MUMBAI: Who runs the world? Indians do and CNN-News18 is here to prove it once again. The news network is rolling out the red carpet for the 15th edition of its flagship awards, Indian of the Year (IOTY), a celebration of the nation’s most inspiring achievers who’ve turned dreams into revolutions and talent into timeless influence.
Over the years, the IOTY stage has seen everyone from Shah Rukh Khan to Neeraj Chopra and Virat Kohli walk away with the honour. Now, in its 15th year, the awards return with even greater sparkle, ready to spotlight India’s brightest minds and boldest spirits across nine categories like Entertainment, Sports, Rising Sports Star, Business, Youth Icon, Global Indian, Iconic Woman Achiever, Influencer, and Climate Warrior.
Each category boasts five stellar nominees who’ve left an indelible mark this year. The Sports category is packed with champions like D Gukesh, Shubman Gill, Avinash Sable, Smriti Mandhana, and Manpreet Singh, while the Rising Sports Star segment features up-and-coming powerhouses Suruchi Phogat, Kush Maini, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Pooja Singh, and Divya Deshmukh.
In Entertainment, expect a clash of charisma between Rashmika Mandanna, Mohanlal, Laxman Utekar (Chhaava), Arijit Singh, and Jaideep Ahlawat. Meanwhile, the Youth Icon list brims with dynamism from Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter to comedian Zakir Khan and naval trailblazers Lt. Cdr Dilna K and Roopa A.
Online sensations get their due in the Influencer category with Raj Shamani, Kamiya Jani, Khan Sir, Parul Gulati, and Revant Himatsingka leading the charge. The Business nominees include entrepreneurial giants like Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Albinder Dhindsa (Blinkit), Rajesh Jejurikar (Mahindra & Mahindra), Roshni Nadar Malhotra (HCLTech), and Baba Kalyani (Bharat Forge).
Fighting the good fight for the planet, the Climate Warrior nominees Garvita Gulhati, Aditya Mukarji, Morningstar Khongthaw, Vidyut Mohan, and Vinay Manchala — are being recognised for turning sustainability into a movement. Meanwhile, the Iconic Woman Achiever list celebrates the grit and grace of Dr Sanghamitra Pati, Ashwini Bhide, Chhonzin Angmo, Radha Bahin Bhatt, and K Kamini Maheshwari.
And proving that the Indian spirit knows no borders, the Global Indian category shines on the world stage with Payal Kapadia, Leena Nair, Manish Malhotra, Hanumankind, and Chef Vijay Kumar.
The winners will be chosen by an elite jury panel featuring names as illustrious as Sanjiv Goenka, DY Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra, Prasoon Joshi, Mahesh Jethmalani, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Amitabh Kant, Shefali Shah, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Gagan Narang, and Lara Dutta, a line-up that’s as stellar as the nominees themselves.
Reflecting on the milestone Network18 CEO of english & business news Smriti Mehra said, “The 15th edition of CNN-News18 Indian of the Year is a special milestone for all of us. It’s an opportunity to celebrate individuals whose passion, resilience, and creativity inspire millions across the country and beyond.”
Adding to that, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob said, “This year, we’re introducing three new awards to reflect the changing world better whether it’s Indians making a global impact, influencers reshaping conversations, or extraordinary women breaking barriers.”
Backed by partners including the RPSG Group (Presenting Partner), and Polycab, HDFC Securities, and Reliance (Associate Partners), the grand finale in November 2025 promises a celebration of spirit, strength, and stories that continue to shape modern India.
Because in a nation bursting with brilliance, choosing one Indian of the Year might just be the toughest job of them all.
