CNN-News18 has announced the 15th edition of its prestigious flagship awards, Indian of the Year (IOTY), celebrating exceptional Indians whose contributions have inspired millions globally. The awards, now a benchmark for national excellence, have previously honoured legends such as Shah Rukh Khan, Neeraj Chopra, and Virat Kohli.

The 2025 edition will recognize achievers across nine categories — Entertainment, Sports, Rising Sports Star, Business, Youth Icon, Global Indian, Iconic Woman Achiever, Influencer, and Climate Warrior. Each category will feature five nominees who have made a significant mark in their respective domains over the past year.

Among the Sports nominees are D. Gukesh, Shubman Gill, Avinash Sable, Smriti Mandhana, and Manpreet Singh. The Rising Sports Star lineup includes Suruchi Phogat, Kush Maini, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Pooja Singh, and Divya Deshmukh.

In Entertainment, the nominees are Rashmika Mandanna, Mohanlal, Laxman Utekar (Chhaava), Arijit Singh, and Jaideep Ahlawat, while Youth Icon contenders include Ananya Panday, Rishab Sharma, Ishaan Khatter, Zakir Khan, and Lt. Cdr. Dilna K & Roopa A.

The Influencer category features Raj Shamani, Kamiya Jani, Khan Sir, Parul Gulati, and Revant Himatsingka. Meanwhile, Business nominees include Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Albinder Dhindsa (Blinkit), Rajesh Jejurikar (Mahindra & Mahindra), Roshni Nadar Malhotra (HCLTech), and Baba Kalyani (Bharat Forge).

Environmental champions Garvita Gulhati, Aditya Mukarji, Morningstar Khongthaw, Vidyut Mohan, and Vinay Manchala lead the Climate Warrior list, while Iconic Woman Achiever nominees include Dr. Sanghamitra Pati, Ashwini Bhide, Chhonzin Angmo, Radha Bahin Bhatt, and K. Kamini Maheshwari.

Representing India’s global presence, Global Indian nominees include Payal Kapadia, Leena Nair, Manish Malhotra, Hanumankind, and Chef Vijay Kumar.

The winners will be chosen by a distinguished jury panel comprising Sanjiv Goenka, DY Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra, Prasoon Joshi, Mahesh Jethmalani, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Amitabh Kant, Shefali Shah, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Gagan Narang, and Lara Dutta.

Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, 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. Over the years, this platform has stood for more than just achievements; it’s about honouring those who lead with integrity and inspire generations. At CNN-News18, we’re proud to bring these voices together, celebrate their journeys, and create a space where inspiration turns into action for generations to come. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners – RPSG Group, our Presenting Partner, and Polycab, HDFC Securities, and Reliance, our Associate Partners for their continued support in making this celebration of excellence possible.”

Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor, CNN-News18, added, “CNN-News18 Indian of the Year has always been about celebrating people who are shaping India’s future, and reaching its 15th edition feels like a moment to pause and appreciate that journey. 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. These are the stories that inspire us, bring us together, and remind us of the strength and spirit that define our nation. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners – RPSG Group, our Presenting Partner, and Polycab, HDFC Securities, and Reliance, our Associate Partners for their continued support in making this celebration of excellence possible.”

The Indian of the Year Grand Finale will be held in November 2025, where winners will be officially announced and felicitated.