Winning a beauty pageant while pursuing a rigorous degree at one of India’s premier institutions isn’t something you hear every day. But Hasitha Narayanabhatta has done just that. The IIT Madras student was recently crowned Miss Universe Telangana 2026 and will now represent the state at the Miss Universe India pageant, proving that science, technology and the stage can go hand in hand. (Image: Instagram/@hasitha_n6)

Hasitha is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Applications at IIT Madras. Balancing one of the country’s most demanding academic programmes with pageantry, she is redefining what it means to be a modern student. (Image: Instagram/@hasitha_n6)

Before joining IIT Madras’ BS programme, Hasitha completed an engineering degree from GNIT Hyderabad. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in STEM before venturing into data science and modelling. (Image: Instagram/@hasitha_n6)

Beyond engineering and data science, Hasitha has completed a training programme in Remote Sensing and Digital Image Analysis at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), an institute under ISRO. It’s another achievement that highlights her interest in technology and research. (Image: Instagram/@hasitha_n6)

Hasitha was crowned Miss Universe Telangana 2026, earning the opportunity to represent her state at the upcoming Miss Universe India 2026 competition. (Image: Instagram/@hasitha_n6)

After winning the title, Hasitha said her journey shows that “excellence is not constrained to a single domain.” She hopes her story encourages young people to pursue multiple passions without feeling they have to choose just one path. (Image: Instagram/@hasitha_n6)

Engineering classrooms and beauty pageants are often seen as worlds apart. Hasitha’s achievement challenges that perception, showing that academic excellence and confidence on stage can complement each other rather than compete. With the Telangana title secured, Hasitha’s next goal is the Miss Universe India 2026 crown. A win there would give her the chance to represent India on the global Miss Universe stage. (Image: Instagram/@hasitha_n6)