The crown is only one part of the Miss Universe India 2026 finale. Before one of the 52 finalists takes home the coveted title, she must impress a jury that brings together some of India’s most recognisable beauty queens and entertainment personalities. With the grand finale taking place in Jaipur today, August 23, all eyes are now on the panel that will help decide India’s next representative on the global stage.
Meet the Miss Universe India 2026 Jury
Leading the jury is Sushmita Sen, who made history as India’s first Miss Universe after winning the international title in 1994. Joining her are former pageant queens Celina Jaitly, who was Miss Universe India 2001, Urvashi Rautela, who held the title in 2015, and Rhea Singha, Miss Universe India 2024.
The panel also brings together voices from outside the traditional pageant world. Film producer Pragya Kapoor and entrepreneur Visha Ladhia are part of the selection committee, alongside Anna Blanco, Miss Charm 2025.
The jury further includes Dr Stuti Khare Shukla, an MD dermatologist and hair-growth specialist, as well as the President of Glamanand Group.
Together, the panel represents a mix of pageantry, entertainment, business, beauty and international experience.
The finale takes over Jaipur
The Miss Universe India 2026 grand finale is being held in Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, today, August 23. The event begins at 7 PM IST and will be streamed globally on the Glamanand YouTube channel, allowing viewers in India and abroad to follow the competition live.
After months of auditions and preliminary rounds, the 52 finalists will compete for the national crown. The contestants have already faced various stages of evaluation, including personal interviews, the swimsuit round and evening gown presentations.
At the end of the evening, reigning titleholder Manika Vishwakarma will crown her successor. The newly crowned Miss Universe India 2026 will then take on the responsibility of representing India at the Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico in November.