CDF Venture has officially set the stage for MR & MISS INDIA ASIA 2026 with the announcement of nationwide auditions and the confirmation of model Nehal Chudasama and television personality Prince Narula as the first judges on the panel. The event, scheduled to culminate in New Delhi next year, is being positioned as a large-scale national search for emerging talent in modelling, entertainment and digital media.
Multi-City Semifinals and Expanded Participation
According to the organising committee, the 2026 edition will continue with its expansive multi-city structure for semifinal rounds. Cities selected for the semifinal stages include Pune, Kolkata, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Bengaluru and New Delhi. The organisers say these locations were chosen to ensure balanced representation from different regions of the country.
To expand access further, organisers have announced a parallel online semifinal option. This virtual format is intended for participants who may not be able to travel due to financial, professional or personal limitations. Officials say the hybrid structure is designed to allow equal opportunity across cities, towns and rural areas.
The Grand Finale will take place in New Delhi, where finalists from across the country and select Asian regions will compete for titles and recognition.
Digital Auditions Continue With High Early Response
CDF Venture is continuing with its digital-first approach to auditions — a format the organisation introduced in 2017. Officials say that the online process has consistently helped attract a large, diverse applicant pool, including individuals from states traditionally underrepresented in modelling contests.
Managing Director Ayush Sharma said the digital format helps eliminate geographical barriers. “Aspirants do not need to travel long distances or spend heavily to enter the competition. They can audition from their hometowns with ease, which increases fairness and accessibility,” he said.
The audition window will stay open for several months. Organisers expect participation to increase gradually over time, particularly from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities where offline auditions are not commonly conducted.
Celebrity Judges for the 2026 Edition
The first two judges announced for the 2026 panel—Prince Narula and Nehal Chudasama—bring experience from both television and modelling.
Narula, who has been associated with several popular reality shows and remains a familiar face among youth audiences, will be evaluating contestants at later stages. Chudasama, a recognised model with national and international exposure, is expected to contribute her expertise in grooming, presentation and stage performance.
Organisers have informed that additional jury members from the television and film industries will be introduced once the audition cycle concludes. This phased announcement approach, they say, helps maintain focus on participants during the early stages of the competition.
Event Removes Height Criteria for the First Time
One of the most significant changes in the 2026 edition is the complete removal of height eligibility criteria. This decision positions the event as one of the first national-level modelling competitions in India to do so.
Event director Sunny Verma said the change reflects a broader shift in the entertainment industry. “Today’s casting demands are very different from traditional modelling standards. Television, OTT platforms and digital entertainment prioritise talent and on-screen presence over height. The decision was made to encourage inclusivity and break down unnecessary barriers.”
Early feedback online suggests that the move has been received positively by aspiring participants who previously felt restricted by conventional requirements.
Prize Money and Additional Opportunities
The organisers have announced prizes between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh across various categories. Beyond the competition results, shortlisted participants may gain access to industry networks, casting directors and modelling agencies, offering further opportunities beyond the event itself.
CDF Venture will also provide event-management internships at semifinal and finale venues. These internships are intended for those interested in production, backstage handling and coordination, giving them real-world experience in entertainment event execution.
Organising Team and Support Structure
The 2026 edition is being led by Sunny Verma under CDF Venture’s banner, with Ayush Sharma overseeing key operations. The team includes Harish Pekha, team member Diksha Mehra, and political figure Rajveer Jindal, who is supporting the initiative.
Organisers say the internal team structure has been expanded this year to manage the higher scale of auditions and the revised hybrid competition format.
Growing Interest Across Social Media Platforms
Since the audition announcement, social media platforms have seen increasing engagement from aspiring participants. Posts, queries and discussions have emerged from across states including Rajasthan, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam, Uttarakhand and several northeastern regions.
Industry observers note that the hybrid model, combined with the removal of height restrictions, may widen the participant pool significantly. With a longer audition period and extensive outreach through digital channels, organisers expect the 2026 edition to attract one of the most diverse groups of applicants in recent years.
Road Ahead for the 2026 Edition
The competition will proceed through the audition, screening and semifinal phases in the coming months, leading up to the Grand Finale in New Delhi in 2026. Organisers state that their focus is on conducting a transparent and inclusive process that offers real opportunities for growth.
With confirmed celebrity judges, an expanded hybrid format and a more inclusive eligibility structure, MR & MISS INDIA ASIA 2026 is being closely watched by both aspirants and industry professionals as preparations move forward.