The regional audition for the 25th edition of KIIT Nanhipari – Little Miss India concluded in Bhubaneswar on 2nd November, 2025. The audition, held at the KIIT campus, saw enthusiastic participation from several contestants aged between 13 and 15 years, representing different parts of Odisha. The Grand Finale of the event will be held in Bhubaneswar from December 21 to 23.
KIIT and KISS Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta graced the occasion and motivated the participants with his encouraging words. The panel of judges included Ollywood stars Poonam Mishra and Suryamayee Mahapatra, Label Roshan head Roshan Sahu, eminent photographer Akhil Ranjan, Dr. Tripura Mishra, and Bauri Raul. Core Committee members Malay Mahapatra and Dr. Shraddhanjali Nayak were also present.
The total prize money has been raised to Rs 56 lakh for the winners of KIIT Nanhipari. The winner of the Nanhipari title will receive a cash award of Rs10 lakh, along with a 100 per cent fee waiver (up to Rs 18 lakh) if she pursues her studies at KIIT. The first runners-up will be awarded Rs 5 lakh in cash and a fee waiver of up to Rs 9 lakh at KIIT, while the second runners-up will receive Rs 3 lakh in cash and a fee waiver of up to Rs 9 lakh.
In addition, special category titles such as Miss Rapunzel, Miss Photogenic, Miss Selfie (Most Liked on Facebook), Miss Fashion Girl, Miss Whiz Kid, Miss Cinderella, Miss Urvashi, Miss Catwalk, Miss Monalisa, and Miss Active will each carry a cash prize of Rs 20,000.
Started in 2001 from Keonjhar, the KIIT Nanhipari competition has, under the guidance and patronage of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, evolved into a prestigious national-level talent platform that celebrates the confidence, intelligence, and grace of young girls across India.