CNN-News18, India’s No.1 English news channel, is all set to host the 15th edition of its much-awaited flagship ‘Indian of the Year’ Awards on 28th November 2025 from 6 pm onwards. The Indian of the Year Awards honour individuals who have shaped the nation’s journey through their exceptional achievements over the past year. This year, under the theme ‘India’s Invincible Icons’, the spotlight is on such changemakers who have touched lives, sparked hope, and inspired millions with their journeys.
Since its inception in 2006, the awards have stood as the gold standard of credibility in news television, celebrating those who inspire India to dream bigger, aim higher and move forward with resilience.
The credibility and uncompromising standards of CNN-News18 remain unmatched across both its editorial prowess and its flagship events. It is this legacy that makes the Indian of the Year Awards one of the most sought-after honours in the industry, an annual celebration eagerly awaited not only by the nation’s biggest achievers but also by millions of viewers across India.
The winners are chosen through a careful and thoughtful evaluation process carried out by an elite jury of some of India’s most respected leaders. The esteemed jury panel this year includes Sanjiv Goenka (Founder & Chairman, RPSG Group), DY Chandrachud (Former Chief Justice of India), Indu Malhotra (Retd Judge, Supreme Court of India), Prasoon Joshi (Chairperson, CBFC and CEO & CCO of McCann Worldgroup India), Mahesh Jethmalani (Lawyer and former Member of Rajya Sabha), Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit (Vice-chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi), Amitabh Kant (Former CEO of the NITI Aayog), Shefali Shah (Actor), Sanjeev Bikhchandani (Founder and Executive Vice Chairman, Info Edge), Gagan Narang (Indian Shooter & Olympic Medalist), and Lara Dutta (Actor).
The awards are spread across eight categories, namely, Entertainment, Business, Influencer, Rising Sports Stars, Youth Icon, Global Indian, Iconic Woman Achiever, and Climate Warrior. Each category has five remarkable nominees whose achievements have truly stood out this year. Some of the nominees include Mohanlal, Rashmika Mandanna, Arijit Singh, Jaideep Ahlawat, Ananya Panday, Ishaan Khatter, Zakir Khan, Raj Shamani, Falguni Nayar, Payal Kapadia, Manish Malhotra, Hanumankind, and many more prominent names across categories.
The winners are chosen for the impact they’ve made, through their talent, their dedication, and the recognition they’ve brought to the nation. Together, these nominees embody the very spirit of India’s Invincible Icons that the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year Awards proudly celebrate.
The awards night will also be graced by several other distinguished attendees, including World Cup-winning cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma, along with coach Amol Muzumdar. Adding to the prestige of the evening, ICC Chairperson Jay Shah will also be present. The Blind Women’s T20 World Cup champions, fresh off their historic win, will also join us as an inspiring symbol of national pride. The star-studded event will further shine with the cast of the recent blockbuster film Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, joining the celebration.
Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor, CNN-News18, said, “CNN-News18 Indian of the Year is a platform that celebrates individuals who inspire millions of Indians to dream big and carve out their own league, just as we strive to do at CNN-News18. We are delighted to return with the 15th edition, featuring exceptional nominees across categories on one platform, an outstanding jury panel, and our viewers who join us year after year in celebrating this grand event.”
Talking about the upcoming event, Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, said, “This year, we have seen remarkable personalities set new benchmarks in their respective fields and make the nation proud on the global stage. We look forward to celebrating their journeys and the motivation they have offered to millions, staying true to the spirit and purpose of these awards. We also extend gratitude to our Partners for joining us in honouring individuals who truly embody what it means to be the ‘Indian of the Year.’
The presenting partner for the grand CNN-News18 Indian of the Year Awards is the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, with Reid & Taylor as the Wardrobe Partner. The event is powered by Reliance Industries Limited and supported by Associate Partners, Polycab, HDFC Sky, Air India Express, and LIC.
Watch Indian of the Year Grand Event LIVE on 28th November, 6 PM onwards on CNN-News18 and its YouTube channel.