Miss World 2026: India’s Nikita Porwal Ends Journey in Top 40

India’s Nikita Porwal ended her Miss World 2026 journey in the Top 40, missing out on a place in the Top 20 at the 75th Anniversary edition of the pageant in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on September 5.

The Femina Miss India 2024 winner was among 111 contestants who began their Miss World campaign on August 9. Participants competed in a series of challenges and events held across Thailand before advancing to the grand finale.

Representing India, Porwal made it to the Top 40 but could not secure a spot in the Top 20. Despite missing out on the next round, her performance continued India’s streak of placing at eight consecutive editions of the Miss World pageant.

Femina Miss India announced Porwal’s result on Instagram, writing: “@nikitaporwal_ concludes her 73rd Miss World journey among the Top 40, continuing India’s remarkable streak of placing at eight consecutive editions of Miss World.”

“Nikita, you carried India with grace, conviction and heart on one of the world’s biggest stages. From every moment you gave us to every cheer you brought home — thank you for representing us so beautifully. India is proud of you, always,” the organisation added.

Which countries made it to the Top 20?

The Top 20 contestants at Miss World 2026 represented countries across Africa, Asia and Oceania, the Americas and Caribbean, and Europe.

Africa: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Senegal, Kenya and South Africa

Asia and Oceania: Malaysia, Philippines, Cook Islands, China and Vietnam

Americas and Caribbean: Peru, United States, Argentina, Dominican Republic and Brazil

Europe: France, Spain, Belgium, Gibraltar and Ukraine

Who is Nikita Porwal?

Born and raised in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Nikita Porwal completed her schooling at Carmel Convent Senior Secondary School before graduating from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.

Her interest in the performing arts led her towards theatre and television. She worked as a television anchor and has performed in more than 60 plays. Alongside her work in the performing arts, she pursued modelling and won the Femina Miss India title in 2024.

Porwal’s Miss World journey also focused on social causes through the pageant’s Beauty With a Purpose initiative, under which contestants undertake projects addressing issues affecting their communities.

For her project, MAATI, Porwal worked with tribal women and children, focusing on areas including education, healthcare, nutrition, hygiene, access to clean drinking water and economic opportunities.