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List of Miss World Winners from India (1951-2025)

The Miss World 2025 pageant was held on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India. Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand has won Miss World 2025, becoming the first Thai female to take home the coveted crown. The finale was held on May 31, 2025, at Hyderabad’s HITEX Exhibition Centre with 108 aspirants from across the world.

India has a rich history of triumph in the Miss World pageant, with several Indian women bringing home the coveted title. This article explores the illustrious journey of Indian beauty queens who have won the Miss World crown, showcasing their impact on global platforms.

List of Miss World Winners from India

India has won six Miss World titles. The first pageant was won in 1966. India won the title again in 1994, after a 28-year gap. India won the competition for the third time in 1997 after a three-year gap. In 1999, India captured the title for a record-tying fourth time. The fifth crown was won in 2000. In 2017, the sixth title after 17 years was obtained.

India’s Nandini Gupta Shines at Miss World 2025
  • India’s Nandini Gupta has been a top candidate at the Miss World 2025 pageant, being held in Hyderabad at present.
  • Representing India, the Kota-born 21-year-old has won a place among the Top 40 finalists and has taken home the Top Model title for the Asia & Oceania region, symbolising her confidence and presence on the global platform.
  • As the grand finale on May 31, 2025, at HITEX Exhibition Centre awaits, expectations run high as Nandini hopes to bring home the Miss World crown to India, but Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri Crowned Miss World 2025.

Nandini Gupta at Miss World 2025

Miss World 2025 Winner Opal Suchata Chuangsri

Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who is 21 years old, is a student of political science with a focus on international relations at Thammasat University. She speaks Thai, English, and Chinese fluently. She is also a breast cancer survivor, having defeated the disease when she was 16 years old. Her own experience led her to start “OpalForHer,” a social project dedicated to breast cancer awareness, which contributed largely to her success. Opal’s victory was cemented by her genuine answers in the final Q&A sessions, where she underlined the need to build communities and be an inspiration.

Stephanie Del Valle, the former Miss World 2016, and Indian anchor Sachiin Kumbhar co-hosted the event, while performances were also provided by Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter. Opal took over the crown from her successor, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic. Runner-up Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia took second place, followed by Poland’s Maja Klajda and Martinique’s Aurélie Joachim.

Opal’s victory is not only a source of pride for Thailand but also highlights the changing dynamics of global beauty pageants, where one’s background, stories and social contributions are highly valued.

List of Miss World from India (1951-2025)

Here is a complete List of Miss World from India from 1951-2025 given below:

Year Winner Notable Achievement Post-Pageant Career
1966 Reita Faria First Indian and Asian to win Miss World Doctor
1994 Aishwarya Rai Global film icon, recognised as one of the most beautiful women Actress, Global Ambassador, Philanthropist
1997 Diana Hayden Won three subtitles: Miss Photogenic, Miss Beachwear, Miss World Personality Actress, Author
1999 Yukta Mookhey Bollywood actress Actress, Model
2000 Priyanka Chopra Global superstar, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Actress, Producer, Singer, Philanthropist
2017 Manushi Chhillar Advocated for women’s health and sanitation through “Project Shakti” Actress, Social Activist

Miss World 2024

Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic was crowned Miss World 2024 on March 9, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India. The 23-year-old law student and model beat out 111 other contestants from around the world. The runners-up were:
  • Yasmina Zeytoun, Lebanon
  • Aché Abrahams, Trinidad and Tobago
  • Lesego Chombo, Botswana
The Miss World pageant is one of the Big Four beauty pageants, along with Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss Earth. The pageant includes preliminary events in fitness, beauty, talent, and public speaking. The top 12 contestants participate in a Q&A round, and then the top eight.

1st Miss World Winner from India: Reita Faria

Reita Faria became the first Indian to win the Miss World title. She won the title in 1966, making history as the first Asian woman to hold the title. Reita Faria, who was then a medical student, created history when she brought the renowned title to India. Her victory was hailed as a major accomplishment for India as a whole as well as for herself.

Former model Reita Faria was the first Asian Miss World | Photogallery - ETimes

Due to Reita Faria’s success, future Indian beauty queens were able to compete in and do well in international pageants. She continues to be a significant character in the history of Indian beauty pageants and to serve as an inspiration for aspirant young Indian women.

Second Miss World from India: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the second Indian to win the Miss World title in 1994, saw her claim the crown. With her beauty, grace, and intelligence, Aishwarya Rai, a gifted actress and model, captured the attention of the judges and the crowd. Her victory gave India much pride and solidified its position as a major player in the world of beauty pageants.

Since then, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has enjoyed a prosperous career in India’s film business. She is still regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world and is an iconic character in Indian cinema.

Miss World 2024: From Manushi Chhillar, Aishwarya Rai to Reita Faria, here's list of all past Indian winners | Mint

About Miss World

Since 1951, Miss World has been an annual international beauty competition. One of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the world, it displays the talent, attractiveness, and intelligence of female contestants from different nations. The chosen candidate for Miss World receives the title and is appointed as the organization’s international ambassador. The pageant lays a heavy emphasis on philanthropic activity and social impact in addition to physical beauty.

Miss World Beauty Pageant

Miss World is an international beauty pageant organized annually by the Miss World Organization. The first Miss World beauty pageant was organized in 1951. Parameters based on which the contestants are judged in this pageant include vision, wit, hard work, beauty, personality, and sensitivity.

According to Miss World Organization, this pageant is about recognizing and awarding beauty with a purpose. It wants to project femininity in an empowered form. It is a celebration of global diversity and the feminine force of nature. The Miss World Organization also holds charity events, funds from which are directed to underdeveloped, conflict-ridden areas of the world. 

Winners of Miss World hold the crown for a year, after which they pass it down to their successor. During this entire year sitting Miss World is required to hold an awareness generation campaign on issues like poverty, malnutrition, climate change, and women’s empowerment, among others. The Miss World beauty pageant is much more than popular perception.

Important Facts Related to Miss World Beauty Pageant

  • The Miss World organisation is headquartered in London, England. At present, its President is Julia Morley.
  • India has participated in the Miss World event every year, winning the crown a number of times. One who wins the Femina Miss India contest automatically qualifies to represent India at the Miss World event.

How Many Miss Worlds From India?

In total, there have been 6 Miss World Title winners from India. However, there have also been other noteworthy performances. In 2021, India was represented by Manasa Varanasi, who was among the top 13 in the world.

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Miss World from India FAQs

What is bigger than Miss World?

Miss World and Miss Universe are two big beauty pageants held at global level. Both are big in themselves, and there is no statistical data comparing them.

What is the difference between Miss World and Miss Universe?

Miss World was started in 1951 and Miss Universe in 1952. Although both events are of similar nature, there are differences with respect to the organization conducting them, the participation of countries, and the parameters used to judge the contestants.

How many times has India won Miss World?

India has won the Miss World title 6 times - 1966, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2017.

What is the motto of Miss World?

The Miss World beauty pageant motto is “Beauty with a Purpose."

About the Author

Sakshi Gupta is a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. Her objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. She has over five years of work experience in Ed-tech sector. She strive to make her content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!