Kaziah Liz Mejo, a 19-year-old law student and model from Kerala, has won the Miss Universe India 2026 title, marking the latest milestone in her rapidly growing pageant career.
Kaziah was crowned at the grand finale held in Jaipur on Sunday, August 23, where she emerged victorious from a field of 52 finalists. With the national crown now secured, she will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico in November.
From Mavelikkara to Miss Universe India 2026
Originally from Mavelikkara in Kerala, Kaziah is pursuing a law degree while continuing her career as a model and beauty pageant contestant.
Her success at the national level follows several achievements in the pageant world. She won Miss Teen Diva 2024 at the age of 17 and went on to represent India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as the first runner-up.
Earlier in 2026, Kaziah added another major achievement to her record by winning Miss Universe Kerala, becoming the youngest contestant to claim the state title.
Her latest victory in Jaipur has now placed her on the biggest pageant platform of her career.
Kaziah Spent Her Childhood in Abu Dhabi
Although Kaziah’s roots are in Kerala, she spent much of her childhood in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
She received her education at institutions including Emirates National School, St Joseph’s School and Abu Dhabi Indian School.
Her interests extend well beyond modelling and pageantry. Kaziah has undergone 12 years of classical dance training and is also a singer and musician. She can play instruments including the drums and violin.
She has additionally explored acting and public speaking and made her Malayalam film debut in Shylock.
Miss Universe India 2026 Finale in Jaipur
The Jaipur finale saw Kaziah compete against 52 finalists for the coveted national title.
Vaishnavi Gannesh from Tamil Nadu was declared the first runner-up, while Anushri Satavlekar from Gujarat secured the second runner-up position. Anushri was also awarded the Miss International India 2026 title.
The judging panel featured prominent names from the Indian pageant world, including former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen and former Miss Universe India winners Urvashi Rautela and Celina Jaitley.
Kaziah’s Journey to the National Crown
Kaziah’s journey has progressed steadily since she entered the pageant circuit as a teenager. Her earlier achievements include:
- Miss Teen Diva 2024 – Winner
- Miss Teen International 2025 – First Runner-Up
- Miss Universe Kerala 2026 – Winner
- Miss Universe India 2026 – Winner
At just 19, she has already built an impressive pageant résumé.
Next Stop: Puerto Rico
Winning Miss Universe India 2026 means Kaziah will now take her journey to the international stage.
She is scheduled to travel to Puerto Rico in November to compete at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, where contestants from countries around the world will compete for the global crown.
From winning her first major title as a teenager to becoming Miss Universe Kerala and now Miss Universe India, Kaziah Liz Mejo’s journey has been marked by a series of rapid achievements.
Her upcoming appearance at the international pageant will be her biggest challenge yet — and an opportunity to represent India on the global stage.