga, and the arts, she is a state-level yoga silver medallist and a former NCC cadet who represented her state at the national level. As a model, she has walked for Delhi Times and Luxo, and collaborated with leading brands including Shoppers Stop, Tanishq, Rosa Herbal Care, and Amartex.

Tarushee Rai (Rajasthan)

Tarushee Rai believes a name should reflect both dignity and purpose. Guided by this principle, she pursued engineering while simultaneously embracing a career in modeling. Artistic from a young age, she is committed to continuous growth and self-renewal, always striving to become the best version of herself.

Ramya Kailasa (Telangana)

Ramya Kailasa hails from Hyderabad, Telangana, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and of course, the host city of Miss World in 2025. A professional model who has worked with leading designers, she is driven by a passion for learning and exploring new horizons. Her resilient, never-give-up mindset sets her apart.

Khushi Ramesh Kalakeri (Karnataka)

Khushi Ramesh Kalakeri represents Karnataka and is currently pursuing her studies while carving her path in the fashion and beauty industry. Having collaborated with brands such as Nykaa and Zudio, she has built confidence, discipline, and a strong on-camera presence. Passionate about fashion, content creation, and visual storytelling, she takes pride in her presentation and views this platform as an opportunity to grow and stand out with authenticity.

Rajnandini Pawar (Maharashtra)

Rajnandini Pawar, 21, believes that dreams serve as a guiding force. A Brand Ambassador for Youthika, she is passionate about uplifting others. A state-level dancer, squash player, athlete, and swimmer, she channels her creativity and dedication into everything she does.

Chilakalapudi Indu Phalguni (Andhra Pradesh)

Chilakalapudi Indu Phalguni, 20, is in her third year of LLB at Andhra Mahila Sabha, Osmania University. Raised in a family that balances tradition with progressive values, she credits her parents for her growth. Inspired by strong values and mythology, she went on to establish an NGO dedicated to bringing smiles to those in need. 

Sadhvi S. Sail (Goa)

Sadhvi S. Sail, from Goa, is both easy-going and driven. She expresses herself through creativity and meaningful connections. Growing up in Goa and later moving to Karwar has shaped her into a grounded and open-minded individual who values authenticity and personal growth.

Anchal Farswan (Uttarakhand)

Anchal Farswan, 22, proudly represents Uttarakhand, a land known for its strength and faith. Raised in an Army family, she embodies resilience, discipline, and courage. A challenging phase of illness tested her, but with her mother’s unwavering support, she emerged stronger and more purposeful. Now pursuing physiotherapy, she aspires to help others rebuild their strength. She enjoys dancing, creating, and spreading positivity.

Tejashvee Arunprassad (Tamil Nadu)

Tejashvee Arunprassad, 24, is a model based in Mumbai with roots in Chennai. Raised in Dubai, she later moved to India to pursue engineering, marking her first step beyond her comfort zone. Over time, she rediscovered her passion for the performing arts. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer and singer, she feels most at home on stage. Modeling, for her, is a meaningful form of expression and connection, grounded in authenticity.

Ayushi Panda (Odisha)

Ayushi Panda is a third-year Computer Science student from Odisha. A trained Kathak dancer and active participant in debates and Model United Nations, she values the power of expression and communication. Alongside her academic pursuits, she is passionate about social work, fashion, and personal growth.

Anushka Sone (Chhattisgarh)

Anushka Sone is an MBBS intern from Chhattisgarh. Exploring themes of feminine strength and empowerment, she authored She Wore Thunder. Beyond Kathak and painting, she has also ventured into entrepreneurship with TAP Sports. Having spent a decade in the forests of Bastar, she developed resilience and a deep connection with nature, inspiring her commitment to biodiversity conservation. 

Sania Mukherjee (Uttar Pradesh)

Sania Mukherjee is a purpose-driven woman defined by resilience. With a strong academic foundation in science, she is currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Biotechnology at Lovely Professional University. She believes in combining knowledge with personal growth, striving each day to become a stronger and more compassionate version of herself. 

Bagmita Saikia (Assam)

Bagmita Saikia has emerged stronger and more determined after overcoming both mental and physical challenges. With deep gratitude, she reflects inner beauty, compassion, and resilience. 

Ridamaya Passah (Meghalaya)

Ridamaya Passah, from Jowai, Meghalaya, began her journey at a young age, shaped by responsibility and determination despite limited exposure. Starting modeling at 14, she has grown through challenges that strengthened her confidence and sense of purpose. 

Anjali Nandi (Bihar)

Anjali Nandi, born in Bihar and raised in Delhi, is guided by resilience. Despite life’s challenges, she has continually emerged stronger, shaping her sense of purpose. She enjoys traveling, connecting with people, and embracing new experiences.

Deekila Sherpa (Sikkim)

Deekila Sherpa is a confident and resilient individual with a passion for acting, dance, and sports. She approaches challenges with strength and grace, and aspires to inspire others through authenticity.

Medhavi Saboo (Kerala)

Medhavi Saboo balances her role as a product manager with her growing journey in modeling. A performer since the age of three through Bharatanatyam and dramatics, her love for the stage runs deep. Raised in a joint family, she developed both drive and strong interpersonal awareness.

Chanchui Khayi (Manipur)

Chanchui Khayi, from Manipur, is a performing artist, content creator, and Sushma Swaraj Award recipient. Currently training at the National School of Drama while pursuing a Master’s in Performing Arts, she is a storyteller dedicated to amplifying visibility for the Northeast.

Parinaz Cooper (Gujarat)

Parinaz Cooper is a Computer Science student passionate about expression, discipline, and personal growth. An international-level karate athlete with training in speech and drama, she blends strength with creativity. From developing an AI-based sign language recognition system to embracing adventure through sports, she strives to inspire change and create a lasting impact.

Nikali K Shohe (Nagaland)

Nikali K Shohe is defined by discipline, compassion, and quiet confidence. A graduate in Pharmacy, she aspires to become a Drug Control Officer to ensure safe and accessible medicines for all. Passionate about sports, she remains grounded and resilient. Committed to improving healthcare in remote communities, she has already served in three villages in Nagaland, providing free care to the elderly.

Debasmita Gaur (Haryana)

Debasmita Gaur, from Haryana, is the founder of Pegasus, an initiative dedicated to rehabilitating injured horses. Her work extends to environmental and child welfare causes. With a background in Environmental Science and currently pursuing a master’s in Sustainable Development, she has also built a strong media presence, collaborating with over 400 brands and appearing in a Kannada film.

Mariam Longri (Arunachal Pradesh)

Mariam Longri, crowned Sunsilk Mega Miss Northeast 2018, is purpose-driven with a strong sense of community responsibility. She actively volunteers as a spokesperson for the Arunachal Orphan Care Society, supporting educational initiatives for underprivileged children. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education, she is committed to using her voice to make a meaningful impact.

Shreya Agrawal (Jharkhand)

Shreya Agrawal, from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, is guided by discipline, sincerity, and strong values. A state-level badminton player and trained Bharatanatyam dancer, she combines academic focus with a determined mindset. Coming from a smaller city, she turns underestimation into motivation, representing not only herself but every girl who dares to dream beyond her roots.

Shreeya Debbarma (Tripura)

Shreeya Debbarma, 23, is a graduate of Holy Cross College and proudly represents Tripura, a state rich in culture and diversity. Growing up there shaped her into a humble and kind individual, deeply connected to her roots, while instilling in her the belief that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Dhanushree Chauhan (Madhya Pradesh)

Dhanushree Chauhan, 21, is a third-year law student at National Law University, Bhopal. Hailing from Seoni, she topped her district and secured an AIR 734 in CLAT. Inspired by Manushi Chhillar, she aspires to represent India on a global stage, believing in the power of combining intellect with grace to create impact.

BC Lalmuankimi (Mizoram)

BC Lalmuankimi, 24, proudly represents Mizoram and is based in Aizawl. A graduate in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Dibrugarh University, she discovered her passion for pageantry during her academic journey. She later pursued modeling, runway work, and advertisements while preparing for further studies. Her interests include reading, particularly fantasy, as well as acrylic painting, journaling, styling, and makeup. She is also an advocate for drug abuse prevention and mental health awareness.

Devanshi Paliwal (Delhi)

Devanshi Paliwal, Femina Miss India Delhi, hails from a village in Madhya Pradesh, where she developed a deep connection to nature and spirituality. A Mass Communication graduate, dancer, and aspiring actress, she is grounded, growth-driven, and authentic. She actively advocates against drug glorification among youth, supports elderly care, and promotes a simple, nature-connected lifestyle.

Mohana Panday (West Bengal)

Mohana Panday, from West Bengal, is a dynamic individual who blends strength with creativity. Her journey spans powerlifting, fine arts, and public speaking. She enjoys baking and trekking, and aims to represent her state with confidence and a strong sense of purpose.